Mepaco Blog


Reliable by Design


Mepaco Dumper Equipment: New Options Improve Food Safety

 

Mepaco’s Pallet Retention System (PRS) is an option on Dumper equipment that reduces the risk of foreign matter like wood and nails from contaminating your food production process.

 

A manual or optional pneumatic clamp safely secures the combo throughout the dumping process. As the dump cycle begins, the pallet is immediately secured so once the combo reaches 90-deg, the combo can complete the dump cycle apart from the pallet.  In addition, a Liner Retention System (LRS) prevents the liner from separating from the combo and falling into the hopper.  Upon completion of the dump cycle, the dumper and frame are reunited and the carriage assembly returns back to the start-load position. 

 

This design limits the potential of foreign material from entering the product stream.  

 

The Pallet Retention System (PRS) and the Liner Retention System (LRS) are both available on the DP3000 Pivot Dumper and the HD3000 High Lift Dumpermodels.

 

Download the latest brochure on Dumpers for more information.

 


Our Blog Has Moved!
Open shipping box with the letters B L O G perched on packing peanuts

The MEPACO BLOG has moved to its new location on the Mepaco website.

Our blog is published a couple times per month. We keep the blog very brief, educational and informational. 

 Follow our blog on the sign-up to the right to receive updates on:

  •  New equipment products and updates
  •  Video demonstrations on equipment
  •  Video animations of systems and equipment
  •  Trade Show Schedules
  •  Safety Updates on Equipment
  •  Component Technology Updates
  •  New brochures
  •  New white papers

You Have Arrived at Mepaco's New Website and Blog
Pic of computer screen displaying the new Mepaco website home page

The Mepaco group has just released a new website design that provides users with intuitive access to products and industries. Simplified site navigation and enhanced search capability will make it easier for visitors to find information about our food processing systems and industry experience, including:

  • Blenders
  • Cookers
  • Grinders
  • Surge Feeders
  • Dumpers
  • Lifts
  • Conveyors
  • Integrated systems

Many videos and animations have been added to the website, as well as easy access to brochures and FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions).  The new website will also perform very well on mobile devices.

Type in your email on the right, to sign up for this blog!


 

 


Polymer Bearings: Mepaco’s Customers Showing Promising Results

With the sophisticated demands in food processing and production, safety and quality, every component within food equipment is critical. Any machinery with moving parts has friction and ‘wear’ issues, and to accommodate most equipment uses a standard bearing. But in applications where the standard bearings compromise food contact areas, Mepaco offers the polymer bearing.

Standard issue bearings are typically ball bearings, mounted in a painted cast iron housing. While the painted coatings are a sealant and deliver anti-corrosive benefits, rust and paint chips can still exist and find its way into the product path. Secondly, maintenance, disassembly, and replacement of bearings is very time consuming in a busy production setting. And lastly, if used above an open product path, grease may cause product contamination. For these reasons, steel ball bearings are best used in equipment and areas where they will not come in contact with food.

In food processing environments, producers should consider polymer bearings to mitigate food safety risks.

The polymer bearing has a moderate up front investment – more than steel bearings – but the Total Cost of Ownership is lower, because of fewer maintenance, safety and sanitation issues.

Mepaco’s polymer bearing is a solid, self-lubricating polymer that is absent of ball bearings. This ensures fewer parts, lowering the chance for breakage or malfunction. In place of the ball bearings, the polymer bearing includes a self lubricating insert, which eliminates the need for grease. That insert can also be replaced without needing to replace the entire housing, reducing the Total Cost of Ownership.

In recent Mepaco systems, the polymer bearing is showing much promise in new applications within traditional food processing environments. While not steel or cast iron in build, the polymer is ‘holding up’, proving to display the durability and efficiency in design.

Polymer technology is changing the face of many industries, and the food industry is no different. The advanced polymer bearings available in Mepaco products represent the promise of innovative components. And with a lower Total Cost of Ownership along with improved quality and efficiency, the smooth polymer bearing should be a reliable transition for all producers.

