Guide to Choosing the Right Conveyor System for Your Food Factory Production

Gilwood
May 12
2 min read

In the food processing industry, selecting the appropriate conveyor system is crucial for ensuring product quality, maintaining hygiene standards, and optimising operational efficiency. With various conveyor types available, understanding their specific applications can aid in making informed decisions tailored to your facility's needs.

1. Belt Conveyors: Versatility in Product Handling

Belt conveyors are widely used due to their simplicity and versatility. They consist of a continuous belt that transports products along a flat or inclined path.

Applications:

Ideal for transporting a wide range of food products, from raw ingredients to packaged goods.
Suitable for facilities requiring gentle handling to prevent product damage.

Considerations:

Ensure the belt material complies with food safety regulations and is easy to clean.

2. Modular Conveyors: Flexibility and Ease of Maintenance

Modular conveyors feature interlocking plastic modules, allowing for easy customization and maintenance.

Applications:

Suitable for facilities with complex layouts requiring conveyor flexibility.
Ideal for processes needing frequent cleaning or belt replacement.

Considerations:

Select materials resistant to corrosion and suitable for washdown environments.

3. Roller Conveyors: Efficient Movement of Packaged Goods

Roller conveyors utilise a series of rollers to move items, either by gravity or powered mechanisms.

Applications:

Best for transporting packaged products, boxes, or pallets in packaging and distribution areas.
Effective in accumulation and sorting operations.

Considerations:

Determine if a powered or gravity-fed system suits your operational needs.

4. Spiral Conveyors: Maximising Vertical Space

Spiral conveyors transport products vertically within a compact footprint, conserving valuable floor space.

Applications:

Ideal for multi-level facilities or areas with limited horizontal space.
Commonly used for cooling, freezing, or elevating products between floors.

Considerations:

Ensure the spiral conveyor design accommodates your product dimensions and weight.

Key Factors in Conveyor Selection

When choosing the right conveyor system, consider the following:

Product Characteristics: Size, weight, and fragility of the items being transported.
Hygiene Requirements: Compliance with food safety standards and ease of cleaning.
Space Constraints: Available floor space and facility layout.
Operational Needs: Desired speed, throughput, and integration with existing equipment.

Making the Right Move for Your Production Line

Selecting the appropriate conveyor system is integral to the success of food processing operations. By understanding the specific advantages and applications of belt, modular, roller, and spiral conveyors, you can make informed decisions that enhance efficiency, maintain hygiene standards, and optimise space utilisation.

For more information on Gilwood's range of conveyor systems tailored to the food industry, please contact our experts now - sales@gilwood.co.uk