CA2315928A1 - Continuous conveyor cleaning system - Google Patents
Continuous conveyor cleaning system Download PDFInfo
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- CA2315928A1 CA2315928A1 CA 2315928 CA2315928A CA2315928A1 CA 2315928 A1 CA2315928 A1 CA 2315928A1 CA 2315928 CA2315928 CA 2315928 CA 2315928 A CA2315928 A CA 2315928A CA 2315928 A1 CA2315928 A1 CA 2315928A1
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- conveyor
- liquid
- spray head
- housing
- spray
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Abstract
A conveyor continuous cleaning system removes carryover associated with food processing. A conveyor passes through a housing having a reciprocating wash system and a dryer station. The housing being equipped with a vent and a liquid collection drain.
Description
CONTINUOUS CONVEYOR CLEANING SYSTEM
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/148,545 filed August 12, 1999, and a U.S. Provisional Application (serial number unknown) filed July 19, 2000 via Express Mail Label No. EL616942017US, and are hereby incorporated by reference.
The present invention pertains to conveyor belt cleaning mechanisms and in particular to degreasing microwave tunnel oven conveyors used in food preparation.
Conveyors are regularly used in industrial, commercial and food processing settings to transport articles among processing stations. In the process, a conveyor quickly becomes encrusted with spillage and debris. A
dirty conveyor functions less efficiently owing to undesirable adherence of articles thereto and sanitary concerns. Conveyor sanitation is of particular concern in institutional settings where the conveyor is used in connection with the preparation of food.
Tunnel convection and microwave ovens are common to institutional kitchens for the large scale preparation of food. The cooking of meat causes fat and grease to be rendered from the meat and onto the underlying supporting conveyor. The removal of grease from the conveyor is necessary to maintain the longevity of the conveyor, maintain the taste and healthfulness of the meat, and minimize the risk of fire.
Such conveyors typically include a fabric, plastic, or metallic continuous or modular belt trained around a roller and/or plastic sprocket at S one end and a motor driven roller at the other end. For microwave applications, the conveyor belt is constructed of polypropylene, polysulfone and acrylics. While attempts have been made to include a cleaning stage on conveyors coated with food debris, for example U.S. Patent 4,226,325, such systems are not particularly effective in degreasing a conveyor belt.
Alternatively, liquid solutions have been applied to the underside of a conveyor belt as a cleaning solution followed by squeegeeing to wring excess water from the conveyor, for example U.S. Patent 4,073,376. Cleaning systems such as this are considerably less effective when the conveyor web is formed of a rigid polymeric or metallic material. Further, the roller action tends to embrittle a more rigid conveyor web.
U.S. Patent 1,793,246 uses a combination of water spray followed by air drying to remove cementitious or particulate matter from a conveyor.
However, the removal of hydrophobic animal fat and tallow requires more exacting spray and drying conditions than those disclosed therein. Thus, there exists a need for a conveyor continuous cleaning system specifically adapted for continuous degreasing in commercial and institutional food preparation settings.
A conveyor continuous cleaning system includes a spray head directing a liquid onto a conveyor, an air knife impinges on the conveyor with a gas flow in order to remove liquid from the conveyor. The spray head and the air knife being mounted within a housing that adjoins a portion of the conveyor.
A conveyor continuous cleaning system in another embodiment includes a spray head directing a first liquid onto a conveyor, a roller engaging the conveyor so as to flex the conveyor to expose conveyor hinge portions. A
spray manifold directs a second liquid onto the conveyor hinge portion. An air knife impinges on the conveyor with a gas stream to dry the conveyor. A
housing mounts the spray head, spray manifold and air knife and adjoins a portion of the conveyor. The method according to the present invention degreases an oven conveyor and/or regular modular belt conveyor through spraying a liquid onto the conveyor to form a grease/liquid mixture, collecting the grease/liquid mixture away from said conveyor, and impinging on the conveyor with a gas stream to dry the conveyor prior to reentering the oven cavity.
Figure 1 is a schematic longitudinal vertical view of an embodiment according to the present invention having a hinge cleaning capability; and Figure 2 is a schematic longitudinal vertical view of another embodiment of the present invention.
