Motor unit keeps fat content in check
A
Leroy Somer product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Jan 11, 2006
Foss Analytical uses encapsulated motor and drive for conveyor belt on its Meatmaster unit that uses X-rays to analyse and record the fat and meat content on food processing and production lines.
Foss Analytical is using an encapsulated motor and drive for the conveyor belt on its Meatmaster, a unit that uses X-ray technology to analyse and record the fat and meat content on food processing and production lines.
Leroy-Somer designed the integrated drive system in which the geared motor and the variable speed drive are encapsulated and protected against the wet and often harsh conditions that exist in the food production environment.
The integrated system comprises a Varmeca variable-speed drive, protected to IP66 and built directly onto the geared motor, an inbuilt encoder mounted in a protected position on the motor shaft, and resin-encased electronics.
It is supplied with plug connections, so no wiring is required, and is IEC and UL/CSA approved.
The Meatmaster is a control and measurement unit for slaughterhouses and meat processing plants.
Using dual X-ray technology, it is installed as an automatic and integral part of the production line.
The meat - be it fresh, frozen, loose or boxed - is transported through the unit on a conveyor belt and analysis takes place within an enclosed cabinet.
The ratio between lean meat and fat is critical for companies that process and manufacture meat products.
If the lean meat content is too high, it will squeeze profit margins, but too high a fat content will result in a poorer product and dissatisfied customers.
The fat content of meat has traditionally been measured using manual spot checks, with samples analysed in a laboratory or via instruments by the side of the production line.
But samples are not always representative of the entire batch or of all the different products being produced.
Time is also wasted while waiting for the results of manual spot checks before the production and raw material parameters can be adjusted if required.
Using Meatmaster, the meat and fat content can be analysed automatically and with 100% accuracy.
All data resulting from the production line are registered in the computer-controlled production system, and automatically checked against predetermined fat content specifications.
The process control information may be used to implement modifications to the production process and the ratio of meat to fat automatically.
It can also spot metal foreign objects on the production line.
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