By combining a small footprint horizontal motion conveyor with a gentle motion tumbler, Maxpack has produced an integrated seasoning system that delivers precise feed rates and optimum throughputs for greater bagging efficiency. A Revolution for Smarter Seasoning Smarter Seasoning Removing the tumble-drum on the FastBack can be done by hand, thanks to a no-tools band style clamp.
TO SEASON snacks, many manufacturers use weigh belt systems and vibratory feeders. While effective, weigh belt systems can be very costly and require high levels of maintenance and sanitation control. Vibratory systems frequently encounter product buildup and can be difficult to clean. An alternative solution has been developed by Heat and Control, Inc. which combined a tumble drum with its FastBack cross feed horizontal conveyor into a single compact system called the FastBack Revolution On-line Seasoning System. The company says this innovation offers manufacturers superior feeding control and seasoning coverage, coupled with ease of use and economical operation. The FastBack conveyor uses a simple but effective product sensor that accurately measures and adjusts the seasoning application rate to provide just the right amount of seasoning. In a patented Excalibur delivery module, seasoning is dispersed without the constant adjusting and clogging of piccolo tube augers or the seasoning buildup vibratory feed systems are noted for. The integrated design between conveyor and delivery module concentrates the main seasoning flow and then disperses it out for even product coverage and the elimination of skips in the product stream. And the Excalibur unit can be removed in seconds without tools, simply by unlatching the unit for fast seasoning changeovers. Low breakage with or without seasoning Through the study of tumbling cycles, Heat and Control has combined just the right ratio of tumble action and gentle handling to properly mix the seasoning and base product and provide superior seasoning coverage. Weighing just under 13.5 kg, the built-in tumble drum is easily removed with a no-tools band style clamp for sanitation and flavour changes. In addition, a built-in hook makes removal and reinstallation a simple, one person job. A unique feature of the Revolution system is that the conveyor and tumbling system is all one unit and therefore do not have a drop step between the two, making the overall system gentler to product. In addition, the tumbling action may be turned off independently of the conveying action when nonseasoned products are run, eliminating any breakage caused by the tumbling action. The flex wall seasoning auger/ dispenser gently massages the seasoning toward the auger to help prevent worm holes and dry spots caused by clumping of seasoning. The liner can be easily removed for superior sanitation, and comes with a full 5- year warranty. Direct Control System and Auto-Feed-Adjust The Direct Control system automatically measures the product going into the system and adjusts the seasoning application rate based on an operator's setting. This system is standard with all Revolution systems or may be upgraded to a PLC driven recipe system. The FastBack Revolution seasoning system incorporates a special controls architecture that not only simplifies operator inputs but also allows the entire system to be custom configured on-site without the need for special programming. Another Heat and Control exclusive feature is the optional Auto Feed Adjust which ties the seasoning and the scale/bagger together through a control system that monitors and optimises both the scale/bagger performance and the seasoning system performance. AFA automatically finds just the right product throughput rate to achieve the highest levels of performance from both systems and continually monitors and adjusts these levels without the need for operators to move photoeyes or tweak the throughput ranges, etc. AFA, in conjunction with the other features above, overcomes one of the biggest problems associated with On-Machine type systems. Most systems either have good seasoning ontime but starve the scale, causing missed cycles; or they slightly overfeed the scale, causing the seasoning system to stop and start and provide sporadic seasoning application. AFA monitors, finds and adjusts the proper rate automatically to optimise both the scale and the seasoning systems, saving thousands of dollars each year. AFA requires either a FastBack 50E cross feed conveyor or Revolution Gate and Recipe driven control system