Libra™ – Blending (Fruit)

App-103
06/2007

Product Line:
Libra™ Blending System

Model(s):
VF-03, BF-01 Hybrid System

Product(s):
Frozen raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, cherries, currents, grapes, pineapples, orange segments, apple slices, melon balls and chunks, mango chunks, kiwi slices. Also frozen vegetables and rice.

Maximum product size of 2".

Density = 25 - 31 lb/ft3

SIC Analysis:

Capacity:
Line 1 - 3630 lb/hr (165 - 742 lb/hr ea)
Line 2 - 6,600 lb/hr (300 - 750 lb/hr ea)

Factory Order(s):
F72954

Location(s):
Headcorn, Kent England

Install Date(s):
11/2006

Features:
Rigidized 304 SS contact surfaces
4 ft3 hoppers
Allen Bradley MicroLogix 1500 system control

Problem:
The existing blending line used a batch mixing process that required significant manual interface, resulting in uneven blends. The customer wanted to increase capacity and automate the process to provide more consistent blends. The system had to handle a wide variety of product shapes, sizes, and flow rates as well as thawing of the fruit in the hoppers.

Solution:
Eight 6" wide Libra systems were installed to simultaneously handle the existing line as well as the new high-capacity line. The four units on the right were dedicated to the old line, and the two units on the left were dedicated to the new line. The remaining two units were able to supply either line through a pair of automated pant leg chutes. Every unit was set up to handle any of the components. The high-stroke VF conveyor provided efficient hopper evacuation and the BF feeder provided accurate weighing at low and high feed rates. The components were collected by two 12" wide VF Premier electromagnetic conveyors. A total of 48 recipes were programmed into the Libra controller. Changeover required only a few menu picks on the Allen Bradley Panelview+ 1000.