What are Sanitary Wash-down Conveyors?
Sanitary wash-down conveyors are specialized systems designed for food processing environments that require frequent cleaning to meet strict hygiene standards. They are built with materials and design features that allow for easy and thorough washing, ensuring that no debris, bacteria, or other contaminants are trapped.
These conveyors are essential for preventing cross-contamination and ensuring food safety, particularly in the handling of raw products. Whether your facility processes fruits, vegetables, meats, or other perishable items, these conveyors ensure that hygiene remains uncompromised.
Key Design Features of Sanitary Wash-down Conveyors
When designing sanitary wash-down conveyors, there are several critical design elements that we incorporate into all of our builds. These features are meant to ensure that the conveyor is not only efficient in transporting products but also easy to clean and maintain. Here are the most important aspects to consider:
1. Spacing of Bearings
One of the most common issues with conveyor systems is the accumulation of debris around bearings. To combat this, we space our bearings off from the side frame. This prevents debris from getting trapped between the side frame and the bearing. Additionally, any grease that comes out of the bearing will fall to the floor, far from the product zone, reducing the risk of contamination.
2. Seal Welding of Conveyor Frames
Our conveyor frames are seal welded to ensure there are no pits or voids where debris or water can collect. This design feature is essential in preventing bacteria from growing in hidden spaces, making the cleaning process more efficient and effective.
3. Easy Water Drainage
We design our conveyors so that when the chain is lifted, water can pass through the system and fall to the floor. By minimizing horizontal surfaces, we ensure that no water or debris is trapped, making it easier for the cleaning team to wash the conveyor thoroughly.
4. FDA and USDA-Compliant Materials
The materials used in our sanitary wash-down conveyors are carefully selected to meet all FDA and USDA guidelines. If the product traveling on the conveyor is raw, we ensure the belt material is compatible with the product, reducing the risk of contamination and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Understanding Facility Cleaning Practices
Every food processing facility has different cleaning requirements, and understanding these practices is crucial when selecting the right conveyor. There are two main cleaning methods that influence the material choices for wash-down conveyors:
1. Foaming Systems
In facilities where foaming is used as a cleaning method, we recommend using 316 stainless steel for the conveyors. This material is highly resistant to the chemicals used in foaming systems, ensuring longevity and durability under frequent cleanings.
2. High-Pressure Washing
For facilities that use high-pressure washing systems, 304 stainless steel is typically sufficient. This material offers excellent resistance to corrosion and is suitable for environments where high-pressure water is used for cleaning.
Additional Design Considerations
Sanitary wash-down conveyors offer additional customization options based on specific facility needs. Here are some more features to keep in mind:
1. Gear Reducers
We typically use stainless steel or epoxy-coated gear reducers in our conveyors. Whenever possible, we opt for shaft-mounted gear reducers to eliminate the need for chain or timing belt guards. This minimizes areas where debris could be trapped, further simplifying the cleaning process.
2. Guide Rails
Our sanitary conveyors can be fitted with various types of guide rails, including those with solid UHMW inserts or welded stainless steel rails. The type of guide rail chosen depends on the product and the cleaning practices of the facility.
3. Leg Styles
Leg styles for sanitary conveyors vary depending on the facility’s needs. Some of the options include:
- Tube and tube legs with no threads to reduce contamination risks.
- Sealed welded tube legs with threaded levelers for easy adjustment.
- Channel legs with the channel facing outwards for easier cleaning.
Customization Options
As a custom fabrication shop, we are always open to working with customers to design conveyors that meet their unique needs. Whether you require a specific leg style, guide rail, or material, we collaborate closely with our clients to ensure that the final product fits seamlessly into their operations.
Why Customization Matters
Every food processing facility has its own set of challenges and requirements. By offering customization options, we ensure that our sanitary wash-down conveyors are not only compliant with industry standards but also tailored to the specific needs of your operation. This attention to detail allows for more efficient cleaning, reduced downtime, and better overall performance.
In Summary
Sanitary wash-down conveyors are essential in food processing environments where cleanliness and sanitation are critical. By incorporating features like spaced bearings, seal welded frames, and appropriate material choices, we ensure that our conveyors are easy to clean and maintain. Whether you’re foaming or using high-pressure washing systems, our conveyors are built to meet your facility’s needs.
If you’re looking to improve the sanitation and efficiency of your food processing line, contact us today to discuss how we can help you design the perfect sanitary conveyor system for your facility.
