Leroy-Somer has designed an integrated drive system in which the geared motor and the variable speed drive unit are encapsulated and protected against the wet and often harsh conditions that exist within food production environment.
It is precisely this type of integrated geared motor that Foss Analytical A/S has chosen to use for the conveyor belt on its new MeatMaster - a unit that employs advanced X-ray technology to analyse and record the fat and meat content on food processing and production lines.
The integrated system comprises a VARMECA variable-speed drive, protected to IP66 and built directly onto the geared motor; an inbuilt encoder mounted in a protected position on the motor shaft; and resin-encased electronics. It is supplied with plug connections, so no wiring is required and, further highlighting its suitability, it is both IEC and UL/CSA approved.Developed by FOSS Analytical A/S, the MeatMaster is a control and measurement unit designed to optimise the meat and fat content in products produced by slaughterhouses and meat processing plants.
Employing dual X-ray technology, it is installed as an automatic and integral part of the production line. The meat - be it fresh, frozen, loose or boxed - is transported through the unit on a conveyor belt and analysis takes place within an enclosed cabinet - allowing the MeatMaster to be operated in compliance with the strictest international safety standards.Used to both measure and record the meat and fat content, it allows meat-processing plants to optimise their profit margins.
The ratio between lean meat and fat is critical for companies that process and manufacture meat products. If the lean meat content of the end product is too high, it will squeeze the narrow profit margins. Conversely, too high a fat content will result in a poorer end product and dissatisfied customers. The fat content of meat has traditionally been measured using manual spot checks, with samples being analysed in a laboratory or using instruments by the side of the production line.
The problem with this approach is that the samples are not always representative of the entire batch or of all the different end products being produced. At the same time, precious time is wasted while waiting for the results of manual spot checks before the production and raw material parameters can be adjusted if required.Using MeatMaster, however, the meat and fat content can be analysed automatically and with 100% accuracy. All data resulting from the production line is registered in the computer-controlled production system, and automatically checked against pre-determined fat content specifications.
The process control information generated by MeatMaster may be used to implement the necessary modifications to the production process and the ratio of meat to fat rapidly and automatically. At the same time, the contents of all end products and packaged products may be recorded and labelled for the benefit of customers.
MeatMaster can also spot metal foreign objects on the production line so that they may be removed before damaging the production equipment further along the line.This continues Leroy-Somers' long tradition of supplying adapted products. The geared motor unit for the MeatMaster was developed in collaboration with Leroy-Somer's engineers - demonstrating how the company can apply its in-depth experience to create bespoke solutions for some of the most demanding applications in industry.