Driessen Food Extrusion is very satisfied with the result of the new Food Extrusion filling line. Extrudates are sensitive, abrasive products that, for example, serve as the basis for the crispy exterior of oven croquettes.
Gravimetric feeders feed the raw material for the crispy end product to an extruder. The extrudate is dried and then broken up, after which the fragile, abrasive product is packed into large bags via a vibrating screen. Poeth Solids Processing designed and installed a custom big bag unload station and Easy Clean Z-belt to then move the product from the big bags to a packaging machine. In view of the limited height of the building (to just below the roof), assembly was a critical point.
Big bag unloading system
The hygienically designed big bag unloading system offers space for two bulk bags that can be emptied alternately. Both unloading positions are equipped with a vibrating base and a pneumatic docking system. This makes it possible to connect the hoses of the big bags in an ergonomically responsible manner completely dust-proof. The lifting beams are equipped with a special collection tray to exclude contamination from dust or oil that may be released from a hoist. Special, polished valves dose the fragile extrudate without fractures on an Easy Clean Z-Band.
Easy Clean Z-Band
The Easy Clean Z-Band has a capacity of 20 m3 / hour. The product-friendly conveyor advances the abrasive extrudate at an angle of approximately 35 degrees to the receiving hopper of the packaging machine.
The minimum amount of dust from the return part is collected at the bottom of the Z-Band. This collection is easily accessible and can be easily emptied with the help of a battery-operated vacuum cleaner.
The ergonomically designed platform runs partly under the frame of the belt, which gives the operator more space for placing the feet. It’s these little things that ultimately make the difference.
Cleaning
The installation is food-safe in accordance with EC1935-2004 and FDA guidelines. The transport installation has a minimum of seams and can be cleaned quickly and easily. Wet cleaning can be performed if desired. An automatic air knife is also provided so that manual cleaning is kept to a minimum. Manual (wet) cleaning is only carried out in the case of very critical product changes.
Evaluation
The choice for the Z-Band was made after a thorough evaluation of other systems that Poeth Solids Processing also supplies, including pneumatic conveying systems, belt elevators and screw conveyors. Ultimately, the Z-Band turned out to best meet the package of requirements.
Package of requirements
Harm van Mierlo - Plant Manager Driessen Food Extrusion; “We have drawn up a set of requirements in advance with the starting points for the new process line”.
- Capacity at least 20 m3 / hour
- Break-free dosing
- Wear-resistant transport
- Easy, ergonomically responsible (wet) to clean
- Automatic air knife cleaning
- Limited building height
- Atex certified
Total solutions
Since its foundation in 1921, Poeth Solids Processing has been building systems for the transport and handling of powders, granules, granulates, pellets and other bulk materials. The Tegelen company now has a wide range of unique solutions. The engineering and production takes place in-house, which means that it is possible to respond quickly and flexibly to the wishes of customers. In this way, Poeth can also contribute at a detailed level to the realization of total solutions.
