Hygienic design unlocks machine potential, says Key Technology
Features that enhance the Iso-Flo conveyor’s sanitary design include oil-free electric vibrating motors, a patent-pending vector lock screen clamp, elastomer isolators, scalloped flat bars, plate frame design, and an internal ground arm.
Features that continue to be on Iso-Flo conveyors include a choice of stainless steel bed finishes that resist bacteria growth and long-lasting StrongArm spring arms that minimize maintenance.
Iso-Flo’s energy unit is an oil-free electric vibrating motor that, compared to traditional mechanical drives, eliminates the gear box, drive belts, and motor oil from the process.
This out-of-balance motor improves equipment hygiene by eliminating oil that can inadvertently contaminate product, especially when equipment is mounted over other equipment, said the firm.
Patent-pending clamp
Key’s vector lock screen clamp features a hybrid design that enables it to perform multiple functions simultaneously.
The patent-pending mechanism used to secure an Iso-Flo conveyor’s screen in place and allows an operator to lock and unlock a screen with one hand to swap out screens quicker and easier compared to traditional locks.
The hygienic features, standard on the Utility Shakers, are options on other Iso-Flo conveyors, which are used for conveying, grading, product distribution on processing and packaging lines, product alignment, fines removal, scalping and inspection.
They are used in plants producing meat, poultry, dairy, confectionary, snack, and bakery products as well as cereals, grains, and seeds, fruits, vegetables, and potato strips and chips.
“Iso-Flo has long been recognized as the premium vibratory conveyor for its superior sanitation and reliability,” said Tyrone Foster, process systems product manager at Key Technology.
“These enhancements will help processors reduce the risk of product contamination, improve sanitation, meet rising government guidelines for food safety, and decrease exposure to product liability claims, all while reducing the cost of maintenance.”
Shaking to success
Key’s Standard Utility Shakers are aimed at processing fruits, vegetables, potato strips and potato chips.
They are available in 24-inch (61 cm) and 36-inch (91 cm) wide, both 72 inches long (1.8 meters), and with or without screens.
The Model 2472 offers 10 square feet (0.93 sq meters) of screen area and the Model 3672 offers 15 square feet (1.4 sq meters) of screen area.
