Drum motor cleans itself
leased on the market at the end of 2007.
Switzerland-based Interroll claims its new motor will help improve plant hygiene and save on cleaning costs. The company expects to begin full-scale production at the end of 2007. "Boasting a fully integrated self-cleaning mechanism, the drum motors are predestined for use in conveyor systems that can be operated without the need for manual cleaning of individual components," the company said in a statement. The company is targeting meat processing plants, in addition to other food manufacturing sectors that are heavily dependent on conveyors. The drum motor has specially positioned nozzles, through which water and a cleaning agent is sprayed for cleaning. The unit also cleans the underside of the conveyor line within the area of the motor as well as the joints of the modular plastic conveyor belts. Interroll has also equipped the motor with a second jacket tube, which delivers the incoming cleaning liquid to the nozzles via a special chamber system. The liquid enters the unit via the drum motor axis and is then distributed to the chamber system. "Even congealed blood and grime are removed from the drum motor," the company claimed. The upper surface, which is not directly accessible to the motor drum nozzles, can be cleaned by an additional system of nozzles fitted to the equipment. The addition would allow processors to create a fully self-contained cleaning system that is capable of reaching every area of the conveyor, Interroll stated. The cleaning process is performed while the drum motor is operating. First the cleaning foam is applied by the system. After a specific period, the foam is rinsed away. "Due to the fact that the drum motor is moving the modular conveyors are cleaned thoroughly as part of this procedure," the company stated.
