The Czech Republic-headquartered Velteko has expanded its range of vertical packaging machines to include a machine with a hygienic design. This packaging machine is adapted for use in operations that require higher standards of hygiene and sanitation. It has IP69K certification, which means it can be cleaned using pressure washing.
The Velteko Washdown-360 vertical packaging machine can be used in operations with more stringent hygiene requirements as well as anywhere that liquids need to be packaged. This particularly includes the food industry – such as for the packaging of frozen food, meat, fish or sauces — and other operations where liquid or semi-liquid products are packaged in conditions requiring higher standards of cleanliness.
According to the company, the machine is designed to be waterproof, with special emphasis on ensuring it is easy to wash and clean off product residues, dust, grease and bacteria. It is resistant to cleaning chemicals and water runs off the surface faster, and its hygienic design significantly shortens the whole process of sanitizing the machine.
Waterproof and hygienic design
In practice, Washdown machines – the name Velteko uses for this series – are easy to thoroughly clean with pressurised water. Increased hygiene requirements are reflected in the overall design of the machine.
“We designed the Velteko Washdown series so as to ensure that there are no hard-to-clean spots, such as corners or depressions where liquids can accumulate and bacteria can multiply. The machine also has a minimum of large horizontal surfaces in which water can accumulate,” says Tomáš Šmíd from the Velteko development department, describing the construction of the machine. He adds that the suitably dimensioned stainless-steel structure and high-quality branded components naturally also result in a machine that will function for a long time and require little maintenance.
Given its expected use in food processing operations, the machine complies with demanding hygiene standards and meets the conditions of IP69k protection. It can therefore be cleaned with high-pressure hot water. “The operator can quickly and effectively wash the machine with an ordinary pressure washer. There are no places in the machine that can trap water or dirt. All the main parts of the machine structure are rounded and water flows freely over them,” says Tomáš Šmíd from Velteko about cleaning the machine.
Wide range of uses
Despite the design and the emphasis on operational hygiene, the Washdown series retains all the advantages offered by Velteko vertical packaging machines. The machine can pack up to 160 bags per minute and can easily handle large, fragile or liquid products. The maximum volume per packed bag is up to 20 litres. The machine can package goods in a wide range of different bags – the maximum width of the bag seam is 360 mm.
Easy to operate
The Velteko Washdown-360 can easily be integrated into complex packaging lines following the customer’s specific requirements.
