Monday 14 September 2015

A recent study from Research and Markets revealed that the value of the food and beverage sector is forecast to reach £113.1 billion in 2018-19, a short to medium-term growth of 3-4%. In order to maintain this performance, the industry must continue its drive towards greater efficiency and productivity.

A typical food and drink production facility contains electric motor-driven equipment such as mixers, conveyors and pumps to name just a few. With motors accounting for 65% of all industrial electricity consumption, the scope for savings is huge. Here we’ll look at a couple of ways this can be achieved.

Condition monitoring

A condition monitoring programme allows process managers to observe and analyse levels of motor vibration, balance, lubricant and temperature and plan preventative maintenance during shutdown periods. This proactive approach avoids unplanned downtime which can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds per day in lost production. There’s also the added benefit of reducing wear and extending equipment life.

Variable-speed drives

Being able to control the speed of mixers, pumps and conveyors without manual intervention allows users to maximise productivity while optimising efficiency and keeping energy consumption to a minimum.

Variable-speed drives allow motors to run at only the speed required at a given time, which is especially useful for mixing applications where different products require varying degrees of speed. Mixing ingredients at the wrong speed has an adverse effect on the finished product; dough, for example, must be handled correctly to achieve the desired result.

In addition, equipment that is used for multiple purposes can be prepared for different products simply by selecting a programme via the variable-speed drive, removing the need manual adjustment.

Gibbons Engineering Group have a long history of working within the food and beverage sector, so we’re well aware of its unique demands. We not only carry out a comprehensive condition monitoring service, we’re also an Authorized Value Provider for ABB drives. This means we’re approved to stock, distribute and offer local value-added support for ABB variable-speed drives.


We’ve helped many high-profile businesses in the food and beverage industry improve their processes, and we could do the same for you. For more information on our products and services for the food and beverage sector, call 01621 868138 or email info@gibbonsgroup.co.uk

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