Baking & Snack - July 2005 - 85

O
O

MATERIAL HANDLING

COOKIE CONVEYOR

ing a new conveying system - it had to have long
conveyor sections and various chain widths, as well as
require little effort for maintenance and sanitation.
United Biscuits chose a new conveyor system that
adheres to strict hygienic requirements by using
stainless steel, open section profiles and non-scooping
chains, and the belt can be cleaned without traces of
residue, according to the manufacturer. The belt also is
available in five different widths.
The packaging line transports
three different-sized packages on
three chain widths. " It was a big
advantage that we could get all
three widths from just one modular system," said Jan Esslemann,
system technician at the bakery.
"The entire system is made up of
components that vary little, which
reduces stock parts. Plus, the chain
links are just plugged together, so
we don't need any special tools to
open or modify a line." Individual
chain links can also be replaced
and installed anywhere without the
need for special tools.
The conveyor system features
a patented ball bearing that is
integrated into all curves, which
results in less friction and allows
curves with larger radiuses. "Our
employees often come close to the
curve wheels, so we considered
SHEET
this solution critical to safety," Mr.
Esselmann said.
United Biscuits also required one
long 40-m (85 ft) section, and the
supplier was able to provide this usOur fully automated, high speed ma chines place
ing a single drive."This is the longest
paper/film/foil under your product and create ready
section we have here," Mr. Esselmann
observed."We need it to reroute the
to package stacks - all to your specifications.
packages to manual packaging workplaces in case there are any problems
* Increase P r o d u c t i v i t y
with the packaging machines."
* Improve Product Presentation
He said this conveyor system
* Increase Per U n i t Profit
easily handled the lengthy distance. The circulating chain, which
is actually 80 m (170 ft) long, is
particularly stable, even with five
Packa in Pro ressions
vertical curves, because of its inEngineered Performance * Design Versatility
Quality Solutions
tegrated bearing. Additionally, the
manufacturer has standardized
www.pacproinc .com
610-489-8601
the drive interface so that all gear
Sa leS@ PaCPrOiflC.Com
610-489-8691 fax
motors on the market can be used.
United Biscuits, Hayes, UK, replaced its final packaging
conveying system at the company's shortbread production facility in Zaandam, The Netherlands, when
the plant recently moved into a new facility. However,
the facility was more than 100 years old, which created space limitations. So a special projects group
developed the layout needed for a new conveying
system. The group established three criteria for select-

, COUNT AND STACK

without touching your product.

g g

For more information, see Page 160

90 / BAKING & SNACK / July 2005

, Inc.

http://www.pacproinc.com

Baking & Snack - July 2005

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