Advancements are occurring with conveyors and belting for processors aiding in sanitation and longevity of the systems. For example, newly designed conveyors have removed flat surfaces, says Jeff Evers, Butterball’s plant maintenance manager for its Mount Olive, N.C.-facility. Additionally, components are designed from solid materials, and angled edges and open sides are features. Solid sealed roller drive systems, where applicable, remove the side weight of gearbox and motor combinations to reduce breakdown change-out timeframes at failure points as well.
Belt design improvements are all about the pin and hinge combination, Evers says. For example, belt design improvements consider whether it can be opened to gain access for easier cleaning and the type of pin used versus the type of belting materials.