Product category:
Chains and belts
News Release from: Tsubakimoto UK | Subject: Tsubaki roller chain
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 23 October 2007
Potato plant standardises roller chain
There are 25 potato processing and packing lines, all of which will be fitted with Tsubaki replacement roller chain in a variety of sizes.
The Albert Bartlett and Sons potato processing plant in Airdrie Scotland has been the site of a GBP 30m investment over the last four years Having operated Tsubaki roller chain supplied by Scots Bearings alongside OEM equipment chain and other branded replacement chain the maintenance team at Bartlett has decided to standardise on Tsubaki roller chain
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 27 Apr 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
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Steve McInnes of Scots bearings said "Due to a poor wear life displayed by both OEM and other branded chain in this relatively harsh processing environment we were asked to source a better quality alternative".
"We have now supplied Tsubaki replacement roller chain to the plant for the past two years and it has indeed resulted in extended wear life, resulting in a decision to standardise on Tsubaki replacement chain products".
Rainwater is collected from the factory roof for use in the washing process and dedicated lines enable the water and soil residues washed from local, organic and imported produce to be recycled separately.
Further reading
Chain with 30 times the life
Tsubaki's WP chain can provide 30 times the life of standard and nickel plated chains in wet conditions.
Clever drive chain design keeps the noise down
Tsubaki's SN Low Noise Drive Chain reduces the noise occurring when the chain roller and the teeth of the sprocket mesh together, as the normal cylindrical roller is replaced by a coil spring roller
The company has also invested in robot technology to improve safety and efficiency and installed Hydro coolers to remove field heat, reducing condensation and naturally extending the shelf life of the new potatoes.
Each potato that passes through the system has it's picture taken at least three times, the images are processed and used to sort potatoes into finely judged quality grades.
One of the main reasons for this level of automation is so that the plant can react quickly to changes in demand.
A 'cold snap' will result in an instant rise in demand for potatoes for example.
The Bartlett packing lines are able to change hoppers and re-start sorting, packing and labelling the new product virtually seamlessly in order to meet tight delivery deadlines with supermarkets.
The speed and time-critical nature of the operation all mean that any maintenance has to be planned for far in advance and the maximum wear life is expected of every component.
If for instance the roller chains that drive the conveyors, drum washers or packaging lines can deliver twelve months additional service life for example, they will have covered any slight premium in cost many times over.
There are 25 potato processing and packing lines, all of which will be fitted with Tsubaki replacement roller chain in a variety of sizes.
The replacement chain is held in consignment stock onsite by Scots Bearings and replaced as and when necessary.
Standard roller chain is used presently, but Tsubaki Lambda lube-free chain is seen a further upgrade possibility on some areas of the plant .
Lube-free Lambda WP water protected chain is being considered for use on the drum washers where stainless chain is currently used. Request a free brochure from Tsubakimoto UK ...
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