Van Beek, Drunen, the Netherlands, points out that screw conveyors can provide a cleaner, more efficient and safer means of transporting meat (including sausage meat, bones and offal) from one process machine to another, compared to belt conveyors and elevators. Because of the closed design of screw conveyors the product is not exposed to outside influences and there is also no loss of product during transport. Where standard bins or plastic trays were previously needed to help move the meat to the next stage in the process, a simple screw conveyor is now sufficient. The work of cleaning standard bins/trays is also eliminated. In addition, no storage space is required for these items. 

 

Compared with a conveyor belt, a screw conveyor excels in versatility. For example, it can transport meat vertically where conveyor belts can only lift at a certain angle because otherwise the meat starts to slip backwards. To reach a certain height a belt conveyor needs more length, where a screw can fulfil the same task within a footprint of 1m2 or less. 

 

Screw conveyors also score better on hygiene. A conveyor belt is an open system with many rotating parts and a return side. A screw conveyor is a closed system with few rotating parts (only the screw). 

 

All of the company’s screw conveyors are customised, which means that it consults the client so that they can together make the right choices for materials, finish levels, bearings, seals and drives. Screw conveyors can also be fitted with spray pipes to provide for a cleaning-in-place (CIP) system. www.van-beek.nl 

 

 

In addition to being more versatile, screw conveyors are easy to clean; for example the Van Beek design (pictured) can be fitted with quickly removable cleaning hatches over its whole length so that the screw is accessible at any point for inspection