FEATURE Drives, Controls & Motorsy
Specifying geared motors to reduce HACCP risk factors
Markus Kutny, Director of Sales Vertical Markets for Bauer Gear Motor, a brand of Altra Industrial Motion, examines how specifying geared motors in stainless-steel design or specialised finishes can help reduce HACCP risk factors
G
eared motors are found throughout food and beverage production sites, used to drive conveyor belts, stirrers and
agitators, packaging machinery and other equipment along the production line. The geared motor design lends itself to energy effi ciency and reliability, a must for any modern production facility. However, the food and beverage industry also requires strict hygiene compliance, meaning that specialised geared motors are a wise choice for such facilities.
HACCP The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system is an internationally-recognised method for reducing risk factors in the production or processing of food. It works on the principle of on-going improvements, encouraging manufacturers to continuously re-evaluate each of the processes in their production lines to identify possible hazards and minimise risk. The primary purpose of the system is to protect people from food-borne illness; however, it is also recognised as a ‘best practice’ approach to improve quality and consistency in the fi nal product. Understanding the importance of the
processes surrounding the analysis of risk in the production line helps explain the evolution of geared motor technology used in this industry. Specifi cally, it explains why the industry requires that geared motor manufacturers invest in R&D for aseptic solutions – developing specialist coatings and, even, stainless-steel variants of their latest products.
Aseptic drives Aseptic drives are designed to deliver all the performance benefi ts of a standard geared motor, whilst also protecting the drive from harsh washdown cycles and preventing the build-up of microorganisms. Drives are typically painted using acid- and alkali-resistant coatings that can withstand chemicals
22 October 2020 | Automation
with a pH range of 2-12. These drives will also off er high levels of ingress protection, designed with a smooth exterior to prevent dirt build-up. The Hifl exDRIVE range from Bauer Gear Motor is an example of geared motors with design evolutions specifi cally aimed at improving performance in hygiene- critical applications. The range is carefully designed so that fans and cooling ribs are not required, thereby allowing for completely smooth outer casings with sealed non-drive ends. This allows the IE4 super-premium-effi ciency motor to be off ered with up to IP69K rating, which protects against high-pressure washers and steam cleaning. The elimination of venting elements creates a smooth outer surface, which provides a higher cleanability of the motor casing and prevents re-infection of the local environment caused by air movement from a cooling fan.
Stainless steel geared motors While specialist coatings perform exceptionally well, there is always a risk they could become damaged whilst the motor is in operation. Should this happen, the contamination resistance of the geared motor would be reduced. Adopting the principles of HACCP, many manufacturers are choosing to specify stainless-steel geared motors where they are likely to be operating in an area with risk of mechanical damage.
Aseptic drives deliver all the benefits of a standard geared motor, while also protecting the drive during harsh washdown cycles and preventing the buildup of microorganisms
Stainless-steel geared motors – as found within the Hifl exDRIVE range – meet all the regulations set out by organisations such as the FDA and NSF, without the need for specialist coatings. As a base material, stainless steel is inherently resistant to corrosion and chemicals, even if it has been scratched or dented after suff ering an impact. For manufacturers or packaging specialists looking to minimise HACCP risk factors when specifying geared motors, there is no question that it pays to choose a specialist solution. The Hifl exDRIVE range is available in three sizes ranging from 80Nm to 330Nm in standard, aseptic and stainless-steel designs with power ratings up to 6.3kW. A two-stage gearbox design allows ratios to 109:1, depending on the gear type, for a wide range of applications.
Whether the application would benefi t
most from a stainless-steel design or an aseptic coating depends on the sort of working life it will be exposed to. Bauer’s engineers help customers to assess their environments and provide expert guidance on the most appropriate choice with consideration to effi ciency, reliability, risk and long-term cost savings.
CONTACT:
Bauer Gear Motor GmbH
www.bauergears.com
automationmagazine.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
