Multi-Conveyor has recently built some conveyor systems for larger size containers that require mass or overflow accumulation. The objective? Sweeping rows of containers extracted from, then reintroduced back into, single file production, without operator intervention.

A recent shipment consisted of three independent-powered, straight configured conveyors that transport, overflow accumulate, and re-enter filled and sealed plastic food containers en masse. The large size snack food containers begin on a 10-1/2” wide by 25’ long plastic chain conveyor that is fed from the customer’s filler. 

The containers are swept in rows on and off respective accumulation table conveyors by way of pneumatic actuators. High-level photo sensors trigger accumulation based on production flow ahead. Product is reintroduced to the production line when sensors redeploy.

This is the same “sweep arm” concept used in a previous stainless steel constructed conveyor system created by Multi-Conveyor engineers for another large size container for non-rounds.  

Plastic bottles are fed onto two distinctive accumulation tables that form rows of product at the face of the table. Again, a pneumatic "sweep arm" will push a single row at a time onto the table when the system is in "Accumulation Mode."  

That particular challenge was the accumulation of a non-round, nearly rectangular bottle design, in various sizes, the company says. Standard bi-di accumulation table conveyors are used almost exclusively for round-shaped product.

Both systems feature Multi-Conveyor's engineering staff’s control expertise using motor and logic control arrangements, devices, sensors, HMI screens and UL listed panels, notes the company. Learn more about bi-di, mass flow, reflow, and single file product accumulation solutions here. 

Related: Multi-Conveyor builds conveyor for snack crackers