The present invention is a conveyor continuous cleaning system designed to remove grease from modular conveyor belting. The grease typically resulting from cooking of meat in a microwave, flame or convection tunnel oven. Metal belting used for flame or convection tunnel ovens illustratively includes stainless steel and aluminum. Conveyor belting operative within the present invention for microwave tunnel ovens illustratively includes LEXAN (Du Pont), polysulfone, acrylics and more specifically conveyor belting known commercially as Intralox Series 800 Flush Grid and Raised Rib, K.V.P. H.D.S. Series F-51,52 Telk filled conveyor belt.
The construction of this invention, as shown in Figure 1, includes an endless belt conveyor 2 constructed of a belting material as detailed above.
The belt conveyor 2 is trained around a drive roller 4 and a freely rotatable roller 6. The belt conveyor 2 has a top side 2T. Articles such as raw meat products are placed at one end of the top side 2T and drawn therealong through a processing zone generically shown at P. The processing zone P illustratively includes an oven, such as a microwave or convection; packaging station;
quality control check or the like. After an article has transversed the length of the top portion 2T, the article falls away from the belt conveyor 2. It is appreciated that the direction of rotation and the relative position of the rollers 4 and 6 are optionally reversed. The belt conveyor 2 has a bottom portion 2B
which retains carryover associated with the article. The carryover illustratively including grease, bacteria, moisture, debris and spillage. The conveyor bottom side ZB enters a housing 10 having a wash system 12. Preferably, the wash system 12 is reciprocating so as to sweep the conveyor width. The reciprocating wash system directs a liquid spray onto the conveyor belt 2 in order to remove attached carryover. Preferably, both inner and outer surfaces of bottom portion 2B are exposed to the washing system. The wash system solvent is preferably water heated to at least 40°C. More preferably, the liquid is heated to between 60 and 95°C. Optionally, adjuvants such as sanitizers and surfactants are mixed into the wash system spray. Sanitizers are provided to maintain hygienic processing conditions over time. Surfactants are optionally included to promote dissolution and removal of fat and debris from the conveyor 2. It is appreciated that a clean water spray (not shown) succeeds the wash system 12 when adjuvant residue on a conveyor is incompatible with subsequent article contact.
Preferably, wash system 12 includes at least one spray head for directing liquid spray onto the inner surface of the conveyor 2 and at least one spray head 14' for directing liquid spray onto the outer surface of the conveyor bottom side ~2B. More preferably, the liquid spray emanating from the spray heads 14 and 14' is at a pressure of between about 1000 and 3000 pounds per square inch (psi). Spray head pressure between 1500 and 2500 psi is most preferred. The conveyor bottom side 2B rides between, and is held in position by, a series of fixed tubes 26. The following description in regard to spray head 14 is equally applicable to spray head 14' and components relating to spray head 14' are denoted as primes of figure reference numbers. The spray head 14 contains a nozzle 16 for shaping the liquid spray and further increasing the pressure thereof. The spray head 14 is coupled to a pressurizing pump 18 and a liquid supply reservoir (not shown). The pressure of liquid exiting the nozzle 16 is dictated by factors including conveyor belt speed, liquid S temperature and the quantity of grease per unit area of belt conveyor.
Preferably, the spray head I4 is attached to at least two nozzles with liquid spray therefrom reciprocating back and forth to impart agitation. Similar to factors relevant in determining liquid spray pressure, reciprocating spray head speeds are dictated by factors including belt width, conveyor belt speed and the quantity of grease per unit area of conveyor. Reciprocating motion of a spray head 14 is controlled by a series of round Thompson shafts 20 that guide a water jet block 22 back and forth in a reciprocating manner on a rodless air cylinder 24.
The nozzles 16 are affixed to the water jet block 22. The reciprocating motion of the spray head 14 is dictated by water jet block 22 at the end of its travel intersecting a light beam (not shown) which thereby triggers a PLC
(Programmed Logic Control). Thus, the direction of the air cylinder is switched to impart a reciprocating liquid spray.
The housing 10 is fitted with a vent stack 30 through which liquid ?0 vapor escapes the continuous cleaning housing of the present invention.
Additionally, housing 10 includes a sanitary drain 32 from which a grease/liquid mixture exits the liquid spray chamber 12. Optionally, a grease/
liquid refuse reclamation reservoir (not shown) is coupled to the present invention.
