Washdown & Sanitary

Production environments requiring routine washdown or sanitary compliance demand conveyors built to withstand water, chemicals, and aggressive cleaning procedures. Standard conveyor components fail prematurely when exposed to these conditions.

Conveyor Technologies designs low profile conveyors for wet and sanitary environments. Sealed, maintenance-free bearings eliminate lubrication points that collect contamination or fail during washdown. Stainless steel frame options and FDA-compliant belting address hygienic requirements across food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and other regulated industries.

For over 40 years, we have manufactured conveyors in Milford, Ohio. Engineering support is provided directly by our technical team.

Backed by a 10-year warranty on all conveyor frames.

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Submit your application requirements or line layout for engineering review. Our team will provide conveyor recommendations and pricing tailored to your specifications. Work directly with the engineers who design and build the systems.

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Production facilities in food processing, beverage, pharmaceutical, and other industries require regular equipment cleaning. Conveyors in these environments face high-pressure water, steam, and chemical cleaning agents. Components not designed for wet exposure corrode, seize, or harbor bacteria.

Sealed bearings operate without external lubrication. This eliminates grease fittings that become contamination entry points and removes the maintenance burden of re-lubrication after each washdown cycle. Bearings remain protected throughout their service life regardless of water or chemical exposure.

Frame construction for washdown:
Stainless steel frames resist corrosion from water and cleaning chemicals
Powder-coated aluminum provides corrosion protection for less aggressive environments
Sloped surfaces and drainage features prevent water pooling

Low profile frame designs integrate beneath processing equipment where washdown procedures occur. The compact form factor positions conveyors within machine enclosures that receive the same cleaning as surrounding equipment.

Sanitary environments require equipment designed to prevent contamination and facilitate cleaning. Conveyors must minimize harborage points where product residue or bacteria can accumulate. Regulatory compliance in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical applications depends on equipment that meets hygienic design standards.

Hygienic construction features:
Smooth frame surfaces without exposed fasteners or crevices
Rounded corners and radiused edges for complete cleaning access
Open frame designs that allow visual inspection and cleaning verification
Tool-free belt removal for thorough sanitation between production runs

Belt options for sanitary applications:
FDA and USDA approved materials for direct food contact
Solid surface belts that do not absorb liquids or harbor bacteria
Antimicrobial belt materials available for specific applications

Our engineering team reviews your sanitary requirements and recommends appropriate frame materials, belt types, and construction features. Custom configurations address specific regulatory or facility standards.

Conveyor materials must match the demands of the operating environment. Wet conditions, chemical exposure, temperature extremes, and regulatory requirements all influence material selection. The wrong materials lead to premature corrosion, contamination risk, or compliance failures.

Frame materials:

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Stainless steel (304/316): Required for direct food contact zones, pharmaceutical environments, and applications with aggressive chemical exposure. 316 stainless provides additional resistance to chlorides and acidic cleaning agents.
Powder-coated aluminum: Suitable for splash zones and environments with less aggressive cleaning protocols. Provides corrosion resistance at lower cost than stainless steel.

Belt materials for washdown and sanitary applications:

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Solid urethane and polyester belts: FDA-compliant, non-absorbent surfaces for food and pharmaceutical handling
Wire mesh belts: Allow water, oil, and debris to drain through; suitable for cooling, draining, and drying applications
Modular plastic belts: Chemical-resistant options available for harsh cleaning environments; easy replacement of damaged sections

Contact our engineering team to discuss your environmental conditions. We recommend material combinations based on your cleaning procedures, chemical exposure, and regulatory requirements.

Bearings and drive components are common failure points in washdown environments. Water intrusion causes corrosion, lubricant washout, and premature bearing failure. Frequent replacement and unplanned downtime disrupt production schedules.

Sealed, maintenance-free bearings are standard on all Conveyor Technologies conveyors. These bearings are permanently lubricated and sealed against water and contaminant intrusion. Benefits for washdown environments include:

No re-lubrication required after cleaning cycles
No grease fittings that become contamination entry points
Consistent performance regardless of water or chemical exposure
Extended service life compared to standard bearings in wet conditions

Drive package protection:
Motors and gearboxes rated for washdown environments available
Sealed electrical connections prevent moisture intrusion
Drive components positioned outside direct spray zones where possible

The combination of sealed bearings and protected drive components ensures reliable operation in environments where standard conveyor components would require frequent maintenance or replacement.