Food plants require special sanitation methods throughout the manufacturing process, posing special challenges for the conveyors that move them. Standard industrial-duty conveyors are not suitable for the wet, humid, and corrosive environments required for washing this equipment. There are two easily-confused conveyor options that can handle this: sanitary and washdown.
So: What’s the Difference?
Not all conveyors that move food products are required to be truly sanitary. This depends on the food and process type and the stage in the manufacturing or packaging process.
This distinction is important, because virtually all sanitary conveyors are able to withstand high-pressure washdown with harsh chemicals, but not all washdown-compatible conveyors are sanitary.
It really comes down to this: washdown applications are able to withstand frequent washdown without corroding or wearing prematurely, while sanitary applications can withstand the same stringent conditions as a washdown application and are able to be fully cleaned and not have areas to harbor bacteria.
In either type of application – true sanitary or washdown-compatible – a stainless steel conveyor is typically the best solution.
NCCAS has years of experience building both sanitary and washdown-compatible conveyors primarily for the food industry. These four stainless steel conveyors may work for you or your client.
1. Gravity roller conveyors: Washdown or sanitary compatible if solid rollers are used ([ Ссылка ])
2. Powered roller conveyors: Washdown compatible when using stainless steel or rollers made of PVC or UHMW plastic ([ Ссылка ])
3. Drag chain conveyors: Washdown compatible with metal roller chains where bacterial growth is not a concern ([ Ссылка ])
4. Plastic modular belt conveyors: The industry-standard for food plants, these are sanitary or washdown compatible ([ Ссылка ])
We have over 30 years of experience building conveyors for the food industry where cleanliness is a necessity. Our food industry expertise means we understand the need for easy-to-clean and washdown-compatible solutions, with zero margin for error. Learn more at NCCAS.com.
