Barry Whitman

Processors in a wide range of industries rely on tubular drag cable conveyors to move sensitive materials and powders; therefore, it is important to properly design, install and proactively maintain these systems to minimize production downtime and maximize longevity. In today’s fast-paced processing environment, it is a standard practice to run conveyors until something breaks or needs to be repaired, which can lead to significant unnecessary downtime.

A processing plant’s conveyors touch food at every point of production, from receiving to packaging to before and after critical processing stages including slicing, thawing, pasteurizing and cooking. Today’s food-grade sanitary conveyors are built to protect the spread of bacterial contamination that can cause foodborne illness. But what do sanitary conveyors do, and how do they contribute to food processing plant safety?

Almost every industry has a powdered version of products or ingredients that requires transport throughout a production facility for further processing. Within the food processing industry, this encompasses a range of products, including powdered sugar, flour, coffee, cocoa, food additives, protein concentrates, and isolates. However, conveying these types of ingredients can be challenging if the powder is sticky, hygroscopic, or tends to cake or pack.