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Demand continues to grow for Vanmark’s new Natural Flow Gate for its line of industrial peeler/washers.  Every operation installing the new gate has seen peel losses reduced - some  by a full percentage point or more.  Many operations previously using auger discharges and/or tumbling units have found they could eliminate these devices and gain the added benefit of eliminating maintenance costs and the risk of oil and grease over the product zone.  Another benefit is slower roll speed, which reduces bearing wear.

The new gate improves peeler efficiency by improving tumbling and eliminating the transient dead spots that form near the discharge. It can be retrofitted to existing Series 2700 and 2800 peelers and is standard on all new peelers in these series.

“We studied the flow pattern of product within our peelers and confirmed what we had suspected for some time - that we could improve peeler efficiency by improving product flow at the discharge,” said Vanmark CEO, Joe Wallace.

	Excellent results are being obtained with a range of product shapes and sizes.
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He went on to say, “A traditional “overflow” gate, by design, is a dam that controls the level of product in the peeling chamber. The natural forward movement of product is halted when it reaches the gate, except at the top of the load where finished product exits over the gate. But finished product at the bottom of the load must change direction and make its way to the top before it can leave the machine.

“What we confirmed was that transient “dead spots” would form and reform at the bottom of the load. Some finished product could be momentarily held in contact with the rolls and be overpeeled. Over an 18 month period, we developed a completely new gate to eliminate this problem. The new Natural Flow Gate is now helping our customers reduce their peel loss and boost the efficiency of their operations.”

Excellent results are being obtained with a range of product sizes and shapes - from small round potatoes to jumbo oblong product. The gate is being used in both skin-on and post steam peeled operations. Tests with products other than potatoes is expected to be completed in the near future.

Another development underway is integrating the gate with a closed loop control system.

Use the links below to learn more.

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Vanmark is expanding the envelope of capacity and efficiency with its new Series 2900 W-Bed peeler, shown for the first time at the recent NWFPA expo in Portland. Though still technically a prototype, the novel new peeler drew a lot of interest from attendees looking for ways to improve plant efficiency. The Series 2900 W-Bed could be the solution they are seeking.  It has an anticipated capacity of 100,000 lbs/hr (45,000 kg/hr) or more and a host of innovations. The prototype unit displayed at the show is now undergoing extensive "real world" testing in a production facility.

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The new drive is a direct replacement for mechanical drives with Ryertex (composite) bearing mounting block and our heavy duty lubricated bearings which have been standard in these series machines for many years. It is also a direct replacement for both multi-motor and single-motor hydraulic drives.  Photos show the new drive on a display mounted next to the standard Ryertex based drive.

What are the advantages of the new drive?
The biggest advantage is elimination of the maintenance costs and the routine of lubrication of the drive bearings. No-lube bearings can reduce the risk of unplanned downtime when proper maintenance procedures are not followed. The new no-lube bearings are also less expensive than our standard lubricated bearings. The no-lube bearings will also reduce the potential for food contamination from grease.

When is drive replacement a viable consideration?

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First, if you are going to rebuild a drive for your peeler as part of planned maintenance, you might consider replacing the drive instead of rebuilding. The initial cost may be comparable, depending on drive components being replaced. Long term benefits will vary depending on your operating parameters. Second, if proper maintenance is a problem in your operation, replacing the drive could help. Our parts or equipment specialists can help you evaluate the replacement costs and long term benefits. 

Energy efficiency is among many very good reasons to convert from a hydraulic to a mechanical system. Conversions can be done using either our Ryertex drive case or the new stainless steel drive case. Each operation is unique and, in some cases, lube versus no-lube by simply boil down to a matter of personal preference. We would be happy to discuss the merits of each.

What is involved in replacing the drive?
This depends on a number of factors, but especially the particular model and age of your machine. In most cases, plant personnel will be able make any changes necessary to mount and install the new drive. It is best to get the specific serial number of your machine, then talk with one of our specialists.