It is critical in modern food processes that only high-quality coating materials, suitable for packaged food conveying and direct contact with foodstuffs, are used to ensure hygienic, safe processing and efficient logistics, says engineering solutions provider Bearing Man Group (BMG) light materials handling divisional manager Ryan Forsyth.

BMG is the sole sub-Saharan Africa distributor for global belting company Ammeraal Beltech, which is continually developing and evolving its processes, with several new products under development at crucial and sensitive testing stages.

Some of the most recent products launched onto the local market include Ammeraal Beltech’s Peak range of silicone and poly- tetrafluoroethylene- (PTFE-) coated process and conveyor belts, which were launched onto the global distribution network in May 2014.

Meanwhile, BMG introduced the Ammeraal Rapplon food-grade folder-gluer belts to the South African market in May 2013.

Food-Grade Belts
BMG’s range of food-grade belts include silicone and PTFE-coated process and conveyor belts, as well as folder-gluer belts, both of which comply with stringent European Commission (EC) and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements for pristine hygiene standards in the food and beverage sector.

The Peak range of silicone and PTFE-coated process and conveyor belts, which has been developed for various baking processes, can withstand temperatures of up to 260 °C, with resistance to temperatures as low as –70 °C. These low-friction belts, with high-abrasion and -corrosion resistance, have excellent release properties that also apply to sticky foods such as flour- and sugar-based products. Baked goods are transferred easily and undamaged, reducing mess and waste in all processing cycles.

Peak belts are also suitable for press-baking products, such as pizza bases, flat breads and tortillas, and for open-flame baking lines for the production of certain breads. This range is also designed for use in cryogenic freezing.

Forsyth further highlights lower setup costs and improved food quality as some of the advantages of this new food freezing technology over traditional mechanical food freezing.

The open-mesh design of the Peak range also ensures optimal airflow and the PTFE coating allows for easy cleaning to ensure enhanced hygiene.

Rapplon Folder-Gluer Belts

BMG’s Rapplon folder-gluer belts, with non- glazing food-grade covers that comply with EC and FDA standards for contact with dry foodstuffs, ensure the precise transport and folding of carton blanks.

They are available in thicknesses of 3 mm, 4 mm and 5.5 mm to fit most folder-gluer machines and provide a firm grip on all types of board for accurate carton blank movement during folding, glueing and packing. These belts ensure reduced energy consumption, extended service life and less downtime for maintenance. Other features include abrasion resistance and a low operating noise.

BMG’s folder-gluer belt’s QuickSplice design, which involves thermoplastic layers whereby the joint area is thermowelded, offers reduced energy consumption of up to 14% throughout the life of the belt and ensures safe and easy belt tracking, even at high speeds of up to 700 m/min. These belts, which can run in both directions, can be safely used in applications of up to 80 °C and are perfectly aligned with a quick finger splice for fast belt replacement.

The high-edge stability of the QuickSplice design prevents fraying, and a 0.6% belt- fitting tension reduces shaft and bearing loads. A dimensionally stable polyester core eliminates pretensioning.

Meanwhile, Forsyth highlights that Ammeraal Beltech is the only belting manufacturer to achieve an FDA accreditation for an elastomer rubber transmission belt.

“BMG’s strategically centred belting workshops and stock depots are stocked with the latest tooling and equipment, manned by competent belting technicians to ensure continuity of technical and support services throughout Southern Africa,” he concludes.