Overcoming Washdown and High-Torque Demands in Food Processing

PROBLEM
A major poultry processing plant in North Carolina faced a difficult challenge on its toughest application – a solid 90-degree transfer. As the conveyor separated whole birds from the main line, birds would bunch up at the 90-degree turn, drastically increasing the torque demand on the conveyor’s motor and speed reducer. Due to direct contact between the partially processed birds and the transfer line, the entire conveyor was also subject to rigorous washdown, adding even more strain. As a result of the high torque demands and frequent washdowns, the conveyor’s existing competitor speed reducer began to fail every other month.

SOLUTION
The facility maintenance manager contacted Boston Gear for help in solving the problem. To meet the challenging application, Boston Gear replaced the plant’s failing speed reducer with the Gen2 SS700. The Gen2 (2nd Generation) of Boston Gear’s SS700 series speed reducers package the fit-form-function of the original IP69K Rated stainless steel speed reducers with several key upgrades and improvements. Today, the customer reports zero issues with the new speed reducer. The Gen2 maintains its pristine and corrosion-free exterior. In just six months, the Gen2 increased operating life by 300%. The new design also incorporates features for quick and easy installation and maintenance.

WHY IT WORKS
The Gen2 SS700 meets the environmental challenges of this production facility with its improved Domed Crown™ Curved Design which eliminates virtually all pooling of fluids during washdown and reducing risk of contamination. The IP69K Rated, NSF Certified, speed reducer also offers useful features such as a larger output shaft bore to allow for a broader range of supported applications per model size, and field-installable shaft covers which further protect against potential contamination or injury by covering potential food traps and rotating elements. Internally, power is reliably transmitted through durable worm gearsets that can be lubricated with a plant standardized food grade (PAG or PAO) oil without concern of mixing types.

CONCLUSION
Incorporating the Gen2 SS700 into operations, the poultry processing plant has achieved better uptime while substantially lowering the total cost of ownership for their gearboxes.