Freezer Conveyors

Sanitary Conveyor Project – Enhancing Efficiency with Advanced Automation

Project Overview

Automated Quality Solutions (AQS) recently completed an important conveyor project in Utah, successfully installing three state-of-the-art sanitary conveyor systems designed specifically for transporting hot extruded marshmallow through a freezer tunnel. The first conveyor was installed and commissioned this past weekend, marking a significant milestone for the project.

Enhancing Throughput and Quality

The client required an efficient solution for handling hot extruded marshmallow, specifically targeting the freezing and cooling stages. Recognizing their commitment to quality, efficiency, and stringent food safety standards, AQS provided customized conveyor solutions designed explicitly for high sanitary standards and seamless automation integration.

Project Details

Each conveyor measures 70 feet by 24 inches, featuring food-grade matte-top urethane belting optimized for efficient marshmallow release. Designed specifically for demanding freezer conditions, these conveyors reliably operate at temperatures as low as -30°C.

Key features of the conveyors include:

• Volta Superdrive Low Temp Belting: Ensuring efficient marshmallow handling in challenging cold conditions.

• Internal Sealed Washdown Hub Drives: Providing clean, reliable operation and minimal maintenance.

• Stainless Steel Transition Chutes and UHMW Scrapers: Designed for effective product transfer and superior sanitation.

• Remote-Mounted Stainless Steel Control Cabinets: Featuring Allen-Bradley Powerflex drives, potentiometric speed control, and robust safety interlocks compliant with OSHA standards.

Sanitary Excellence

AQS conveyors feature meticulously hygienic designs free from sandwich joints, bolted connections, and potential harborage points—critical for food safety. Additional sanitary measures include chemically passivated welds, IP69k-rated instruments, fully sealed 3A bearings, and a polished No. 4 finish, enhancing ease of cleaning and compliance with stringent USDA and 3-A sanitation standards.

Automation and Controls Integration

Distinctively, AQS leveraged its deep expertise in automation and controls engineering to ensure seamless integration of these conveyor systems into the client's existing production line. Allen-Bradley controls housed in stainless steel NEMA 4X cabinets offer robust and intuitive automation, significantly reducing manual intervention, improving product consistency, and maximizing throughput.

Customer Impact and Future Vision

The client anticipates substantial operational improvements from this automated sanitary conveyor system. The system is designed not only to increase production efficiency but also to maintain the highest standards of product quality and food safety, supporting their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

This successful installation highlights AQS’s capability to deliver innovative, hygienic, and highly efficient conveyor solutions tailored to meet specific client needs in challenging environments. Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming installations as we continue to help our partners achieve excellence through advanced sanitary automation.

For more insights, connect with us on LinkedIn or view our full project walkthrough here.