After the conveyor bottom portion ZB exits the washing system 12, that portion of conveyor bottom side 2B enters a hinge cleaning system 52 that flexes the conveyor portion 2B between a fixed tube 126 and a roller 57 in order to expose hinge portions of the conveyor 2. The roller 57 illustratively being a sprocket or pulley mounted on a rotatable shaft 59. In a region where a hinge portion is exposed, a manifold projects a liquid spray onto a conveyor surface. Preferably, a first manifold 51 spray cleans the inner conveyor hinge surfaces and a second manifold 53 spray cleans the outer conveyor hinge surfaces. A manifold is located where the hinge region of a conveyor surface 2B is exposed. The liquid spray pressure exiting a manifold according to the present invention is between about 1,500 and 6,000 psi. Preferably, manifold spray pressure is between 1,500 and 6,000 psi. Preferably, the liquid spray for the manifold is the same composition as the liquid spray utilized in the wash system 12. More preferably, the liquid spray discharged from a manifold and a reciprocating wash system according to the present invention comes from the same reservoir or source. The hinge cleaning system 52 has a trailing fixed tube 226 adapted to realign the conveyor bottom portion 2B. Thereafter, the conveyor bottom portion 2B enters a drying chamber 72. The drying chamber 72 contains at least one air knife 74 that impinges on the belt conveyor bottom portion 2B with a gas llow in order to remove liquid. The drying chamber 72 is also coupled to the vent stack 30 for the removal of gas and vapor, and the sanitary drain 32 for removal of grease/liquid mixture. Fixed tubes 326 guide conveyor bottom portion 2B from the housing 10. Thus, the belt conveyor 2 upon leaving the drying chamber 72 of the present invention housing 10 is dry and free of carryover.
Optionally, partitions (not shown) compartmentalize the various washing and drying regions of a housing according to the present invention.
Factors relevant in inclusion of partitions illustratively include housing path length, spray aerosol residence time, spray pressure, and spray temperature.
The continuous conveyor cleaning system of the present invention is designed to operate in either automatic or manual mode. Preferably, all mounts and fixtures are constructed of food grade stainless steel with motors and pumps being positioned external to the housing 10 to facilitate cleanliness and maintenance. Preferably, for food processing applications, invention components contacting the belt conveyor 2 are constructed of food grade materials such as 304 stainless steel. The housing 10 is skinned with polished stainless steel for sanitary purposes. Preferably, fittings are welded into the sides of the housing I O for ease of connection.
Another embodiment of the present invention particularly well suited for cleaning a seamless belt conveyor is shown in Figure 2. A housing 100 of Figure 2 replaces housing 10 of Figure 1. The conveyor bottom side 2B enters a housing 100 including a liquid spray chamber 120. The liquid spray chamber 120 includes a spray head for directing pressurized fluid onto the conveyor bottom portion 2B. A spray head 140 sprays a surface of the conveyor bottom side 2B with liquid. The spray head 140 and related components of Figure 2 are the same as those detailed with respect to spray head 14 of Figure 1.
The liquid spray chamber 120 is fitted with a vent stack 300 through which liquid vapor escapes the continuous cleaning housing 100 of the present invention. Additionally, liquid spray housing 120 includes a sanitary drain from which grease carrying liquid exits the liquid spray chamber 120.
Optionally, a liquid waste reclamation reservoir (not shown) is coupled to the present invention.
After the conveyor belt bottom portion 2B exits the liquid spray chamber 120, that conveyor bottom side portion 2B enters a drying chamber 340. The drying chamber 340 contains an air knife 74 that impinges on the belt conveyor with a gas flow to remove liquid. The drying chamber 340 is coupled to the vent 300 for removal of gas and vapor. The sanitary drain 320 is in fluid communication with the drying chamber 340 for grease/liquid removal.
Thus, the conveyor 2 upon leaving housing 100 according to the present invention is dry and free of grease and debris.
The patents cited herein are indicative of the state of the art. Each patent cited herein is intended to be incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each patent was individually and fully incorporated by reference.
The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner and it is to be understood not to be a limitation on the invention as defined in the appended claims. It is appreciated that various modifications will be apparent to one skilled in the art of the present invention in light of the description herein. These modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/148,545 filed August 12, 1999, and a U.S. Provisional Application (serial number unknown) filed July 19, 2000 via Express Mail Label No. EL616942017US, and are hereby incorporated by reference.
