Explosion-Free Vacuum Conveying in Food Production
September 27, 2018
The best method to protect against explosions in food processing is to avoid the explosion in the first place. Volkmann VS Series vacuum conveyors, featuring all-pneumatic system design, are ATEX certified against the 13 potential sources of ignition for transfer of powdered products having an MIE (Minimum Ignition Energy) greater than 1 mJ (millijoules). The certification covers all elements of the conveying system including any flexible hose. Attention to grounding and the use of static conductive hoses ensures the static discharge cannot occur, thereby avoiding all explosion potential.
Volkmann designs and manufactures these pneumatic vacuum transfers systems to provide contained transfer of small food particles, powders, seasonings, and other small ingredients used in food manufacturing – from product unloading through final packaging. The systems ensure secure, reliable, and environmentally safe powder handling and transfer throughout the production process, making the work of production staff simpler and safer, while offering a cost-effective material transfer method for powders and small particles.
The conveyors are typically used in applications with conveying capacities from 220 lb/hr up to 4 tn/hr, where the conveying distances are in the range of 50 ft horizontally and 33 ft vertically. However, greater distances and weights are possible and Volkmann systems have achieved as much as 12 tn/hr capacity and worked with conveying distances up to 250 ft horizontally and 110 vertical ft.
Volkmann Inc., Bristol, PA 609-265-0101 www.volkmannusa.com
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