FEG Food Factory Conveyors Showcase
Our experienced team has worked in numerous factory and food production environments over the decades we have been in operation – one piece of equipment that we come across more often than not is the humble conveyor. From belt, bucket, pneumatic and tubular food factory conveyors; to singular conveyor equipment; to complex systems using multiple items of machinery, it is hard to imagine a food processing facility that does not feature a conveyor in some shape or form!
In this guide we showcase some of our key conveyor projects in recent years.
Flexible dynamic weighing food conveyor system for varying product flow levels
Flexible food factory conveyor systems required for varying product flows and infeed points
2 Sisters Food Group needed a food conveyor systems installation to transport their potato products from existing line equipment to a new food transfer pump. Within the final process, the UK-based food manufacturer also needed to be able to dynamically weigh the potatoes. It was important that the line was flexible and moveable as it needed to convey products from varying infeed points to the fixed discharge position. The product flow, differing between 2-6 tons per hour depending on specific product, needed to be monitored and logged.
Cantilever and lockable castor features allow for conveyor flexibility
Our FEG engineering team designed, supplied and installed a set of four conveyors with lockable castors, allowing them to be easily moved depending on line requirements. The main conveyor has a cantilever design, with a quick-release tail roller for easy belt removal and an independent middle frame for a built-in dynamic weigh scale.
Between 2 – 6 tons per hour of potatoes products weighed, monitored and logged
The flexible nature of the food conveyor systems allow the 2 Sisters factory team to configure them in 4 or 5 possible orientations to cater for the different product flows. The cantilever design of the dynamic weighing conveyor also allows it to fit around pre-existing production equipment when in one particular orientation.
Interested in food conveyor systems design?
We’re experts in designing bespoke food conveyor systems for businesses. Read more about our process and find out:
Turnkey cereal cooling conveyor systems replacement
Full system cooling conveyor systems design and a turnkey package
We were approached by Silvery Tweed Cereals to replace a cereal cooling conveyor system with aims to reduce pre-pack temperatures, reduce floor waste, simplify cleaning and remove the danger of long-term breakdown. The remit for FEG was to undertake a full system design and deliver a turnkey package.
A multi-disciplinary project
Several disciplines were required from product conveying, refrigeration, product cooling, PLC and line control through to dust extraction and filtration whilst complying with ATEX requirements and boundary noise level limits
25% increased production, exceeding client expectations
Silvery Tweed were extremely satisfied with the outcome which exceeded their expectations and they went to press recognising our comprehensive input and stating the benefits were evident immediately after the cooling conveyor systems were put into service. The benefits included increased output, drastically reduced wastage, improved worker productivity and significant pre-pack temperature reduction. The project has surpassed the savings expected in the project charter.
What are cooling conveyor systems?
Cooling conveyor systems cool are a step in a production line that allow a product to cool before moving on to the next stage – e.g. prepping or packing. Without sufficient cooling, heated items can not only cause damage to packaging and result in a poor quality final product, but can also present a hazard to equipment and employees. Although this project was for a food factory, cooling conveyors are used in the production of a number of different types of product, for example cosmetics, candles, pharmaceuticals and car parts.
Conveyors also help to reduce and control mould and microgrowth.
Cooling conveyor systems can be designed in a number of different ways, depending on factors such as product type, cost constraints and factory layout. A popular method is to install a series of internal or overhead fans which use cool air to cool the product as it passes along the production line. Alternatives include water bath tanks, which use water to rapidly cool parts, and temperature-controlled air. It is also possible to integrate cooling conveyors with other stages of the production process, for example parts washing and drying equipment.
The key thing to bear in mind when sourcing cooling conveyor systems for your facility is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s important to consult specialists who can advise you on the most appropriate solution for your requirements to ensure the cooling conveyor is cost-effective and suitable for your product.
Designing a conveyor system for new pizza line that maximises existing equipment
Budgetary and time constraints
Our client needed a conveyor system for their new pizza line that maximised the use of any existing equipment and components. The line needed to be up and running in a short timeframe so completing on time and on budget was essential.
Taking on the challenge
Our experienced engineers saw this as their next challenge with a long-standing customer and took on the task. Our on-site team used their years of engineering skills and experience of the food industry to great effect to construct a conveyor system to meet the customer’s requirements.
A quality result that fulfilled requirements
FEG delivered a quality result notwithstanding the available materials and components, resource and timescale constraints they faced.
We have over 20 years’ experience in designing, supplying and installing conveyor systems for clients in the Food & Beverage industry and other sectors. Speak to our expert engineering team today.