Key Technology conveyor systems for poultry processing and packaging

Key Technology, a member of Duravant’s Food Sorting and Handling Solutions group, leverages the poultry processing expertise of Duravant brands Foodmate, Marelec, Marlen and Henneken to introduce its vibratory conveying systems for poultry processing and packaging lines.

The integrated systems meter, separate, singulate and/or align raw poultry products to create a monolayer for presentation at downstream equipment including X-ray inspection systems, metal detectors, tray packing equipment and more.

Manually styling raw poultry for a downstream system can be a labour-intensive process. By automating the process, the vibratory conveying systems can help to maximise production efficiency, increase throughput and minimise labour requirements while improving sanitation to protect product quality.

Key designs, builds and tests each of its integrated conveying systems to identify the necessary speed, stroke, lane widths and step sizes to present the processor’s products in a good configuration for the downstream equipment. With interchangeable screens that can accommodate different product types and sizes, the conveyor systems can be configured to handle different cuts of raw, non-frozen/pre-frozen poultry including deboned meat, bone-in wings, drumsticks, thighs and more.

Each integrated conveying system often begins with an optional shaker or belt conveyor for metering. Then, a separating shaker evenly spreads product, followed by a singulating shaker that directs product into single-file lanes when needed. The final shaker is designed to achieve optimal speeds for feeding downstream equipment.

Engineered for good sanitation and minimal maintenance, the vibratory conveying system features an open-frame design without cavities that can harbour bacteria. It features 100% stainless steel construction, including motors. With fewer moving parts than traditional belt systems, maintenance requirements can be reduced.