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Ken Ferguson In the overall body of a processing plant, conveyors are the veins that carry the lifeblood of the facility. For a conveyor to perform at the highest level of efficiency, it must be composed of the best parts. As it stands, a majority of food processing plants in the U.S. still use conventional gear motors in their conveyor systems. Meanwhile, technological advances have helped birth the next incarnation of this integral piece of equipment in the form of drum motors. Despite this, gear motors remain popular because they’re perceived as being more cost-efficient — up front, many gear motors cost only a fraction of the price of drum motors. But with drum motors being more hygienic, compact and energy-efficient, they actually save companies money in the long run. For food processing facilities looking to make the switch to drum motors, here are some factors to consider: Design Traditional gear motors tend to be bulky and have exposures and crevices in their design, allowing water to seep in and bacteria to thrive. To make these motors USDA compliant, drum motor manufacturers have sealed the motor, gearbox and bearings inside a stainless steel shell. A well-designed drum motor will already come enclosed in smooth casing that is conducive to hygiene and will require minimal maintenance. Materials are also a critical factor in equipment design. A plant’s equipment must be durable enough to withstand everyday exposure to products as well as routine sanitation programs. For example, stainless steel is popular among drum motor makers due in large part to its durability and resistance to corrosion. The best design will be compact in order to capitalize on a facility’s space. Traditional gear motors extend beyond the belt. Not only does this add to risk of exposure, but it also reduces the […]