How to select conveyor belts in food processing industry

When selecting mesh belt materials for the food processing industry, multiple factors need to be taken into account comprehensively. The following are specific key selection points:

• Stainless Steel Materials

SUS304: It features excellent corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance. It can withstand corrosive substances in most food processing environments, such as grease, acids and alkalis. It is also applicable to processes like high-temperature baking and steaming, making it one of the most commonly used mesh belt materials in the food processing industry.

SUS316L: With additional nickel and molybdenum elements compared to SUS304, it delivers superior corrosion resistance. Especially in environments containing chloride ions, it has better resistance to pitting corrosion and crevice corrosion. It is suitable for food processing scenarios with higher corrosion resistance requirements, such as seafood processing and dairy product processing.

Carbon Steel Material

It boasts high strength and strong load-bearing capacity, able to bear heavy food weight and large impact force. However, it has poor corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance. It is generally applied to food processing links with low requirements for corrosion and high temperature resistance, and is widely used in biscuit baking.

Teflon Material

It has outstanding high temperature resistance and non-stick performance, and can be used long-term at a high temperature of 260℃. Food will not stick to the mesh belt during transportation, facilitating cleaning and maintenance. It can effectively improve production efficiency and food quality, and is commonly used in food baking, frying and other processes.

In addition to material selection, the following aspects also need attention when choosing mesh belts for the food processing industry:

• Clarify Usage Requirements and Application Scenarios

It is necessary to understand the specific food processing techniques, such as high-temperature baking, low-temperature freezing, frying and water washing. Different techniques impose varying requirements on the mesh belt's high temperature resistance, low temperature resistance, oil resistance and corrosion resistance.

Select the appropriate mesh belt type and structure according to the type and form of food, such as pastries, biscuits, fruits and vegetables, and meat, to meet the requirements of stability and air permeability during food transportation. For example, SR spiral tower mesh belts without mesh surface can be used for bread cooling, while eye-link mesh belts with small mesh holes are required for nut frying.

• Mesh Belt Structure

Common structures of food processing mesh belts include chain mesh belts, herringbone mesh belts, spiral tower mesh belts, and baffle edge mesh belts. Chain mesh belts are suitable for conveying medium-load items; spiral mesh belts can be used in turning occasions such as quick-freezing equipment; baffle edge mesh belts can prevent material slipping.

• Mesh Belt Specifications

Mesh opening size: Select the appropriate mesh hole size based on the size of conveyed items and ventilation requirements to prevent food from falling off or affecting processing results.

Mesh belt width: Determine the width according to the width and conveying volume of materials, ensuring the mesh belt meets conveying demands and matches the size of conveying equipment.

Wire diameter: The thickness of the wire diameter affects the strength and load-bearing capacity of the mesh belt. Mesh belts with thicker wire diameters should be selected for occasions with high load-bearing requirements.

Surface Treatment

Metal mesh belts are generally degreased before leaving the factory, and pickling treatment is carried out when necessary to achieve the expected conveying effect and hygiene standards.

Surface smoothness is also crucial. Mesh belts with a smooth and burr-free surface should be selected to avoid scratching food or accumulation of food residues.

• Cleaning and Maintenance

Due to the high hygiene requirements of food production, mesh belts must be easy to clean, effectively prevent the accumulation of food residues and avoid cross-contamination.

Consider the maintenance convenience of the mesh belt for regular inspection, replacement and maintenance to ensure long-term stable operation.

• Cost and Benefit

Comprehensively consider factors such as the price, service life and maintenance cost of mesh belts to select products with high cost performance. Meanwhile, pay attention to its impact on production efficiency and product quality. In the long run, high-performance mesh belts may be more economical.