In the interest of food safety and personnel safety goals across food processing customers, Mepaco has innovated options to solve these goals. Dumpers are a part of nearly every system and can be the first process in an automated solution. With automation comes food safety and personnel safety issues that these options and features on dumpers, can address. Here are Mepaco’s Top 10 Dumper Safety Innovations:
1. PRS (Pallet Retention System)
The PRS design limits the potential of foreign material entering the product stream, by separating the combo from the pallet in the dump cycle. Upon completion of the dump cycle, the dumper and frame are reunited, and the carriage assembly returns to the start-load position. PRS is available on the DP3000 Pivot Dumper and the HD 3000 High Lift Dumper models.
2. LRS (Pneumatic Liner Retention System)
The LRS controls a device that prevents the liner from separating from the combo and falling into the hopper and food stream. The liner hold-down prevents operators from having to reach and try to control the liner by hand. LRS is available on the DP3000 Pivot Dumper and the HD3000 High Lift Dumper models.
3. Elevated Load Height
Elevated load heights are specified in layouts that may have limited ceiling height available. Whether it benefits production or personnel maneuverability, elevated load heights can be customized into the dumping equipment solution. Elevated load heights are commonly added to DP3000 Dumper models.
4. Stainless Cylinders
Upgrading cylinders to stainless will provide sanitation performance and longevity. Depending on the sanitation protocols, it may extend the cylinder replacement parts rotation.
5. Counterbalance Valve
Counterbalance Valves are engineered for cylinders to safely hold a dumper carriage with load. The counterbalance valve uses back pressure from the power unit to open and bring the carriage down. In the event of a hydraulic line rupture, the carriage will hold in position.
6. Electropolished Chute
Electropolished food contact surfaces help with high food safety standards in a processing environment. An electropolished chute will support efficient sanitation that is cleanable to a microbiological level.
7. Beacon Light
Adding a signaling light alerts faults in applications where safety is an issue. There are several options for Beacon Lights, this video shows a model with a horn.
8. Safety Guarding
Personnel guarding can also be designed for the entire dump-zone footprint. Guarding is engineered for the plant requirements. Another configuration is a pocket door design that allows for safe fork truck access for loading and unloading.
9. Automation & Controls
With a full safety enclosure and controlled dumper system, the load set point, detraction, and down control can be integrated into the HMI (Human Machine Interface). The dump function can also be automatically timed to feed downstream equipment using loss-in-weight or level sensor technology. The safety enclosure can also be designed and controlled to open automatically for loading and pallet removal.
10. Safety Training
If you have operators who are unfamiliar with dumper operation, please inquire with field services and parts. When followed, Mepaco’s manuals, media resources and even a training program if required, will help with the safe operation of your dumper equipment.
Learn more about the Mepaco Dumper line of equipment, on our web page.
