Key Technology Marathon vibratory conveyors with monobeam construction

Key Technology introduces its Marathon vibratory conveyors with monobeam construction. Featuring a narrow frame that’s less than half the surface area of traditional Marathon frames, monobeam shakers can provide better access to the conveyor bed and fewer parts to clean.

Designed for processors that require a high degree of equipment hygiene and/or a small footprint, the conveyor is suitable for a wide range of bulk food applications — from raw receiving to packaging, including product collection, transfer and distribution.

Unlike a traditional shaker, which has a frame and spring arms on both sides of the conveyor bed, monobeam conveyors position the frame and spring arms underneath the bed to maximise sanitation while improving operator access and safety.

All Marathon conveyors, including the monobeam models, use natural-frequency vibratory motion to distribute bulk foods long distances on a single unit. The conveyor can replace several shakers in a row, relying on only two independent, frame-mounted drives to improve efficiency and reliability. Additionally, fewer supports to the floor eases cleaning and sanitation. Two foot-mount, self-synchronising motors transfer the force of the frame to the bed without mechanical joints to further improve efficiency, reduce maintenance and minimise downtime. Each conveyor is tailored using predictive modelling and Finite Element Analysis to define the product characteristics and deliver good performance.

Available in lengths from 9 to 15 m and widths from 50 to 100 cm, the monobeam conveyor can achieve conveying speeds greater than 15 m/min, depending on the application. The conveyor bed can be tilted to draw product to one side, and flow direction can be controlled with optional side outlet diverters. It can be built with end-mounted drop-out gates, diverters, end-mounted screens and covers when needed.

In addition to the sanitation enhancements from its monobeam construction, the conveyor has a variety of sanitary advantages. Its stainless steel conveyor bed features a standard rotary polish within the product contact zone, which resists bacterial attachment and biofilm formation. Oil-free drives, elastomeric isolators, scalloped flat bars (if requested), internal ground arms and minimal laminations maximise equipment hygiene and help meet rising sanitary standards and regulatory requirements. The monobeam frame is sloped to prevent product and moisture build-up that can harbour bacteria.

Available in four different finishing standards, the conveyor’s rotary vibratory drives are available in either stainless steel or food-grade epoxy finishes. The unit is suitable for fruits, vegetables, potato strips, potato chips, nuts, meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products, confections, snacks, cereals, grains, seeds and more.

Key Technology is exclusively distributed by Heat and Control in Australia.