The present invention pertains to conveyor belt cleaning mechanisms and in particular to degreasing microwave tunnel oven conveyors used in food preparation.
Conveyors are regularly used in industrial, commercial and food processing settings to transport articles among processing stations. In the process, a conveyor quickly becomes encrusted with spillage and debris. A
dirty conveyor functions less efficiently owing to undesirable adherence of articles thereto and sanitary concerns. Conveyor sanitation is of particular concern in institutional settings where the conveyor is used in connection with the preparation of food.
Tunnel convection and microwave ovens are common to institutional kitchens for the large scale preparation of food. The cooking of meat causes fat and grease to be rendered from the meat and onto the underlying supporting conveyor. The removal of grease from the conveyor is necessary to maintain the longevity of the conveyor, maintain the taste and healthfulness of the meat, and minimize the risk of fire.
Such conveyors typically include a fabric, plastic, or metallic continuous or modular belt trained around a roller and/or plastic sprocket at S one end and a motor driven roller at the other end. For microwave applications, the conveyor belt is constructed of polypropylene, polysulfone and acrylics. While attempts have been made to include a cleaning stage on conveyors coated with food debris, for example U.S. Patent 4,226,325, such systems are not particularly effective in degreasing a conveyor belt.
Alternatively, liquid solutions have been applied to the underside of a conveyor belt as a cleaning solution followed by squeegeeing to wring excess water from the conveyor, for example U.S. Patent 4,073,376. Cleaning systems such as this are considerably less effective when the conveyor web is formed of a rigid polymeric or metallic material. Further, the roller action tends to embrittle a more rigid conveyor web.
U.S. Patent 1,793,246 uses a combination of water spray followed by air drying to remove cementitious or particulate matter from a conveyor.
However, the removal of hydrophobic animal fat and tallow requires more exacting spray and drying conditions than those disclosed therein. Thus, there exists a need for a conveyor continuous cleaning system specifically adapted for continuous degreasing in commercial and institutional food preparation settings.
A conveyor continuous cleaning system includes a spray head directing a liquid onto a conveyor, an air knife impinges on the conveyor with a gas flow in order to remove liquid from the conveyor. The spray head and the air knife being mounted within a housing that adjoins a portion of the conveyor.
A conveyor continuous cleaning system in another embodiment includes a spray head directing a first liquid onto a conveyor, a roller engaging the conveyor so as to flex the conveyor to expose conveyor hinge portions. A
spray manifold directs a second liquid onto the conveyor hinge portion. An air knife impinges on the conveyor with a gas stream to dry the conveyor. A
housing mounts the spray head, spray manifold and air knife and adjoins a portion of the conveyor. The method according to the present invention degreases an oven conveyor and/or regular modular belt conveyor through spraying a liquid onto the conveyor to form a grease/liquid mixture, collecting the grease/liquid mixture away from said conveyor, and impinging on the conveyor with a gas stream to dry the conveyor prior to reentering the oven cavity.
Figure 1 is a schematic longitudinal vertical view of an embodiment according to the present invention having a hinge cleaning capability; and Figure 2 is a schematic longitudinal vertical view of another embodiment of the present invention.
The present invention is a conveyor continuous cleaning system designed to remove grease from modular conveyor belting. The grease typically resulting from cooking of meat in a microwave, flame or convection tunnel oven. Metal belting used for flame or convection tunnel ovens illustratively includes stainless steel and aluminum. Conveyor belting operative within the present invention for microwave tunnel ovens illustratively includes LEXAN (Du Pont), polysulfone, acrylics and more specifically conveyor belting known commercially as Intralox Series 800 Flush Grid and Raised Rib, K.V.P. H.D.S. Series F-51,52 Telk filled conveyor belt.
The construction of this invention, as shown in Figure 1, includes an endless belt conveyor 2 constructed of a belting material as detailed above.
