sensors & systems - Industrial Technology Magazine

Food Hygiene & Safety
The plain truth.
iglidur ® plastic bearings are almost indestructible.
They are lubrication-, corrosion- and maintenancefree.
For example, iglidur ® Z bearings for high application
temperatures are three times more wear
resistant than other high load plain bearings.
Maintenance-free up to
temperatures of 250 °C
together in the enclosure, which
inevitably means that some of the
valves will be located at a
considerable distance from the
cylinders they control. The long
pneumatic lines needed to connect
them up will then degrade the
performance of the system,
particularly in terms of response
speed.
Where productivity is paramount,
this loss of speed may well be
unacceptable. The solution is to use
valves that require no additional
protection, since these can be
mounted immediately adjacent to the
cylinders they control, thereby giving
the fastest possible response.
Operational requirements
At this point, it’s worth remembering
that even the most hygienic conveying
system in the world is of no value
unless it meets all of the other
operational requirements of the
application efficiently and effectively.
Fortunately, the latest chain conveyor
systems – such as those in the
VarioFlow range from Bosch Rexroth,
which includes both aluminium- and
stainless-frame products – make this
much easier to achieve.
These modern conveyors feature a
modular design with a wide range of
components, which allow them to be
configured quickly and easily to suit
almost any requirement. This modular
approach eliminates the need for
custom fabrication, which keeps costs
down, and it also means that on-site
modifications can be made
conveniently and inexpensively.
Another benefit of the latest systems
is their use of integrated motors with
variable speed drives. This greatly
simplifies design and ensures that the
motor is always correctly matched to
the conveyor section it is driving. The
incorporation of variable speed drives
makes it easy to fine-tune the
operation of the installation. In
addition, because these drives offer
controlled starting and stopping, the
risk of damaging products is reduced,
and the life of the conveyor system is
extended.
Finally, the best modern chain
conveying systems now feature
improved performance on curves. This
allows long chain sections to be
driven by a single motor, and smaller
motors to be used for short sections.
In both cases, initial costs and
running costs, along with energy
consumption, are reduced compared
with conventional conveyors.
The selection of conveyors for
hygienic applications is a task that
needs to be carried out with care. It’s
important not to inflate costs by overengineering,
but it’s also important to
recognise those applications where
the extra cost of stainless steel
construction is unavoidable. Finally,
attention needs to be given to the
overall performance and efficiency
of the system.
MORE INFORMATION:
Enter D205 or visit ‘latest issue stories’ at
www.industrialtechnology.co.uk for further
details from Bosch Rexroth
Best iglidur ® polymer plain bearing for
soft stainless steel shafts in oscillating or
pivoting applications
Low friction at high speeds
Lasts longer. Costs less. Find 55 iglidur ® applications
now at www.igus.co.uk
Rollercoaster
gear
3D CAD and lifetime calculation
®
igus ® (UK) Limited
51A Caswell Road
Brackmills Ind. Estate
Northampton NN4 7PW
Bag forming, filling
and sealing
machine
plastics for longer life ®
Boat propellor
for marine
engine
Phone 01604-677240
Fax 01604-677245
sales_uk@igus.co.uk
The terms "igus, iglidur and plastics for longer life" are legally protected trademarks in the
Federal Republic of Germany and, where applicable, in some foreign countries.
May 2008 • INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
More details: Write in 210 on the free information card
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