In the food industry, product safety does not depend solely on processes or cleaning protocols. Equipment design, particularly conveyor design, is a key factor in preventing contamination risks and enabling effective, repeatable cleaning.
Conveyors and modular belts are in direct or indirect contact with food for much of the process, which is why their design has a direct impact on overall line hygiene.
What is hygienic design and why it matters?
Hygienic design consists of designing equipment in such a way that:
- Product or dirt accumulastion points are reduced
- Access for cleaning and inspection is facilitated
- Risks of microbiological, physical, or chemical contamination are minimized
Good design does not replace cleaning, but it allows cleaning to be truly effective.
Conveyors: a critical point in food processing lines
Return sections, joints, transfers, or guiding elements can become sources of contamination if hygienic criteria are not considered from the design stage. For this reason, selecting the appropriate modular belt is essential to ensure both hygiene and system reliability.
Basic principles of hygienic conveyor design
A conveyor designed for the food industry should prioritize:
- Smooth, continous surfaces that are easy to clean
- Accesibility to criticala reas for inspection and cleaning
- Elimination of product and moisture accumulation points
- Materials compatible with chemicals, temperatures, and frequent celaning procedures
These principles reduce cleaning time, resource consumption, and audit-related risks.
Modular belts for demanding cleaning environments
In food applications subject to frequent or intensive cleaning, the modular belt must meet more stringent hygienic requirements.
For these environments, Movex offers, through the Eurobelt, Quickbelts, and Blueline product lines, complete solutions specifically designed for sectors with high hygiene demands, focusing on:
- Easier cleaning and visual inspection
- Reduced accumulation areas
- Stable performance after repeated wash cycles
In the case of Quickbelts, this new range represents an evolution in hygienic design, intended for applications where cleaning and control requirements are particularly high.
Find more technical information in our catalog
Hygienic design and operational efficiency
Applying hygienic design criteria to covneyors not only improves food safety, but also:
- Reduces downtime
- Improves line availability
- Facilities compliance with audits and internal standars