Hard-to-handle fruit, veg & poultry waste proves easy pickings for Seepex BTM pumps

27 October, 2021

Global food processor

An automated waste handling solution from Seepex has enabled a leading manufacturer and processor of fresh convenience food to hygienically, safely and cost-effectively dispose of its waste. Over a number of years, Seepex has supplied the processor with a series of open hopper PC pumps with auger feed screws from its T range, as well as BTM pumps with integrated cutting knives, bridge breakers and extended hoppers, to chop and pump all the waste produced from fruits without stones. To handle mango stones, grape vines and other tough waste, it developed a sophisticated system incorporating an auger feed screw, a vertical cutting device and an open hopper pump.

When building a new manufacturing unit, to handle coleslaw and potato salad, the company approached Seepex again, this time to engineer a bespoke automated waste handling system capable of processing both organic and non-organic waste streams. “The solution has delivered on its promises to reduce costs, reduce labour, keep our manufacturing area clean, tidy and compliant, and keep our operatives safe,” said their Engineering Manager.

Poultry processor

In a bid to reduce its reliance on manual handling using tote bins, one of the UK’s largest chicken processors sought an alternative solution for the handling and disposal of whole DOA birds, intestines, claws and feathers. It commissioned Seepex to install pumps from its BTM range, comprising a feed screw and compression zone fitted with rotating and stationary knives to macerate the birds, offal and other waste prior to pumping. The result has been significant cost savings in the form of energy efficiency and reduced volume for disposal, as well as an improvement in operators’ working conditions due to the removal of manual handling.