Tube chain Conveyor Standard or Clean: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing a Standard or Clean tube chain conveyor means deciding how the product will be handled throughout the conveying process. This decision affects the amount of residue left inside the circuit, cleaning operations, the protection of fragile materials, and the initial investment.
Both versions operate on the same principle. A chain fitted with discs moves the product through a closed tube. However, they differ in chain construction, internal geometry, joints, bends, and the chain tensioning system.
The Standard version provides indicative capacities from 2 to 30 m³/h and is suitable when product fragility and cross-contamination are not major concerns. The Clean version provides indicative capacities from 12 to 58 m³/h and is designed for delicate products or processes that require more careful residue management.
Standard and Clean Tube chain Conveyor: Key Differences
The right configuration does not depend on capacity alone. It must also take into account product behaviour, the frequency of recipe changes, and the required level of cleanliness. The table below summarises the design differences described in MIAL’s technical documentation.
| Element | Standard | Clean |
|---|---|---|
| Discs | Overmoulded onto the chain | Bolted to the chain |
| Chain tensioning | Mechanical spring tensioning | Pneumatically controlled |
| Joints | Non-gasketed joints | Sealed joints |
| Bends | Nylon bends available | Rolled bends |
| Disc-to-tube clearance | Larger | Reduced to limit product build-up |
| Residue management | Suitable when residue is not critical | Designed for improved circuit emptying |
| Indicative applications | Malt, cereals, feed, herbs and spices | Fragile products or products requiring cross-contamination control |
When to Choose the Standard Tube chain Conveyor
The Standard version was developed to convey bulk materials over long distances with a simple design. It is the more cost-effective choice when the product is not particularly prone to breakage and residue from the previous cycle does not affect the next production run.
This configuration is particularly suitable when:
- the product has good mechanical strength;
- product changeovers are infrequent;
- cross-contamination is not a critical process issue;
- thorough emptying of the circuit is not required;
- the aim is to cover long conveying distances while keeping the investment under control.
Compatible products include malt, cereals, animal feed, certain herbs, spices, and legumes. For herbs, spices, and legumes, this choice remains suitable only when residue from the previously conveyed product does not create issues.
When to Choose the Clean Tube chain Conveyor
The Clean version is designed for processes where product fragility, residues, and cross-contamination require greater control. The reduced clearance between the disc and the inner tube wall limits the areas where product can build up. Rolled bends maintain a more consistent clearance along the conveying route.
Bolted discs, sealed joints, and pneumatic tensioning complete a configuration designed to facilitate product handling and circuit emptying. The Clean version is particularly suitable when:
- the product is delicate or fragile;
- the line handles different recipes or materials;
- residue must be limited at the end of the cycle;
- cross-contamination represents a risk;
- cleaning and inspection affect production continuity.
This configuration is recommended for pet food, legumes, and other delicate products. It may also be suitable for cereals and chemical products when material changeovers or process requirements demand greater attention to residue management.
Which Configuration Should You Choose for Each Product?
The table below provides an initial guideline. The final choice always requires product testing and layout verification.
| Product or Condition | Initial Recommendation | Key Selection Criterion |
|---|---|---|
| Malt and cereals | Standard | Choose Clean if product changeovers make residue a critical issue. |
| Animal feed | Standard | Consider product shape, fragility, and the frequency of recipe changeovers. |
| Herbs and spices | Standard | Suitable only when residue from the previous product is acceptable. |
| Legumes | Clean | Standard may be suitable for robust products with no cross-contamination concerns. |
| Pet food | Clean | Product protection and residue reduction. |
| Chemical products | Clean | Material compatibility and contamination control. |
Questions to Ask Before Making a Choice
Before defining the configuration, the technical department should gather some essential information:
- What hourly capacity is required?
- Is the product fragile or prone to breakage?
- How often does the product or recipe change?
- Is there a risk of cross-contamination?
- What cleaning and inspection procedures are required?
- What are the length, elevation changes, and changes of direction along the conveying route?
These answers make it possible to compare the Standard and Clean versions based on the actual process. They help avoid both an insufficient configuration and an unnecessary investment.
Request the Right Configuration for Your Product
Send us your product characteristics, required capacity, conveying route, and cleaning requirements. Our technical department will assess the configuration best suited to your plant.
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