Belts for Freezers and Coolers
Selecting the Right Conveyor
Freezers and coolers are integral in food processing, especially as demand for ready-made products continues to rise. Choosing the best conveyor belt for these specialized environments is crucial for ensuring operational efficiency, product quality, and compliance with industry standards. This guide delves into everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Understanding Freezer and Cooler Conveyor Belts
Freezers and coolers present a host of challenges. The environment inside these systems is often harsh and can reach sub-zero temperatures, face strong winds from fans, and deal with frost buildup on belts and machinery. All these factors can cause mechanical failures and excess wear on your equipment.
Keep the freezer environment in mind when selecting a belt. If your freezer reaches sub-zero levels, be sure your belt is rated for such. Belts not suited for these climates can become brittle and warp or break in the cold.
Tailoring Belt Selection for Your Products
Consider what items will be transported on the belts. Heavier objects will require a conveyor belt rated for such. This is especially true in freezers, where ice can accumulate and add weight to the belt. Alternatively, small products will require a belt with smaller openings, so products are not in danger of falling through the cracks. Loose products can wind up in machinery and cause a host of problems. Bryan Hobbs, Director of Ashworth Factory Service, advises that "delicate products may require a tighter mesh belt to avoid unwanted markings while freezing."
The percentage of open space on a conveyor belt is another extremely important characteristic to consider. The amount of airflow determines how fast or slowly an object cools or freezes. Having a belt with a large percentage of open space can save time, energy, and money by speeding up the process. If your products freeze too quickly, delicate products like cakes and pastries may suffer cracks from drastic changes in temperature. Hobbs also points out, "Certain products may require more surface support to maintain consumer appeal."
If product release is an issue, the correct belt can assist. Plastic belts are favored by many due to their increased product release. However, there are several options for metal/plastic hybrid belts that give you the best features of both belts. "Hybrid belts offer the strength of metal and with the added benefits of a plastic surface," Hobbs explains. He continues, "They can be a great option for products that could benefit from both belts' characteristics." Ensuring product release prevents product losses and reduces maintenance and equipment costs by preventing unnecessary wear.
Special challenges can also be addressed with optional features on conveyor belts. "Often, belts can be customized to minimize many common challenges processors face, such as guard edges to prevent certain products from rolling off edges of the belts, or certain features can be added to minimize both product and belt damage commonly experienced with marinated products," Hobbs said. He also recommends lane dividers for instances where products risk co-mingling to keep them regimented.
Conclusion
There are many factors to consider when selecting a conveyor belt for your freezer or cooler; you don't have to figure it out alone. With over 75 years in the conveyor belt industry and a team of professionals dedicated to providing solutions, Ashworth is here to help. As the only major manufacturer of both metal and plastic conveyor belts, we at Ashworth are experts in helping you decide what belt is the best solution for you. Call us today at 1-800-682-4594 or request a quote on our website.
There are many factors to consider when selecting a conveyor belt; you don’t have to figure it out alone. With over 75 years in the conveyor belt industry and a team of professionals dedicated to providing solutions, Ashworth is here to help. As the only major manufacturer of both metal and plastic conveyor belts, we at Ashworth are experts in helping you decide what belt is the best solution for you. Call us today at 1-800-682-4594 or request a quote on our website.
