The machinery used for primary processing is very different. Its configuration depends on the origin of the fish (oceans or fish farms), the species, subsequent processing stages and other factors. Which is why the sequence and function of each step, from slaughtering to gutting the fish, differs depending on our customers’ machinery.
All work can also be carried out on the trawler itself in confined spaces.
During primary processing, fish from farms or those caught in oceans or rivers are stunned, slaughtered, and bled. They are then weighed, sorted, deheaded and gutted if necessary. Customers processing farmed fish frequently want a high degree of automation and combine these steps in one single station.
Technical Requirements of the Belts
Easy rinsing of fish requires belts with large open areas, particularly during slaughtering, bleeding and washing. These belts allow water to drain off quickly. To stop fish slipping and ensure even product spread on the belt, flights are required during inclined conveying and separation processes. Compact curved conveyors are practical space savers on trawlers. Greater automation also means greater requirements on precise and slip-free positioning of the fish. All belts must be exceptionally abrasion resistant and easy to clean. Abrasion-resistant belts have long service lives and withstand the often tough conditions that prevail in fish processing. Easy-to-clean belts mean compliance with high hygiene standards and minimize contamination risks. Therefore, they prevent bacteria, residues and odors occurring that could affect fish quality and safety.
Our solution
For slaughtering, bleeding, and general conveying, we recommend Siegling Prolink plastic modular belts from series 6.1 with a 50 mm (2 in) pitch and very large open areas. On request, we can fit flights and side guards to plastic modular belts, or supply belts in temperature-resistant polypropylene (PP). Products made of polypropylene can withstand extreme cold and heat. They also have superior resistance to cleaning agents.
Siegling Prolink curved belts make very small curve radii possible where space is limited. Prolink plastic modular belts for the food sector have exceptionally easy-to-clean shapes (HACCP designs). In combination with strong polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) hinge pins, they have outstanding service lives.
Alongside plastic modular belts, homogenous belts from the Siegling Fullsan series are also an option for the following steps. The form-fit sprocket drive, teeth on the belt’s underside and patterns and profiles on the top face guarantee excellent positioning accuracy. Siegling Fullsan homogenous belts come Flat (FLT) friction-driven, Positive Drive (PD) and form-fit Center Drive (CD) versions.
All belts are EU/FDA compliant and designed to meet high hygiene standards. They’re very easy to keep clean with all standard detergents.
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