The belt conveyor 2 is trained around a drive roller 4 and a freely rotatable roller 6. The belt conveyor 2 has a top side 2T. Articles such as raw meat products are placed at one end of the top side 2T and drawn therealong through a processing zone generically shown at P. The processing zone P illustratively includes an oven, such as a microwave or convection; packaging station;
quality control check or the like. After an article has transversed the length of the top portion 2T, the article falls away from the belt conveyor 2. It is appreciated that the direction of rotation and the relative position of the rollers 4 and 6 are optionally reversed. The belt conveyor 2 has a bottom portion 2B
which retains carryover associated with the article. The carryover illustratively including grease, bacteria, moisture, debris and spillage. The conveyor bottom side ZB enters a housing 10 having a wash system 12. Preferably, the wash system 12 is reciprocating so as to sweep the conveyor width. The reciprocating wash system directs a liquid spray onto the conveyor belt 2 in order to remove attached carryover. Preferably, both inner and outer surfaces of bottom portion 2B are exposed to the washing system. The wash system solvent is preferably water heated to at least 40°C. More preferably, the liquid is heated to between 60 and 95°C. Optionally, adjuvants such as sanitizers and surfactants are mixed into the wash system spray. Sanitizers are provided to maintain hygienic processing conditions over time. Surfactants are optionally included to promote dissolution and removal of fat and debris from the conveyor 2. It is appreciated that a clean water spray (not shown) succeeds the wash system 12 when adjuvant residue on a conveyor is incompatible with subsequent article contact.
Preferably, wash system 12 includes at least one spray head for directing liquid spray onto the inner surface of the conveyor 2 and at least one spray head 14' for directing liquid spray onto the outer surface of the conveyor bottom side ~2B. More preferably, the liquid spray emanating from the spray heads 14 and 14' is at a pressure of between about 1000 and 3000 pounds per square inch (psi). Spray head pressure between 1500 and 2500 psi is most preferred. The conveyor bottom side 2B rides between, and is held in position by, a series of fixed tubes 26. The following description in regard to spray head 14 is equally applicable to spray head 14' and components relating to spray head 14' are denoted as primes of figure reference numbers. The spray head 14 contains a nozzle 16 for shaping the liquid spray and further increasing the pressure thereof. The spray head 14 is coupled to a pressurizing pump 18 and a liquid supply reservoir (not shown). The pressure of liquid exiting the nozzle 16 is dictated by factors including conveyor belt speed, liquid S temperature and the quantity of grease per unit area of belt conveyor.
Preferably, the spray head I4 is attached to at least two nozzles with liquid spray therefrom reciprocating back and forth to impart agitation. Similar to factors relevant in determining liquid spray pressure, reciprocating spray head speeds are dictated by factors including belt width, conveyor belt speed and the quantity of grease per unit area of conveyor. Reciprocating motion of a spray head 14 is controlled by a series of round Thompson shafts 20 that guide a water jet block 22 back and forth in a reciprocating manner on a rodless air cylinder 24.
The nozzles 16 are affixed to the water jet block 22. The reciprocating motion of the spray head 14 is dictated by water jet block 22 at the end of its travel intersecting a light beam (not shown) which thereby triggers a PLC
(Programmed Logic Control). Thus, the direction of the air cylinder is switched to impart a reciprocating liquid spray.
The housing 10 is fitted with a vent stack 30 through which liquid ?0 vapor escapes the continuous cleaning housing of the present invention.
Additionally, housing 10 includes a sanitary drain 32 from which a grease/liquid mixture exits the liquid spray chamber 12. Optionally, a grease/
liquid refuse reclamation reservoir (not shown) is coupled to the present invention.
After the conveyor bottom portion ZB exits the washing system 12, that portion of conveyor bottom side 2B enters a hinge cleaning system 52 that flexes the conveyor portion 2B between a fixed tube 126 and a roller 57 in order to expose hinge portions of the conveyor 2. The roller 57 illustratively being a sprocket or pulley mounted on a rotatable shaft 59. In a region where a hinge portion is exposed, a manifold projects a liquid spray onto a conveyor surface. Preferably, a first manifold 51 spray cleans the inner conveyor hinge surfaces and a second manifold 53 spray cleans the outer conveyor hinge surfaces. A manifold is located where the hinge region of a conveyor surface 2B is exposed. The liquid spray pressure exiting a manifold according to the present invention is between about 1,500 and 6,000 psi. Preferably, manifold spray pressure is between 1,500 and 6,000 psi. Preferably, the liquid spray for the manifold is the same composition as the liquid spray utilized in the wash system 12. More preferably, the liquid spray discharged from a manifold and a reciprocating wash system according to the present invention comes from the same reservoir or source. The hinge cleaning system 52 has a trailing fixed tube 226 adapted to realign the conveyor bottom portion 2B. Thereafter, the conveyor bottom portion 2B enters a drying chamber 72. The drying chamber 72 contains at least one air knife 74 that impinges on the belt conveyor bottom portion 2B with a gas llow in order to remove liquid. The drying chamber 72 is also coupled to the vent stack 30 for the removal of gas and vapor, and the sanitary drain 32 for removal of grease/liquid mixture. Fixed tubes 326 guide conveyor bottom portion 2B from the housing 10. Thus, the belt conveyor 2 upon leaving the drying chamber 72 of the present invention housing 10 is dry and free of carryover.