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Ergonomic Stainless Lifts are Easy to Use

Mepaco offers two models of lifts that meet most manual pallet lift or product lift operations. In the video, Mepaco's Greg Gruber demonstrates the EZL2500 lift in our manufacturing facility.

The EZ4000 Product / Pallet Lift handles up to 4000 lb. loads and raises to any level up to 36 “ for ergonomic comfort. This model includes a self-contained power unit with up-down hand controls and optional turn table.

The EZL2500 Product / Pallet Lift has a load capacity of 2500 lbs. This height adjustable (up to 37”) unit offers a low-profile deck for floor level loading. A hydraulic power unit is included with safety up-down foot pedal control.

These lifts are fabricated from stainless steel with a pickle passivated finished. Both the EZ4000 and EZL2500 are stock units and available for immediate delivery. Portable, rotary top units and other custom built lifts are also available.

Both stainless lifts are kept in-stock for quick delivery.

Register here for immediate pricing.


Magnetic Grate: Another Safeguard Against Contaminants

Magnetic grates help to remove ferrous metal contaminants from flowing gravity-fed product streams in processing equipment.

In the video demonstration, a pen adheres to the magnetic grate, which is part of a screw elevator system. The grate is also easily cleanable for sanitation with the magnet constructed inside the stainless tube. The magnetic grate in the screw elevator shown in the video is hinged and accessible for inspection and manual removal of foreign material and testing.

Grate magnets, suitable for wet or dry food product offer efficient, economical protection of processing equipment while improving product purity.

Various styles and strengths of magnetic grates are available for Mepaco equipment, including: Hoppers, Cookers, Mixers, Blenders and Screw Conveyors. They can be utilized on any piece of equipment that receives free flowing gravity fed food product.

For more information on Screw Conveyors and Systems


A Video Walk-Through of the Auger Cart

At a recent trade show, here is a video walk-around tour of the Auger Cart on display.

Features:

  • 3000 lb. dual screw auger cart with pump discharge
  • Available with single or double screws with optional leveling ribbons
  • Sanitation steps
  • Safety guarding with hinged grating for accessibility
  • Electropolished finish on product contact surfaces
  • Positive displacement pump for a metered flow
  • Ergonomic HD hinge design for ease of pump maintenance

Mepaco’s booth is at 3202 – Lakeside at McCormick Place.

For more information on Auger Carts, call Mepaco’s sales team.


Video Walk Through of the Articulating Conveyor at Process Expo

Here is a video walk-through, given by Roy Howe of Mepaco, of the Articulating Conveyor that made it’s way to the Process Expo this year.

Highlights:

  • Lowering / Elevating capabilities for safe and efficient sanitation and maintenance
  • Pivoting capabilities to promote versatile production possibilities
  • Electropolished screw and food contact surfaces for sanitation effectiveness
  • Magnetic safety grate

Download brochure for more information.


Automated Samples Saves Down Time

The integration of a Vacuum Sampling System in a Mixer / Blender is an efficient way to take product samples. There is no need for equipment and production stops because the vacuum sampler is automatic and can be delivered at different intervals to provide a true test of product consistency.

Compared to manual sampling, the vacuum sampler is much safer for the operator.


Batch Cooking and Chilling that Tastes Like It Came from Mom’s Kitchen

Cooker/Chiller Equipment with close up of a spoonful of cherry pie filling

In the process of manufacturing fruit pie filling, the ThermaBlend™ first cooks the product to 185°F; then cools it to the proper filling temperature of 75°F.

The cook step and the chill step take approximately 30 – 40 minutes each, which is critical to maintaining product integrity and reaching the production goals of this application.

While focusing on production, yields and product integrity, the ThermaBlend™ provides an effective solution with key features, including:

  • Dual zone ASME wrap-around heat jacket for full or partial batches
  • Proven effective, patented scraper system
  • Agitator design that provides homogeneous blending while minimizing shear
  • Electropolished, non-stick product surface
  • Flexible controls with recipe programming to optimize the performance of the ThermaBlend™

More information on the ThermaBlend™.


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