To meet increased production requirements, Zeelandia installed two custom-built Russell Finex Compact 900 sieves at its Zierikzee, the Netherlands plant. Source: Russell Finex.

With more than 100 years of experience and operations in 20 different countries, Zeelandia is a leading manufacturer of raw bakery ingredients. In an environment where product quality must be faultless, Zeelandia needed to optimize product quality, improve productivity and reduce downtime in its sieving operations.

To satisfy increasing market demands, Zeelandia decided to work with a separation specialist, Russell Finex, to meet new production requirements at its Zierikzee, the Netherlands plant. The main objective was to achieve capacities of 2 tons per hour in sieving bakery powders, although a capacity up to 6 tons per hour was required on a variety of other products.

In addition to achieving Zeelandia’s productivity gains, the new vibratory sieves needed to meet strict hygiene and safety standards, including HACCP and ATEX requirements. The units also needed to be flexible when sieving different products on various mesh sizes, with minimal disruption to the production process. Due to an already established relationship, Zeelandia knew it could rely on Russell Finex to provide the solution it needed.

Realizing the benefits of Russell Finex’s experience and testing facilities, Zeelandia decided to install two custom-built Compact 900 sieves. One unit was also fitted with the supplier’s Vibrasonic Deblinding System (VDS) to prevent the mesh screen from blocking and improve Zeelandia’s productivity.

The customized Compact 900s eliminated many of Zeelandia’s problems. To satisfy Zeelandia’s productivity objective, Russell Finex advised the company to attach the mesh screens to the sieve decks so operators could quickly change the setup of the sieves whenever they needed to check-screen different products. This significantly reduced Zeelandia’s downtime and improved the processor’s productivity because operators no longer were required to detach the mesh screen and deck individually. Constructed in the highest-quality stainless steel, the Compact 900s can be easily cleaned between batches.

Zeelandia was also looking for vibratory sieves that would easily fit into its existing manufacturing process. To solve this problem, Russell Finex modified the Compact sieves. The sieve decks were lowered in height, and the underpans were enlarged to allow the units to fit neatly into the existing process without disrupting Zeelandia’s production lines.

The unit’s simple design allowed Zeelandia operators to strip down and clean the machine without any tools. This also helped them quickly prepare the units to sieve a range of raw materials on different mesh sizes, with minimal downtime.

Another key feature of the installation was the VDS. By integrating this system, Zeelandia increased productivity by eliminating mesh blinding and blockage. With the mesh staying clear, downtime was reduced, and screening capacities improved. The innovative VDS also allowed Zeelandia to screen its product more accurately and reduce re-screening of good product, improving the bottom line.

The units were supplied to meet the latest ATEX approval ratings, ensuring the machines are safe to use in potentially hazardous environments. Both sieves are also fully compliant with strict HACCP and FDA hygiene standards, safeguarding Zeelandia’s reputation as a leading food ingredient supplier.

For more information, Rob O’Connell, 704-737-4692, www.russellfinex.com.