Driving a conveyor head roller with a drum motor, which features a motor and gear box within the roller housing, is not a new concept. For around 70 years, this design has addressed space utilization issues by incorporating all external components inside the drum. However, the design has lacked the electrical and mechanical efficiency that can contribute substantially to energy savings and has been known to present some seal integrity issues.
Today, the practical drum motor designs used in food processing plants protect all vital motor/gearing components within an IP69K stainless steel enclosure. These motors can withstand up to 3,000 psi of washdown pressure, without scheduled maintenance. Outside-the-box-thinking led to this improved design, with the motor, gear reducer and bearings inside the box, making it safer and more energy efficient. Plus, since no rotating components or pinch points are outside the conveyor frame, the drum motor conveyor drive protects personnel working around the equipment.