Process screw conveyors for food material

Process screw conveyors for food material designed and manufactured by BEMA.

Food processing lines require equipment that can handle thermal treatment, mixing, and transport with absolute reliability and full compliance with European food safety regulations.

For a customer in the food industry, BEMA engineered and manufactured three process screw conveyors and one lifting tubular conveyor designed specifically for heating, cooling, mixing, and elevating food material. All conveyors were built according to the EU 1935/2004 food directive, ensuring that every component in contact with the product meets strict requirements for hygiene, traceability, and material safety.

Operating requirements in a food‑grade environment

The customer needed a complete screw conveyor solution that could support several critical steps in a continuous food production line.

Each step required precise control of temperature, airflow, and material handling. The conveyors had to be robust, easy to clean, and capable of maintaining consistent performance under varying loads. Because the system handles food material directly, all surfaces in contact with the product had to comply with EU 1935/2004, which regulates the use of materials intended to come into contact with food.

This includes requirements for chemical safety, migration limits, and the ability to withstand cleaning processes without degrading.

Heating screw conveyor

The first conveyor in the line is a heating screw conveyor designed to raise the temperature of the food material. Steam is injected directly into the conveyor through holes in the bottom, ensuring fast and uniform heating.

This method allows the product to reach the required temperature efficiently while maintaining a controlled and enclosed process. The design ensures that steam distribution is even, preventing hotspots and ensuring consistent product quality.

See another heating screw conveyor here

Cooling screw conveyor

After heating, the material enters a cooling screw conveyor where clean air is introduced through perforations in the bottom of the trough. This airflow cools the product gently and uniformly, preparing it for the next stage of processing.

The hygienic design ensures that only filtered, food‑safe air comes into contact with the material, supporting both product safety and regulatory compliance.

See another cooling screw conveyor here

Mixing screw conveyor

The third conveyor in the process line is a mixing screw conveyor. Here, additives are introduced at the inlet and blended thoroughly with the main product stream.

The screw geometry ensures efficient mixing while maintaining a gentle handling profile to protect the structure of the food material.

The design supports accurate dosing and consistent distribution of additives, which is essential for product quality and regulatory documentation.

Lifting tubular screw conveyor

Once the heating, cooling, and mixing steps are complete, a lifting tubular screw conveyor transports the material to the next stage of the production line.

The tubular design ensures a fully enclosed, hygienic transport path, preventing contamination and maintaining product integrity. The conveyor is engineered for stable vertical conveying and smooth flow, even with varying material densities.

Testing and validation

Before shipment, all screw conveyors were fully assembled and tested at BEMA’s facility. Each unit was run with power on the gearbox to verify mechanical performance, alignment, and functional reliability. This ensures that the equipment arrives ready for installation and meets both customer expectations and regulatory requirements.