Click for larger view	.

Food processors committed to improving their peeler or scrubber efficiency continue to show keen interest in Vanmark’s new Natural Flow Gate.  The gate was on display for the first time at the recent FPME Expo in Chicago.

.	Click for larger view

The uniquely shaped new gate is available as an upgrade to existing Series 2700 (single bed) and the higher capacity Series 2800 (dual bed) peelers.  It is easily retrofitted by plant personnel.  The gate will replace either a standard “overflow” discharge gate or an auger discharge.  It will be standard on all new machines in these series.  The gate will quickly pay for itself in less than a year, even in smaller volume applications, through reduction of peel loss and improved process yield.

We have received comments like these from our customers:  "Our yield tests look very positive and we'll likely go with it on all our machines."   "We like to be able to see what's happening inside the peeler."   "We weren't sure at first, but it seems to work very well, even with our big potatoes."

The Natural Flow Gate was developed by carefully studying product flow within the peeler.  Several designs and derivatives were then tested in real-world production environments over a period of more than 18 months.  It has been proven effective with product ranging from small round potatoes for specialty chipping, to very large potatoes used for French fries. 

The Natural Flow Gate reduces peel loss in three ways: 

1. Enhances the natural flow of product in the bed,

2. Improves tumbling action near the discharge, and

3. Removes peeled product quickly before it can become temporarily trapped at the bottom of the load and get overpeeled.  Finished product doesn’t have to climb to the top of the load or wait for an auger flight rotation to exit the peeler.

Besides seeing an improvement in yield from the peeler, maintenance personnel and operations managers will immediately recognize the additional benefits gained when replacing an auger discharge with a Natural Flow Gate.  The new gate:

1. Eliminates the maintenance associated with auger discharges,

2. Eliminates the risk of oil and grease over the product zone,

3. Reduces sanitation concerns and cleaning time,

4. Provides full visibility into the peeling chamber for better process control. 

One of the biggest benefits is that operators and supervisors are able to monitor process conditions inside the peeler.  They are now able to see the bed depth, product tumbling, roll conditions, etc., make appropriate changes and respond abnormal situations.  

Because the new gate enhances product tumbling, some operations previously using tumbling units have found they no longer need them and can reduce maintenance costs even further. 

If you would like more information about retrofitting your peeler, washer, or scrubber with a Natural Flow™ Gate, contact your Vanmark representative or our equipment specialist today.  Also see Frequently Asked Questions page on our website and/or download the product flyer.

While Vanmark is probably best known for machinery used to store, handle, wash and peel potatoes, our equipment is also used to process other foods and even some non-foods.  Most recently, we are helping a major citrus fruit processor to wash, inspect and handle thousands of pounds of oranges and grapefruit per hour. 

One of the most unique applications of our famous peeler/washers is in the processing of golf balls!  A number of years ago we developed some specialized equipment to de-fin, clean, wash, and dry golf balls for one of the industry's key producers.  The machinery worked so well that, until recently, we were not allowed to market or sell the equipment to other manufacturers.  Whether you're a pro or a duffer, you've likely played with a ball made with the help of our equipment.

Every year we work with a number of new customers looking for solutions to there processing needs.  Their end products range from applesauce to horseradish dip, with a few onions, and jalapenos thrown in for good measure.

Let us know if we can help you with your unique processing needs.

Click for larger view	.

A hydrolift's primary function is to elevate product vertically and discharge it into the next process.  A secondary function is to pre-wash product to remove loose dirt, rocks, and other debris from process stream.

.	Click for larger view

Incoming product enters the unit's holding tank where a vertical auger, spinning at a constant speed, creates turbulence that washes the product and separates it from unwanted materials.  The spinning auger then lifts the product and discharges it into the next step of the process.  Rejected material settles out and is removed either automatically or manually.  The benefits of using a hydrolift include:

• Requires less space than other methods of elevating product,

• Pre-washes product with minimal use of water,

• Removes dirt, stones and other debris from the process,

• Easily configured discharge height and direction

• Rugged, all stainless steel construction                                                          More photos > > >

To request more information go here.