Food & Drink Flying crisps
Jacob has installed an extensive modular pipework air conveyor system at the Tayto Golden Wonder factory in Scunthorpe
Packets of crisps and snack foods are flying around the Tayto Golden Wonder factory in Scunthorpe thanks to an extensive modular pipework air conveyor system supplied by Jacob (UK). In what is believed to be the largest installation of its kind in the UK, packets of branded snack foods are conveyed by air through Jacob stainless steel modular pipe sections, feeding product to multiple packing lines up to 44 metres from where the crisps and snacks are bagged.
Site engineering manager Alan Patterson said: “By using the air conveying system rather than conventional mechanical conveyors, we are able to save space and have much greater flexibility in how we feed the packing lines.
“For example, if we have a specific packing request from a supermarket customer for product supplied either as loose bags or flow-wrapped, we can quickly direct the bagged product to the appropriate multi-packing machines.
“The bi-directional air conveying lines have speed controls to cater for variations in product weight, ranging from 21-35 grams. Product can be diverted between packing machines at the flick of a switch and sensors detect and count the product as it is conveyed through the pipework” continued Mr Patterson.
Smooth conductivity
The air conveying system designed for Golden Wonder is based on 200mm thin-walled 1mm thick stainless steel pipes measuring up to 2.0m long, each with a precision machine lipped end designed to accept a Keltan (EPDM) ‘U’ shaped seal and pull ring connector for an air tight connection. The connections are conductive for static electricity and the whole system is designed to optimize product flow. A 3-bar overpressure certified connection is created which has the advantage of providing excellent conductivity whilst giving the added benefit of being ATEX compliant.
The thin-walled ducting sections are easily dismantled and re- connected using the Quick-Connect pull-ring system designed and manufactured by Jacob.
Air movement within a Jacob pipeline is enhanced with the smooth-pressed bends, which assist airflow with the minimum of resistance. Standard accessories include inspection doors, visualisation ducts, diverters, product-control and air-control valves, all manufactured to high tolerances.
Site engineering manager Alan Patterson with a bag of Golden Wonder Crisps
David Peplow from Jacob UK said: The application of air conveying systems for snack foods is increasingly popular among both large and small manufacturers. Apart from the lower cost of installation, the main benefit is the flexibility it affords to plant design and layout. The pipe sections are light enough to be suspended from the roof and the range of pipe sections, diverters, bends and valves makes it easy to specify Jacob pipe for installations which are often limited by available space.”
Easy installation
Despite being one of the largest air conveying systems of its type used for the production and packing of snack foods, the installation process was quick with minimal disruption to the operation of the plant. The majority of the Jacob ducting and pipework is located high above the manufacturing plant but still accessible for inspection and maintenance. With pipework diameters from 60mm to 800mm and a comprehensive range of forks, bends, T pieces, valves and distributors, Jacob modular pipework is ideal for creating an efficient and flexible system, one which can adapt to changing requirements. John West, director of Jacob (UK) said: “Working closely with the engineers at Golden Wonder (Tayto) and by using Jacob stainless steel modular pipework, together we have been able to improve operational and efficiency, whilst using the advantage of modular design to optimise plant layout.”
The final word goes to group engineering project director
Trevor Campbell at Tayto who added: “It is testament to the integrity of the Jacob pipework engineering and system design that high volume snack products can be conveyed over long distances and delivered to packing machines snag free.” “We are very impressed with the pipework installations Jacob has installed across the Group, which now amount to around 1 Kilometre and are currently investigating other applications for this technology.”
For more information contact Jacob on tel: 01694 722841 or visit:
www.jacob-uk.com
16 Solids & Bulk Handling • March 2011
www.solidsandbulk.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56