How variable-speed drives benefit the food and beverage industries

In the food and beverage industries, a number of electric motor-driven machines are used to automate processes including mixing, conveying and pumping of ingredients. Over the last three decades, variable-speed drives have increasingly been used in order increase energy efficiency and productivity in food and beverage applications.

In addition, the safety features of variable-speed drives have helped to greatly reduce workplace injuries and fatalities, largely due to safe torque off (STO). This invaluable feature brings an electric motor to a no-torque state, preventing accidental start-up during cleaning and maintenance. STO also allows operators to pause a process in order to safely reposition a product and keep disruption to a minimum.

Then there’s safe stop 1 (SS1), which allows machinery to be brought to a safe halt when certain conditions are detected, such as a blockage or other malfunction. Safely-limited speed (SLS) ensures a motor cannot exceed a pre-defined speed limit, while safe brake control (SBC) controls the motor’s mechanical brake.

Variable-speed drives allow managers within the food and beverage industries to meet demanding production targets, high quality standards and energy efficiency legislation whilst ensuring their employees’ safety.

All the safety features mentioned (and more) are available with ABB drives, so to discuss your requirements call Paul Scott on 01621 868138 or email paul@gibbonsgroup.co.uk.