Optionally, partitions (not shown) compartmentalize the various washing and drying regions of a housing according to the present invention.
Factors relevant in inclusion of partitions illustratively include housing path length, spray aerosol residence time, spray pressure, and spray temperature.
The continuous conveyor cleaning system of the present invention is designed to operate in either automatic or manual mode. Preferably, all mounts and fixtures are constructed of food grade stainless steel with motors and pumps being positioned external to the housing 10 to facilitate cleanliness and maintenance. Preferably, for food processing applications, invention components contacting the belt conveyor 2 are constructed of food grade materials such as 304 stainless steel. The housing 10 is skinned with polished stainless steel for sanitary purposes. Preferably, fittings are welded into the sides of the housing I O for ease of connection.
Another embodiment of the present invention particularly well suited for cleaning a seamless belt conveyor is shown in Figure 2. A housing 100 of Figure 2 replaces housing 10 of Figure 1. The conveyor bottom side 2B enters a housing 100 including a liquid spray chamber 120. The liquid spray chamber 120 includes a spray head for directing pressurized fluid onto the conveyor bottom portion 2B. A spray head 140 sprays a surface of the conveyor bottom side 2B with liquid. The spray head 140 and related components of Figure 2 are the same as those detailed with respect to spray head 14 of Figure 1.
The liquid spray chamber 120 is fitted with a vent stack 300 through which liquid vapor escapes the continuous cleaning housing 100 of the present invention. Additionally, liquid spray housing 120 includes a sanitary drain from which grease carrying liquid exits the liquid spray chamber 120.
Optionally, a liquid waste reclamation reservoir (not shown) is coupled to the present invention.
After the conveyor belt bottom portion 2B exits the liquid spray chamber 120, that conveyor bottom side portion 2B enters a drying chamber 340. The drying chamber 340 contains an air knife 74 that impinges on the belt conveyor with a gas flow to remove liquid. The drying chamber 340 is coupled to the vent 300 for removal of gas and vapor. The sanitary drain 320 is in fluid communication with the drying chamber 340 for grease/liquid removal.
Thus, the conveyor 2 upon leaving housing 100 according to the present invention is dry and free of grease and debris.
The patents cited herein are indicative of the state of the art. Each patent cited herein is intended to be incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each patent was individually and fully incorporated by reference.
The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner and it is to be understood not to be a limitation on the invention as defined in the appended claims. It is appreciated that various modifications will be apparent to one skilled in the art of the present invention in light of the description herein. These modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (24)
1. A conveyor continuous cleaning system comprising:
a spray head directing a liquid onto a conveyor;
an air knife impinging on said conveyor with a gas flow in order to remove said liquid from said conveyor; and a housing adapted to mount said spray head and said air knife wherein said housing adjoins a portion of said conveyor.
a spray head directing a liquid onto a conveyor;
an air knife impinging on said conveyor with a gas flow in order to remove said liquid from said conveyor; and a housing adapted to mount said spray head and said air knife wherein said housing adjoins a portion of said conveyor.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said spray head is reciprocating.
3. The system of claim 1 further comprising a vent stack through which vapor from said liquid exits said housing.
4. The system of claim 1 further comprising a second spray head directed onto a second planar surface of said conveyor.
5. The system of claim 1 further comprising a sanitary drain through which said liquid exits said housing.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein said liquid is water heated to a temperature of at least 40°C.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein said water further comprises an adjuvant selected from the group consisting of a sanitizer and a surfactant.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein said spray head has a pressure of between 1500 and 2500 pounds per square inch.
