Good Vibrations

The compact size and mobility of these screeners also enables the Farbest production crew to relocate and set up the equipment quickly, if necessary.

Durability was also a requirement in Cowles’ decision. “These screeners use wire mesh screens, so we don’t have to worry about the screens tearing or pulling loose as with those made of nylon,” says Cowles. “Sometimes that can happen and you’re not aware of it until you see some paper or other foreign object after the screen, which could require you to re-screen the material that has been processed since your last QC entry.”

As a food ingredient supplier, hygiene is naturally a top priority at Farbest. Chemical and physical tests are conducted regularly in-house, while micro testing is entrusted to certified laboratories. The plant is FDA inspected, Kosher certified by the Orthodox Union (Circle U), and consistently is rated “superior” by the American Institute of Baking each year.

‘Many screeners require a lot of time-consuming tear-downs for cleaning, and that detracts from productivity,” Cowles explains. “The design of this screener is really simple, which makes it easy to knock down and clean to our stringent requirements. The Compact Screener has an electropolish finish, which not only makes it easier to clean, but also makes it sanitary, which is very important in our business.”

Cowles adds that while some screeners have commercial hardware such as nuts and springs exposed to the material being screened, the Russell unit does not, thereby eliminating the risk of hardware vibrating loose and entering the product stream.

Ed Sullivan is a technology writer based in Hermosa Beach, Calif.