Mepaco Blog

Mepaco offers equipment products that are engineered specifically for the application required for processing, material handling, or an integrated system.  Due to the food safety and personnel safety goals across food processors, Mepaco has innovated options to solve for these goals.  Here are 10 modifications to Dumper designs that can impact safety goals starting at the beginning of the processing line.

1.            PRS (Pallet Retention System)

The PRS design feature allows the combo to complete the dump cycle while separating from the pallet, limiting the potential for contamination in the food stream. Upon completion of the dump cycle, the dumper and frame are reunited, and the carriage assembly returns to the start-load position. 

2.            LRS (Pneumatic Liner Retention System)

The LRS controls a device that prevents the liner from separating from the combo and falling into the hopper and food stream. The liner hold-down prevents operators from having to reach and try to control the liner by hand.

3.            Elevated Load Height

Whether it benefits production or personnel maneuverability, elevated load heights can be customized into the dumping equipment solution.

4.            Stainless Cylinders

Upgrading cylinders to stainless will provide sanitation performance and longevity.

5.            Stainless Steel pivot bearings

Stainless pivot bearings are another critical component option that are often used in harsh food processing and sanitation environments.

6.            Electropolished Chute

Another option is an electropolished chute which promote food safety with efficient sanitation that is cleanable to a microbiological level.

7.            Beacon Light

Adding a signaling light alerts faults in applications where safety is an issue.

8.            Safety Side Shields

Safety shields are designed to protect personnel from moving components and pinch points. 

9.            Enclosed Guarding

Personnel guarding can also be designed for the entire dump-zone footprint, optional pocket door designs allow for safe fork truck access for loading and unloading.

10.          Automation & Controls

With a full safety enclosure and controlled dumper system, the load set point, detraction, and down control can be integrated into the HMI (Human Machine Interface). The dump function can also be automatically timed to feed downstream equipment using loss-in-weight or level sensor technology. The safety enclosure can also be designed and controlled to open automatically for loading and pallet removal.

Mepaco offers dumpers with a range of versatility from 48” to 175” dump heights.  We also manufacture accessories including lifts, vats, tubs, and buggies for your material handling needs. The tote dumpers (DP3000, HD3000 and LD3000) have a working capacity of 3,000 lbs. (1,361 Kg) and a 45-degree dump angle.

Visit Mepaco’s Dumping Equipment for more information.

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With the complex demands in food processing and production, safety, and quality, performance of every component within food equipment is critical.

The bearing type and style for your Mepaco equipment has been determined by application and plant preference.  Many food processing facilities utilize stainless bearings which provide corrosion resistance in wet environments. Here are some tips to reduce wear issues and extend stainless food-grade bearing life:

1. Mount the bearing correctly after maintenance. Make sure shims are re-installed and that the shaft is correctly positioned, and that the shaft and bearing housing have the correct tolerance. A bearing sitting loose on a shaft will cause significant damage.
2. Grease bearings according to manufacturer recommendations. One grease schedule does not fit all bearings. For example, a low RPM bearing on a mixer will not require grease as often as a grinder gearbox bearing.
3. Use the correct food-grade lubrication in the right quantity. Over-lubrication can blow out the grease seal, under lubricating can increase friction and cause failure.
4. Check bearings regularly for excessive play and replace bad bearings before they cause damage to the equipment. Replacing a bearing is much less expensive than replacing a worn and grooved shaft.
5. Seals provide extra protection for bearing lubrication while preventing contaminant entry.  Seals protect bearing lubrication by keeping moisture, dust, and dirt out of the bearing; make sure seals are inspected and maintained properly. End covers for housed units solve for issues for exposed shaft ends and workplace health and safety.

Choose the bearing type that will uphold to the food processing application. Standard steel ball bearings are mounted in a painted cast iron housing. Mepaco’s coating on standard bearings is a sealant with anti-corrosive benefits.

In aggressive and gritty food product applications, food processors often choose polymer bearings. The polymer bearing has a moderate up-front investment – but the total cost of ownership is lower because it requires less maintenance when used in aggressive applications.