Over the years, food processing equipment either gets retired or adjusts based on customer feedback and industry needs. At Marlen, we’ve seen our pumps grow up and continue to evolve through the years. And the same can be said for our continuous thermal line of products – especially our Spiral Ovens.
So, what types of changes have been made?
- To address sanitary needs:
- Dual Seal Electrical boxes that can withstand washdown – it’s important that the whole machine can withstand washdown and that includes the electrical box. So Marlen updated the Spiral Ovens with a no-leak patented seal electrical control box. This keeps your electrical components dry and comes equipped with sanitary latches. The electrical boxes are rated up to 1,350psi direct spray on the edge of the seal.
- We also added in-cabinet LED lighting in the electrical box to increase maintenance productivity in low light situations.
- The dual electrical boxes mean the low voltage items are separate from the high voltage items. This helps with any maintenance that needs done.
- No more conduit – Marlen Spiral ovens come with cable clips and raised cable routing. Not only does this help with sanitation (easy to clean around and behind the cables) but it also provides for easier maintenance.
- Servo drum motors – changing out the motors for a servo drum motor not only helps with improved control but also provides a larger range of residence times vs the old chain driven gearbox motors.
- Push-lock plus and I/O indicators – Marlen updated the stainless steel 8-port block with push-lock plugs and I/O indicators that are IP69K rated. These include waterproof connections (again, great for washdown!) and red/green lights to show connection.
- CIP improvements
- Standardized stainless-steel CIP spray balls – the nozzle spray balls have been updated to 360 degree high temperature and high-pressure stainless steel.
- Standardized water retaining collar – this stainless collar around the drum shaft helps retain CIP wash water for recirculation. This prevents cleaning chemicals from going onto the drum drive motor.
- Additional option for 600psi high-pressure spray – the infeed and discharge spray bars assist in cleaning the belt.
- Sanitary Feet – throughout the years as the Food Processing industry continues to demand sanitary design, the Marlen Spiral Oven Feet were changed to a more sanitary design. This means they are open and with slanted surfaces so that water and cleaning agents don’t pool.
- To help with plant management:
- Built in lift points – on Micro Spiral ovens, we’ve added lift points so they can be easily moved around a plant using a forklift. Changing up your line? Rearranging to make it more efficient? These built in lift points make it easy to reposition this critical element.
- CE upgrades – the Marlen Spiral ovens now include CE guarding infeed, discharge and belt return areas. As well as door safety switches and proof of air sensors as standard.
- To help with labor management:
- Icon based HMI – an icon-based HMI means it’s easier to train up new staff and easier to understand no matter the language someone speaks.
- Improved remote connectivity – want to better understand how the equipment is performing? The improved remote connectivity allows you to log in from a central computer not connected via a cable to the equipment and pull the appropriate data so you can ensure consistent throughput and production at any time. You can also give Marlen and SupportPro techs remote access if there is an issue you want help trouble shooting.
While that’s a lot of changes over the last few years, we aren’t stopping there. We continue working to improve our Spiral Ovens based on customer feedback and needs. For more information on the Marlen Spiral Oven, check out the products page.
Have a thought on how to improve the Marlen Spiral Oven or any other equipment? Let us know!
