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Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor

Challenges:

Operations were being enhanced and improved for the UTZ chip manufacturer in Hanover, PA. The integrator, WEPCO Inc. presented UTZ with an overall layout that would accomplish these efficiency enhancements by improved in-house product transportation and sortation. With the need to vertically transport product, WEPCO turned to USS to supply them with a small footprint and reliable solution to feed their downstream process. The cartons at UTZ were varying in size. They ranged in length from 9" to 42".

Solution:

USS worked with both the end user and the integrator to supply a unique Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor (VRC) that could fit into a small area to avoid existing building columns and convey all varying sizes of product. The eight units conveyed cartons of chips from a 36" elevation to a discharge height of 19'-6" in a "Z" style configuration. In addition, the VRCs transport one or two packages per cycle depending on product length to boost throughput while minimizing the system duty cycle.

Results:

The VRCs were equipped with a two zone zero pressure roller conveyor accumulation shelf. This zoned conveyor shelf allowed varying box sizes to enter and accumulate on the shelf for bi-directional transportation. With the motor mounted near the bottom of the lift, USS eliminated the need to perform any overhead maintenance activities. The units were delivered with USS's standard light weight Lexan™ windows. These windows allowed for product visibility and helped to minimize the obstructive nature of a 20 foot tall piece of equipment.