Dry running conveyors assist food and beverage sector

Engineering solutions provider BMG’s light materials handling division supplies and supports a range of dry running conveyor components for the food and beverage sector, offering high productivity, low energy and reduced water consumption, as well as a safe and hygienic work environment.

The range also includes an advanced condition monitoring system, which has been developed to automatically monitor the coefficient of friction of bottling or canning lines, ensuring consistently high productivity levels.

“In recognition of the importance of optimal safety, hygiene, sustainability and efficient total cost of ownership BMG constantly improves its range, through the development of new products, to meet the latest global requirements,” says BMG light materials handling division business unit manager Boikhutso Molefe.

He adds that BMG’s range of dry running belts, which has approval for direct food contact from leading global manufacturers, features important advantages over its original and conventional acetal chains and belts. These benefits include higher chemical and abrasion resistance, lower friction, greater strength and extended service life.

“The reduced coefficient of friction properties of dry running conveyor components enables end-users to reduce or eliminate chain and belt lubrication, providing a true dry running conveyor.

“Improved sliding properties result in reduced power consumption, increased wear life, lower dust generation and the ability to run at higher speeds, with greater loads. Other advantages over acetal chains and belts are improved product stability and efficient flow,” says Molefe.

Moreover, the advanced technology reduces the need for soap, water and chemical-based lubrication, resulting in dry equipment and floors, leading to a safer work environment, with sustainability improvements, reduced bacteria growth and further cost savings.

Running dry also eliminates the need for regular maintenance and component replacement, because a dry operation is easier on conveyor bearings, frames and the chain or belt, with excellent chemical resistance and extended operating life.

BMG’s condition monitoring device continuously measures the coefficient of friction, to ensure efficient handling and flow of all container types, including polyethylene terephthalate, glass and cans. Variations in the coefficient of friction are reliable indicators of changing conditions and even pollution of the conveyor, especially in dry running lines.

This device is a complete unit, with sliders, which can be mounted on a conveyor and integrated into the line control system, to monitor friction temporarily or continuously.

The condition monitoring unit is programmed to collect performance data, obtain data for trouble-shooting or to act as continuous input for the line controls. It can also be used as a standalone or portable device for spot measurements, without the need for operator intervention.

Data obtained is then used to calculate the average value, as well as the standard deviation and the trend. These values trigger an alarm if pre-set limits are reached, and based on this signal, the user can check the situation and take corrective action before efficiency is compromised.

Another key feature is an easy-to-define optimum cleaning regime called Smart Cleaning. Long-term line conditions can be analysed using data obtained through ethernet or Modbus connections.

A permanent control process of real-time monitoring of the line condition helps to maintain optimum conditions, ensuring high efficiency of conveying in food and beverage plants.

BMG’s extensive range of belting for food and beverage processing includes slat-top and mat-top chains and belts, Ammeraal Beltech’s KleenEdge non-fray synthetic belts, Uni modular belts including Pop-up flight solutions for inclined food conveyors, flat food processing belts and Rapplon flat processing transmission belts.