“When we launched our Iso-Flo® shakers with monobeam in 2016, they were a huge hit. Customers immediately began asking for monobeam on our lengthy Marathon conveyors, so we started designing, building and testing. Now, we are getting great feedback from customers on this new model as well,” said Jim Ruff, Vice President of Process Systems and Integrated Solutions at Key Technology. “Here at Key, we’re working non-stop on new innovations. Bringing Marathon with monobeam to the market further expands our set of solutions.”
Ideal for processors that need a high degree of equipment hygiene and/or a small footprint, Marathon with monobeam is suitable for a wide range of bulk food applications, from raw receiving to packaging, including product collection, transfer and distribution. Unlike a traditional shaker, which has a frame and spring arms on both sides of the conveyor bed, monobeam conveyors position the frame and spring arms underneath the bed to maximise sanitation while improving operator access and safety. Monobeam inspection shakers enable laborers to get closer to the bed for improved product visibility and ergonomics.
All Marathon conveyors, including the monobeam models, use natural-frequency vibratory motion to distribute bulk foods long distances on a single unit. Marathon can replace several shakers in a row, relying on only two independent, frame-mounted drives to improve efficiency and reliability. Additionally, fewer supports to the floor eases cleaning and sanitation. Two foot-mount, self-synchronising motors transfer the force of the frame to the bed without mechanical joints to further improve efficiency, reduce maintenance and minimise downtime.
Key tailors each Marathon using predictive modelling and Finite Element Analysis to define the product characteristics and deliver superior performance. Available in lengths from 9 to 15 metres (30 to 50 feet) and widths from 50 to 100 cm (20 to 40 inches), Marathon with monobeam can achieve conveying speeds greater than 15 metres (50 feet) a minute, depending on the application. The conveyor bed can be tilted to draw product to one side, and flow direction can be controlled with optional side outlet diverters. Marathon with monobeam can be built with end-mounted drop-out gates, diverters, end-mounted screens and covers when needed.
In addition to the sanitation enhancements from its monobeam construction, Marathon offers a variety of sanitary advantages. Its stainless-steel conveyor bed features a standard rotary polish within the product contact zone, which resists bacterial attachment and biofilm formation. Oil-free drives, elastomeric isolators, scalloped flat bars (if requested), internal ground arms and minimal laminations maximise equipment hygiene and help meet rising sanitary standards and regulatory requirements. The monobeam frame is sloped to prevent product and moisture build-up that can harbor bacteria. Marathon is available in four different finishing standards, and its rotary vibratory drives are available in either stainless steel or food-grade epoxy finishes.
Marathon with monobeam is suitable for fruits, vegetables, potato strips, potato chips, nuts, meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products, confections, snacks, cereals, grains, seeds and more. Like all Key equipment, these versatile conveyors are backed by Key’s industry-leading, five-year warranty, which ensures equipment reliability and limits the processor’s total cost of ownership.
For more information on this product or any other Key equipment, visit www.heatandcontrol.com or email info@heatandcontrol.com
About Key Technology, Inc.
Key Technology is a global leader in the design and manufacture of automation systems including digital sorters, conveyors and other processing equipment. Applying processing knowledge and application expertise, Key helps customers in the food processing and other industries improve quality, increase yield and reduce cost. Key manufactures its products in Walla Walla, Washington, USA; Redmond, Oregon, USA; and in Beusichem, the Netherlands. Key’s USA facilities are certified to the ISO 9001:2015 standard. Key offers customer demonstration and testing services at five locations including Walla Walla and Beusichem as well as Hasselt, Belgium; Sacramento, California, USA; and Melbourne, Australia; and maintains a sales and service office in Santiago de Queretaro, Mexico. Key is a Duravant Company.