9. The system of claim 1 further comprising a partition in said housing between said spray head and said air knife.
10. A conveyor continuous cleaning system comprising:
a spray head directing a first liquid onto a conveyor;
a roller engaging said conveyor wherein said roller is adapted to flex said conveyor so as to expose a conveyor hinge portion;
a spray manifold directing a second liquid onto the conveyor hinge portion;
an air knife impinging on said conveyor with a gas flow in order to remove said liquid from said conveyor; and a housing adapted to mount said spray head and said air knife wherein said housing adjoins a portion of said conveyor.
a spray head directing a first liquid onto a conveyor;
a roller engaging said conveyor wherein said roller is adapted to flex said conveyor so as to expose a conveyor hinge portion;
a spray manifold directing a second liquid onto the conveyor hinge portion;
an air knife impinging on said conveyor with a gas flow in order to remove said liquid from said conveyor; and a housing adapted to mount said spray head and said air knife wherein said housing adjoins a portion of said conveyor.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein said spray head is reciprocating.
12 12. The system of claim 10 further comprising a vent stack through which vapor from said liquid exits said housing.
13. The system of claim 10 further comprising a second spray head directed onto a second planar surface of said conveyor.
14. The system of claim 10 further comprising a sanitary drain through which said liquid exits said housing.
15. The system of claim 10 wherein said liquid is water heated to a temperature of at least 40°C.
16. The system of claim 15 wherein said water further comprises an adjuvant selected from the group consisting of a sanitizer and a surfactant.
17. The system of claim 10 wherein said spray head has a pressure of between 1500 and 2500 pounds per square inch.
18. The system of claim 10 further comprising a partition in said housing between said spray head and said air knife.
19. A method of degreasing an oven conveyor comprising the steps of:
spraying a liquid onto said conveyor to form a grease-liquid mixture;
collecting said grease-liquid mixture below said conveyor; and impinging on said conveyor with a gas stream to dry said conveyor prior to reentering the oven cavity.
spraying a liquid onto said conveyor to form a grease-liquid mixture;
collecting said grease-liquid mixture below said conveyor; and impinging on said conveyor with a gas stream to dry said conveyor prior to reentering the oven cavity.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein spraying liquid occurs in a reciprocating manner.
21. The method of claim 19 further comprising the steps of sensing the extent of spraying and modifying the pressure of the liquid in response thereto.
22. The method of claim 19 further comprising the step of heating said liquid to greater than 40°C prior to spraying.
23. The method of claim 19 further comprising the steps of:
flexing said conveyor to expose a conveyor hinge portion; and directing a liquid spray onto the conveyor lunge portion.
flexing said conveyor to expose a conveyor hinge portion; and directing a liquid spray onto the conveyor lunge portion.
24. The method of claim 19 wherein the oven is a microwave tunnel oven.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US14854599P | 1999-08-12 | 1999-08-12 | |
| US60/148,545 | 1999-08-12 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2315928A1 true CA2315928A1 (en) | 2001-02-12 |
Family
ID=22526223
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2315928 Abandoned CA2315928A1 (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2000-08-14 | Continuous conveyor cleaning system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2315928A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN107284958A (en) * | 2017-07-31 | 2017-10-24 | 天津中德应用技术大学 | Region electric business conveyer |
| CN111846855A (en) * | 2020-07-16 | 2020-10-30 | 张合生 | Self-cleaning formula assembly line of powder packing |
| CN112009982A (en) * | 2020-09-22 | 2020-12-01 | 山东劳动职业技术学院（山东劳动技师学院） | Industrial electric automatization feeding device |
| NO20210084A1 (en) * | 2021-01-22 | 2022-07-25 | Plastservice As | Disinfection of conveyor belt |
-
2000
- 2000-08-14 CA CA 2315928 patent/CA2315928A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN107284958A (en) * | 2017-07-31 | 2017-10-24 | 天津中德应用技术大学 | Region electric business conveyer |
| CN111846855A (en) * | 2020-07-16 | 2020-10-30 | 张合生 | Self-cleaning formula assembly line of powder packing |
| CN112009982A (en) * | 2020-09-22 | 2020-12-01 | 山东劳动职业技术学院（山东劳动技师学院） | Industrial electric automatization feeding device |
| NO20210084A1 (en) * | 2021-01-22 | 2022-07-25 | Plastservice As | Disinfection of conveyor belt |
| NO346837B1 (en) * | 2021-01-22 | 2023-01-23 | Plastservice As | Disinfection of conveyor belt |
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