MechChem Africa March-April 2022

The challenge of chains operating in the ice cream industry is overcome by the use of materials, both metallic and plastic, suitable for extremely cold temperatures, down to -40 °C.

Industrial conveyor chain for special

BMG’s comprehensive range of power transmission components incorporates ZMC industrial conveyor chains that offer dependable service in diverse applications, especially for use in food production. “B MG’sZMCconveyor solutions for the food and beverage sector extend from the pro- cessing of raw ingredients to

and uniformity of length. This prevents product waste by per- fectly aligning dual strand conveying systems. The main applications for ZMC Stainless Steel conveyor chains in the agri-food industry are in machines used to select fruit and vegetables according to size and weight and for processing and packaging products. Bakery proofers are an integral part of the industrial process to produce numerous bakery products, including bread, crackers, breadsticks, rusks, pizza, biscuits and sweets. Depending on the size and characteristics of the product and specific performance requirements, the proofer can be developed in variousways, using vertical and horizontal stainless steel conveyors to carry the trays, baking tins or slats, onwhich the products to be leavened are carried. Fundamental parameters for the design of these system include speed, transported load, temperature and other environmental conditions, as well as scheduled mainte- nance. With the choice of various materials, including stainless steels of various types, heat treatments, coatings and special com-

which are manufactured in Italy to stringent quality specifications and are available from BMG in a wide range of dimensions, me- chanical characteristics and geometry. These metric and imperial chains are available with solid, hollowor extended pins, with bushings, rollers or bearings mounted at the centre of the links, or with holes in the links, which are specially designed for the subsequent assem- bly of the necessary components. BMG also supplies sprockets, with or without a hub, for each type of chain. The range of ZMC chains for special appli- cations – particularly for the food, beverage, packaging and pharmaceutical sectors – is manufacturedwith the appropriate combina- tion of materials, heat treatments, surface coatings, geometry and precise dimensions to cope efficiently with complex challenges. BMG specialists advise on suitable ma- terials and coatings for specific working conditions – load, speed, temperature, humidity and contact with process fluids or steam. The company also offers a measuring service, which makes it possible to assemble the chains on the systemby perfectlymatch- ing them, to ensure maximum precision

baking, bottle washing, packaging and safe distribution,” explainsGavinKirstein, Product Manager, BMG. “Our team of specialists ad- vises customers at food and beverage plants to invest only in conveyor components that are manufactured in food-compliant mate- rials – such stainless steel – for the highly- specialised and safety-critical applications in food manufacturing and preparation. “Advantages of stainless steel compo- nents include corrosion and thermal shock resistance, durability, resistance to power- ful cleaning detergents and the ability to withstand a wide temperature range – from cooking to freezing. What’s critical, is that food is unspoiled by non-toxic and easily cleaned stainless steel components. “Stainless steel chains are also recom- mended because this material has low mag- netic permeability and is highly resistant to both alkali and acidic environments.” The ZMC portfolio comprises standard chains and chains for special applications,

BMG’s ZMC bakery proofer chain is typically used for vertical and horizontal stainless steel conveyors carrying the trays, baking tins or slats.

14 ¦ MechChem Africa • March-April 2022