Page 19 - Food & Drink magazine June 2021

These features include an IP66-rated housing and an HP200 surface treatment that results in an almost non-porous surface with anti-sticking properties. In addition, all screws, breather valves, pressure-compensation screw fittings and output shafts are made of stainless steel.
In the system of ingress protection (IP) ratings, IP66 refers to an enclosure that is totally dust tight, offering full protection against dust and other particles. It includes a vacuum seal and is tested against continuous airflow. An IP66 enclosure is also protected against direct, high-pressure water jets.
The HP200 surface treatment provides an anti-stick coating along with resistance to the chemical and mechanical cleaning. At Hardwick’s, this enables easier cleaning and prevents contamination of the drive units, despite the high volume of meat product that is processed daily.
It is these properties that have led to the long working life of the MOVIGEAR mechatronic drives installed at Hardwick’s. In addition, drive units with these qualities are ideal for environments like food processing, where hygiene is a must. The sealed design prevents swirling of air, dirt and germs that can occur.
Vanschie says that because of the design and construction of the units, there is no requirement for a routine maintenance program. This provides further savings. And should spare parts be required, the turnaround time has been excellent, as has the overall customer support he has received from SEW-Eurodrive.
ENERGY SAVINGS
As well as the long working life of the MOVIGEAR, Vanschie says Hardwick’s recorded a significant reduction in energy consumption. “Our power usage has halved, so that’s a huge saving,” he says.
Gattellari confirms that these results typify the feedback he receives from manufacturers who deploy the MOVIGEAR mechatronic drives. He says that the energy savings are made possible by built-in efficiency and the seamless, optimised mechatronic interaction of the motor, gear unit, and integrated electronics. The motor complies with the IE5 ‘Ultra-Premium Efficiency’ class of electric motors and the gear unit has been designed for maximum efficiency.
“The components are perfectly matched,” he says, “and the optimisation facilitates high energy efficiency of the system. The figure of up to 50 per cent energy reduction achieved by MOVIGEAR drives has been verified by independent university research in Germany.”
Vanschie says that he would make the same choice again if he needed more drive units at the plant. “The customer service is excellent and the MOVIGEAR units have proved to be more than reliable. Lasting six years in that environment is a very good record,” he says.
For food-processing plants
like Hardwick’s, which have
demanding requirements for
hygiene, matched by a daily
regime of thorough cleaning,
this combination of long-
lasting and energy-efficient
drive units is a perfect fit. ✷ protected.
COVER STORY
The IP66 enclosure is protected against direct, high-pressure water jets. FAR LEFT: The inner workings of the mechatronic drive are completely
www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au | June 2021 | Food&Drink business | 19