Modular belt improves washdown efficiency

Intralox said its Series 1650 minimum hinge flat top belt uses 75 per cent fewer hinges than the 850 Series it is designed to replace. Food safety regulations are forcing processors to implement more stringent hygiene procedures, which can involve tougher and more frequent washdowns of equipment and machinery. Foods such as meat and poultry are susceptable to contamination from the bacteria forming from trapped debris on belts. The molded surfaces of the Series 1650 are made from non-porous, non-absorbent plastics, which are smooth and closed with fully flush edges, the company claims. Belts are manufactured 18 inches (457mm) wide, which matches the average width of further meat, poultry and seafood processing lines, claims the manufacturer. Other widths are available to suit specific processing needs, but widths over 18 inches need additional modules. The flume design and drive bar mechanism channel water and debris to the belt edges, preventing sprockets from pressing debris into hinges. Intralox's in house tests and those conducted in the field have shown the drive bar's effectiveness, the company claims. Intralox claims using the SeamFree with the Intralox EZ Clean In Place (CIP) system and angled sprocket, can reduce cleaning time and water usage by up to 65 per cent, compared to manual cleaning. Intralox is a global manufacturer specializing in modular plastic conveyor belts and has operations across the US, Europe and Asia.