A cool(ing) choice for chocolate
From airport luggage to hot bakery pans, Sparks conveyor belts move products through miles of manufacturing and distribution steps. Just as important as the right grip, strength and endurance is the belt's ability to handle temperature extremes, acids and oils created during each process along the way.
Moving donuts through a cooling tunnel became a sticky situation for one important donut manufacturer. The chocolate on the chocolate donuts was holding fast to the conveyor belt on the cooling tunnels, causing product damage. After our competitor installed a different belt, the chocolate release improved, but the belts still could not be scraped. After each shift, the line had to shut down so the belt could be cleaned by hand.
Experts from the conveyor belt business at Sparks were brought in for consultation. They recommended and installed the new Ultra Kool I R belt, with a urethane/silicone cover that can be scraped easily for quick turnaround. Measuring more than 4 feet wide and 8.5 feet long, the Sparks belt provided "the best (release) we've ever had," according to our happy new customer. Instead of changing conveyor belts every three weeks, the Sparks belt looked almost new after almost six weeks of use. That's twice as long!
Since then, Sparks installed a second belt, and there are plans to use the Sparks Ultra Kool I R belt on the remaining three tunnels when replacements are required.
About Sparks
Sparks Belting Company is a national conveyor belt and pulley manufacturer headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, six branch locations throughout the United States and one branch in Monterrey, Mexico. Sparks is a recognized leader in package handling, food products, agricultural, bakery, construction and building materials conveyor applications. For information, go to www.sparksbelting.com, or call 1-800-451-4537.