US based Nexen said its latest range of Baking Industry Sanitation Standards Committee (BISSC) certified fully enclosed clutch brakes have a 30 per cent faster response time than electrically actuated models and can offer bakers a range of cost savings, particularly in terms of energy output and low maintenance requirements.
Energy costs
Hank Schilling, sales and marketing representative at Nexen told BakeryandSnacks.com that its air-engaged clutches and brakes give 40 per cent more dynamic torque, up to 60 per cent less energy consumption, 30 per cent more thermal horsepower, longer life and 80 per cent savings on repair costs compared to the electric version.
“Pneumatic actuation is well suited for repeatability and durability,” he explained.
A tighter analysis of energy use in the supply chain is an essential step for any manufacturing business eager to save costs in energy.
And while prices for oil, in particular, have plummeted from their highs of 2008, savings on energy bills are still a major food processing industry driver.
Applications
Clutch brakes are found in numerous applications including forming and frying systems, mixers, ovens, sheeters, meat processing and other applications, and can also, for example, control the output of dough from a hopper for uniform sizing.
Moreover, they can also be used in a wide range of post-processing operations such as material handling, packaging and labelling.
Washdown
Schilling said that Nexen’s flange-mounted units come totally enclosed with sealed seams for washdown areas in bakery and food processing plants, while their nickel plating and stainless steel fasteners eliminate corrosion, even in harsh environments.
“The nickel-plated clutch/brakes include a NEMA standard 1.26.5 or IP 54 version for waterproof machines and a BISSC certified version, while a simple design with limited parts make these units easy to install and maintain,” said Schilling.
The new BISSC certified clutch brakes, he continued, would suit medium to large scale bakery and food processing plants and are available globally.
Keyway damage
The company stated that it can also provide bakers and other processor with high cycle rate applications an optional locking key for the clutch brakes.
“The new locking key feature virtually eliminates costly keyway damage, while providing unparalleled positive connection for maximum torque,” said the supplier.
Nexen Group is a worldwide leader in pneumatic clutch/brakes and has offices and warehouses in Belgium, Japan, Australia and Mexico in addition to North America.