Pet Food Processing - November 2023 - 70

EQUIPMENT
Equipment suppliers
can offer insights
on the best way to
set up a processing
floor to streamline
operations and
ensure production
efficiency.
Handmann Inc.
rameter specifications and expectations of the project.
" Once details about the product project are determined,
a Reiser customer center test protocol is outlined listing the
test objectives and type of equipment that will be utilized to
conduct the test, " Zeak said. " During testing of the formulation,
process and product are all studied to ensure that they
are representative and conducive to the proposed product
and process. A test report with written and video documentation
is submitted to the customer along with resulting
product samples for their review. "
Through the interactive discussion, discovery and eduThe
DJM VacForm plate
forming machine from
Reiser operates in conjunction
with the Vemag
filler. The Vemag portions
the pet food product
and transports it to the
VacForm, which forms it
into the desired shape for
further processing.
Reiser
cation, pet food manufacturers can make informed decisions
about the processing operations and the proposed
equipment.
Achieving product consistency
The goal of any pet food processing operation is product
consistency and processing efficiency.
Van Maasdam noted that taking the operator out of the
equation allows for consistent product. " Using a bit of trial
and error in the beginning to set up 'recipes,' which can be
programmed into the controls systems, allows for a much
more consistent end product, " he said.
Zeak noted product consistency and processing efficiency
can be obtained by using a variety of Reiser's and
its partner companies' equipment. For instance, the double
screw technology of the Reiser Vemag extrusion portioning
equipment affords improved yield output through accurate
portion weight control. Additionally, the robust equipment
design, ease of disassembly for sanitation and maintenance
reduces down time, sanitation and maintenance time, and
improves line time efficiency.
" Seydelmann bowl choppers can streamline the process
of grinding, emulsifying, cooking and cooling processed
products by using an all-in-one batch process method limiting
product transfers, the need for additional equipment,
and reducing required space footprint while improving the
consistency of the product and process, " Zeak added.
Reiser's Variovac business and partner company, Repak,
provide rollstock thermoforming/fill/seal machines with
modified atmosphere packaging capability for improved
shelf life and quality of packaged finished product.
" Reiser's JLS company, which specializes in robotic end
of arm tooling for picking products, can improve production
efficiency of getting product into packages, packages
into boxes, and boxes into cases, " Zeak said.
One of the biggest problems pet food processors face
is the variation in operator efficiency. To counteract this,
Handtmann solutions are designed for operators of varying
backgrounds and experience levels to consistently produce
quality products efficiently from setup and operation to
tear-down and sanitation.
" Automated control of precise processing parameters for
the most complex recipes and products combine with hygienically
designed solutions to let processors improve both
consistency and efficiency, " Jones said.
Evolving through the years
As the category and complexity of pet food, snacks, treats
and supplements continues to grow and change over the
years, so has the machinery used to produce these products.
70 PET FOOD PROCESSING | November 2023 | www.petfoodprocessing.net
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Pet Food Processing - November 2023

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