Bem Brazil Optimizes Potato Washer Outfeed Belt With Intralox S1750 Belting

Potato washing, rock removal, and debris removal is one of the most challenging applications for French fry manufacturers globally. This is certainly true for BEM Brazil’s Minas Gerais plant, where 110 tons of product go through the washer on a main line every hour. 

The washer’s outfeed was originally equipped with a chain-driven, rodded belt that transferred washed potatoes to the next step in the process. This belt posed significant challenges for BEM’s Maintenance team, causing frequent downtime due to reliability issues, unpredictable failures, and complex repairs. The heavy belt often had rubber tabs that became brittle and broke, leading to prolonged line stoppages. Plus, the rodded chain belt’s long lead time further complicated maintenance efforts. 

Seeking a solution, the BEM team consulted their long-time belting partner, Intralox, for a solution. Intralox recommended their Series 1750 belt, specifically designed for highly abrasive potato applications. The S1750 belt is abrasion resistant with large openings for high-volume water flow and drainage. Intralox provided technical support to ensure a successful retrofit from the rodded chain belt to their S1750 belt.

Intralox Series 1750 Flush Grid Belt

Since implementing the new Intralox solution, BEM’s Minas Gerais plant has experienced significant benefits. Thanks to Intralox’s modular plastic belting and industry-leading lead times, they’ve improved reliability and reduced maintenance costs.

Lucas Oliveira, Project Design Engineer at Bem Brasil Alimentos LTDA:

"Since the beginning of our partnership, we have always placed trust in Intralox, and this trust was further solidified with the success of the retrofit of our potato washer conveyor. The repairs and replacement of the old conveyor have always been a major challenge due to the weight and complexity involved, which required a large maintenance team and the use of machinery to assist in removing the old conveyor."

"However, Intralox's approach to tackling this challenge was remarkable, with particular emphasis on the application engineering team being extremely assertive and committed to solving our problem. Their experience, clear, and effective communication were crucial to the success of the retrofit."

"We greatly appreciate the dedication and quality of the work performed. We are very satisfied with the results and continue to place full trust in Intralox for future projects and challenges."