Pet food transport system
Conveyor systems are one of the key elements in pet food production facilities by automating the handling and transportation of both raw materials and finished product.
They aim to simplify and optimize production through consistent and gentle product transportation.
The choice of the ideal transportation system meets the need to keep up with competitors and adapt to a fast-growing and increasingly competitive market.
In fact, the pet food industry is in great development. According to statistics, the industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.79% per year.
In this article we will analyze:
- The elements to consider when choosing
- The most commonly used transport systems in pet food
- Why choose MIAL
Elements to consider when choosing
There are different factors to consider when evaluating the choice of conveyor system to integrate into your pet food facility.
These include:
- Flexibility
- Product protection
- Safety and cleanliness
- Maintenance
- Energy efficiency and production capacity
Flexibility
One element to consider is definitely the flexibility of the transport system and the ability to integrate with the layout and structure of the plant.
Some types of conveyor systems, such as the tubular chain conveyor, provide a high degree of slope and route flexibility. In fact, they can work in environments with limited space and high and variable slopes.
Other types of conveyor systems such as bucket elevators, in fact, do not provide the same flexibility.
Therefore, it is important to predetermine and understand what degree of flexibility is required and adjust accordingly.
Product protection
A key aspect in the choice of transport system is the ability to preserve the integrity of the product, minimizing the risk of breakage.
Solutions are chosen that ensure continuous and gentle handling, limiting shock and friction to keep the structure and nutritional composition of the product intact.
Safety and cleanliness
Not all conveyor systems are suitable for handling food or fragile products.
Cleanliness in transportation systems is definitely another crucial aspect because it ensures food safety, prevention of cross contamination and compliance with hygiene standards and regulations.
In fact, the design of models that are easily accessible, have a sloping design, are easy to disassemble, and can be integrated with pre-wash cycles, brushes, or compressed air ensures safe transport of the product.
Indeed, the conveying system must be designed with a hygienic design so as to avoid and prevent the proliferation of bacteria and pathogens. Low-friction surfaces must also be used to prevent product buildup.
Maintenance
Maintenance has a direct impact on the frequency of operations, operating costs, and overall efficiency.
In fact, the greater the need to replace elements of the conveyor system, the lower the performance of the system.
The materials used in components directly affect their ability to resist wear and corrosion.
Indeed, the use of stainless steel, food-grade plastic, speed of operation, presence of sensors, and ease of access are elements that directly affect the required maintenance.
Energy efficiency and production capacity
These are two other, closely related elements that influence operational performance and operating costs.
Indeed, the model chosen must both maximize the flow of product handled and minimize the energy consumed. The speed of the conveyor must also adapt to the product’s own characteristics.
The most commonly used transport systems in pet food
There are currently several types of transport systems available in the pet food market.
Each of these has its own specificities. These include:
- Tubular chain conveyor
- Pallet conveyor
- Pendulum Bucket Elevator
- Bucket elevator
- Redler
Within a pet food production plant normally different models coexist, each of which meets different handling needs.
Tubular chain conveyor
The chain conveyor is a system widely used in many industries, including pet food. It ensures the gentle and low-speed handling of bulk products through complex paths and adapting to different inclinations.
Its versatility allows it to adapt to both vertical and horizontal stretches with bends up to 90°.
The modular size and low power consumption make it an extremely popular option.
MIAL tubular chain conveyors provide significant savings in energy consumption compared with conventional systems.
Precise and constant product flow rate and various types of discharge hoppers equipped with stepless damper valves prevent product breakage.
In line with customer needs, there are four models that differ in pipe diameter and production capacity.
It goes from a diam. pipe equal to 60 mm and Production capacity 2 m3/hour up to a diam. of 204 mm pipe and a production capacity of 60 m3/hour.
Paddle Drag Conveyor
Paddle Conveyor, finds application in the handling of granular products in a horizontal or inclined position, up to a maximum slope of 45°.
MIAL Paddle conveyors can be made in different models, adapting to customer needs.
Made of 304 stainless steel or painted steel, they ensure high hygienic standards and low maintenance.
Pendulum Bucket Elevator
The Pendulum Bucket Elevator ensures the gentle and steady handling of many bulk products including pet food. A single conveyor that moves product in horizontal and vertical positions ensuring safety and versatility.
The cups, positioned equidistantly along the chain, gently unload the product that falls by gravity toward the discharge hopper. This ensures the preservation of the product.
MIAL bucket elevators are made of AISI 304 stainless steel and available in different configurations and models so they can adapt to different customer needs.
Bucket elevator
The Bucket Elevator is one of the most widely used systems for vertical transport of bulk products such as kibble or other granular products.
In fact, it ensures space optimization and gentle transportation of the product. The enclosed design and high handling capacity of up to 100 tons/hour make it a viable option.
It is particularly popular in those plants that are developed vertically, allowing different sections of the production line to be connected. For example, for handling raw materials from the raw material receiving hopper to the storage stage. Before the formation of the kibble.
Due to its flexibility and modularity, it can be configured with different heights and angles.
The MIAL bucket conveyor is made of AISI 304 stainless steel, is FDA compliant, and is available in 9 different sizes so it can be adapted to customer needs.
Redler
Another conveyor system is the Redler chain conveyor. It is designed to transport granular products.
It uses chains with pallets to move product within an enclosed structure so as to avoid contamination and leakage.
Designed to minimize product breakage and ensure high efficiency over long distances.
Why choose MIAL
Mial has been in the pet food and transportation system manufacturing business for 50 years.
Choosing MIAL means trusting a solid company that designs, manufactures and installs complete pet food production plants.
Each machine is designed, manufactured and assembled in-house. We support the customer from the creation of a customized project to after-sales service.
A company that operates internationally and makes turnkey plant construction its core business.
