In December 2014, Flexco launched the FGP Food Grade Precleaner, one of the only belt cleaners on the market that has been certified by the USDA for use in meat, poultry, and dairy operations. Food processors have enjoyed extensive benefits of the easy-to-install, easy-to-maintain cleaner that disassembles in a snap for regular cleaning and sanitization. The FGP Precleaner works on any belt from four inches to 60 inches, and the blade is available in both white and blue FDA approved food grade material.
Proven to Extend Belt Life
Since its release, the FGP Precleaner has proven to extend belt life and reduce downtime and maintenance costs in many applications, including a pastry manufacturer that was experiencing problems with frosting sticking to its belts and rollers. The buildup caused the manufacturer to incur extensive maintenance costs and a short belt life. Here’s how the Flexco FGP Food Grade Precleaner provided a cost-effective, practical solution.
The Problem
The frosting on breakfast pastries was a major conveyor belt carryback concern for a leading food manufacturer. The frosting was adhering to the belt and, in turn, adhering to the rollers and other conveyor components as it was carried back. The build-up was causing the belt to the mistrack, and the abrasive quality of the sugar in the frosting was causing premature wear of the belt and the conveyor. The sticky nature of the frosting also created a sanitation and cleaning nightmare for maintenance crews. The homemade belt cleaner was not effective, and the manufacturer was replacing its belts every two weeks because of the damage.
The Solution
Hoping to avoid purchasing new belting every few weeks, as well as the downtime involved in replacing the belts, the production supervisor decided to test the FGP Food Grade Precleaner from Flexco. The bladeto-belt contact and easy tensioning made the FGP an obvious choice for removal of the frosting. The cleaner can also be disassembled in less than a minute for regular cleaning and sanitation.
The Result
The production supervisor is happy with the performance and the ease of maintenance of the cleaner. The FGP cleaner extended the life of the belting by removing carryback that would have otherwise accumulated on the rollers and other conveyor components, causing excessive wear and belt mistracking. The maintenance team also found the snap-in-place design of the blade to be convenient as there is no need to remove the cleaner from the structure for cleaning, sanitizing, and blade changes. Interested in learning how the Flexco FGP Food Grade Precleaner can help extend belt life at your facility? Contact us today to have a CBT Belting Specialist visit your facility.
