Time to Replace Your Low-Tension Spiral Cage Food Conveyor
In life, as in business, it is common to resist if not to out-right fight change. This seems to be particularly true in business when considering changes in process and technology. Why? Perhaps it is the fear of the unknown. “I will certainly lose my credibility if there are issues with the change I am considering.” Perhaps it’s a lack of awareness or knowledge. “How will this help me?” Or maybe it is a case of mistrust. “This can’t possibly work; we have tried something like this once before.”
Whatever the reason, one thing is clear. Change is constant. Failure to adapt leads to, well, failure. Consider Blockbuster, Blackberry and Kodak. Once market leaders, now they no longer exist or are a small part of what they once were.
Contact Regal Rexnord for help with all your food belting questions.
We have seen great change in the last few years in our own vital food processing businesses. The pandemic revealed shortcomings in our food supply chain, prompting a need for a rise in production for our own food security. In addition, food processors are not only looking for solutions to produce more but are looking for ways to reduce waste in product production.
Enter food conveying technology advances. For decades, low tension (friction) systems have been the standard for construction of spiral cages, and for good reason as they are fairly easy to commission and maintain. However, there are a few drawbacks to these systems. Problems can include:
- Belt fatigue and catastrophic failures
- Wear debris
- Premature system component failure
- Continual overdrive checks and adjustments
- Decreased throughput due to downtime
- Lost production.
Active drive or positively-driven spiral cage systems have made significant technology advances over the past several years and are fast becoming the spiral cage system of choice. These systems provide:
- Smoother conveying, resulting in better product alignment and less waste
- Faster speeds and wider belts for increased production
- Less belt fatigue for reduced catastrophic events
- Reduced or eliminated need for lubrication, enhancing system cleanliness for greater food safety
- Less tension for increased asset life, including the belt and components
Certainly, there is much to consider when determining what spiral conveyor system is best for your application. Change for change sake admittedly makes no sense. However, don’t let fear of technology changes stop you from a positive move forward. Fortunately, there are more excellent choices available today than ever before. When the time is right to decide, be sure to consult with your conveyor belting supplier to ensure the system and belting selected is the best fit for your product, facility, and budget.
Brands
