Porous Media uses a perforated steel belt conveyor to efficiently transport pre-coated blood filters through a forced hot air drying chamber. The large perforations allow for maximum airflow. Photo courtesy Belt Technologies Inc.
Earlier this year, Porous Media was presented with a tough challenge by one if its clients. The client needed to efficiently transport precoated blood filters through a forced hot air drying chamber, resulting in complete drying of the liquid coating.
To help serve the client, Porous Media worked with Belt Technologies Inc. Belt Technologies designs and manufactures belt conveyors for the automation, electronics, packaging, food processing, medical device, tobacco and aerospace markets.
For this application, Belt Technologies developed a stainless steel belt conveyor with large perforations that allow for maximum airflow. An aluminum timing pulley used with the belt conveyor enhances repeatability, encoder positioning, and smooth engagement of product.
The belt conveyor also has a seamless nonstretch surface, which eliminates the threat of particulate debris being introduced into the manufacturing environment. The nonstretch surface increases the accuracy of product positioning and allows for a complete clean and place process.
To eliminate work stoppages, Porous Media installed a belt-conveyor cleaning system, which runs simultaneously with the production of the filters. Together, the belt-conveyor and cleaning operations have streamlined production and enabled the company to achieve machine efficiencies in the 96 percent to 98 percent range.
For more information on perforated steel belts, call 413-786-9922 or visit www.metalbelts.com.
