‘We preserve nature’s precious gifts’ has been the slogan adopted by ARDO B.V. for more than forty years. The Zundert-based company is Europe’s largest frozen fruit and vegetable producer. Van Beek has supplied Ardo with a closed system of three trough conveyors, and in doing so has helped ensure that the red cabbage retains its taste, colour and shape while it is processed into a frozen vegetable product. With special facilities – such as CIP lines, flat-body ball valves and bead-blasted finishes – the red cabbage can be hygienically conveyed, while ensuring optimum cleanability of the screw conveyors.
Paul Wortel, Manager Investments at Ardo BV in Zundert explains why the company opted for screw conveyors from Van Beek: “The advantage of these trough conveyors is that they have lids, so they form a closed system. This means that moisture and juice is retained, which also helps retain taste and heat. If we used an ordinary conveyor belt, we would lose these important elements of our product. Choosing Van Beek was an easy decision, as we simply opted for the specialist in the field of screw conveyance. What’s more, Ive had positive experience of working with Van Beek in the past.”
Technical specifications
The screw conveyor systems are manufactured in accordance with EHEDG guidelines. The trough conveyors are also equipped with CIP lines, and the drain for draining off the cleaning agent is designed with a flat-body ball valve. There are therefore no ‘dead product zones’. By bead-blasting the conveyors, the conveyors can be optimally cleaned to the level of microorganisms. It goes without saying that the trough conveyors meet machine safety standards and are fitted with the requisite guards and safety switches.
Paul Wortel adds: “Van Beek measured, designed and installed everything on site within a really short space of time. It was great working with them and the 3D engineering made it possible to see in advance how the three conveyors could be integrated into the existing installation. This was done by connecting the three conveyors at different heights. By discussing the 3D drawings in detail, we were able to find out exactly what the system would look like, so there were no surprises when it came to installing the conveyors. The machines now work to our complete satisfaction”.
