The basic aim of the ‘Vent-Stream’ is to chill chicken from post evisceration temperatures to less than 4˚C as quickly as possible, using air at conditions which minimise dehydration, in a system which is easily cleanable, cost effective, energy efficient and reliable. The system comprises two parts; the conveyor and the refrigeration plant.
Poultry Conveying Equipment
The conveyor is intertwined utilising 300mm and 600mm diameter wheels with parallel tracks on staggered levels to prevent chicken interference and drip from one tier to the lower. This layout effects a 30% saving in floor area on a conventional 300mm wheel layout.
For cleanliness the type of track selected is stainless steel round tube rather than tee track. The conveyor is installed with ample drives and a good quality case hardened chain. Our discussions with poultry processors who operate single shackle chillers has taught us that the greater the number of drives the longer the chain life and with our new drive control system chain life can be further extended.