Denver, NC, October 2020: It’s no surprise the chicken processing industry continues to scale upwards on an annual basis, the popular protein is a dietary staple in most homes these days as it’s a leaner alternative to beef and pork, is rich in vitamins and minerals, and has very few religious restrictions. With an average of 9 billion chickens processed in the USA last year, companies are continuously looking toward more efficient, reliable, and clean processing solutions to maximize energy savings and profitability. While the industry continues to change to meet demand, one thing remains constant…the need for reliable equipment.
Anyone who knows or has been to a poultry processing facility knows how harsh these humid and dirty environments can be for mechanical equipment. Processes like chicken evisceration, marinating, tumbling, and transport rely heavily on a vacuum pump that can deliver constant pressure and still handle liquid and solid carryover from the process. That’s where Atlas Copco comes in, we offer rugged and reliable vacuum pumps expertly engineered for liquid and solid carryover, high humidity, and extreme heat. That being said, let’s look at these processes individually and the Atlas Copco vacuum solution recommended to meet their demands:
One of the first steps when processing chickens is the immediate removal of waste products. It’s a wet process, done under Vacuum traditionally with a liquid ring pump. Durable and rebuildable, the liquid ring pumps can handle the water, blood and small parts that come from this messy but necessary process.
Atlas Copco Vacuum Solution – AWS Liquid Ring Pump
After the bird is parted and skinned, one of the processes is flavoring or breading for consumer use. Both marination and tumbling can be done under vacuum. This process has been done with several different vacuum technologies. Holding good pressure, clean-up and internal contamination are areas of concern, which is why liquid ring pumps are recommended.
Atlas Copco Vacuum Solution – AWC Liquid Ring Pump
Transport is one of the more problematic processes in the poultry processing plants. There is a lot of moisture, protein, parts, bread & waste off this process. It is also complicated by the different dimensions of the bird pieces. Like and in conjunction with tumbling, this process can be done with several different vacuum technologies. Holding good pressure, clean-up and internal contamination are areas of concern.
Atlas Copco Vacuum Solution – LRP VSD+ Liquid Ring Vacuum Pumps
An area Atlas Copco vacuum excels, the traditional packaging machines are supplied with a mechanical booster and Rotary Vane pumps. Both are either inside the packaging machine, or shipped to be mounted alongside the packaging system. Eventually the vane and sometimes both pumps get relocated outside the production floor.
Atlas Copco Vacuum Solution – GVS-A Rotary Vane Pump or GHS VSD+
Offal is the inedible by-product of all these processes and are commonly transported through a piping network that goes throughout the plant and is deposited in a collection area. The vacuum pumps used for this process are typically once through, liquid ring pumps since the process is wet and dirty. Most of these pumps are located outside the production facility near the waste processing collection site or loading dock.
Atlas Copco Vacuum Solution – AWS & AWC Liquid Ring Pumps
As demanding as the poultry processing industry might be, Atlas Copco is proud to offer vacuum solutions that meet the demands of this ever-growing business. We understand how important it is for our customers to have energy efficient systems they can trust, that minimize downtime and maximize profits.
