Internationally Acclaimed Coffee Roasting Supply Company Relies on Cablevey for Gentle Conveyance

Cablevey’s conveyor solutions are integral to the success of an international coffee roasting supply company such as Probat Inc. Renowned for their meticulous approach to preserving the integrity of beans, this acclaimed coffee roasting supply company relies on Cablevey for gentle conveyance, ensuring their premium product reaches the roaster in perfect condition. This collaboration highlights the importance of gentle handling in maintaining the quality and flavor of coffee, positioning Cablevey Conveyors as a key partner in the global coffee industry.

Probat Relies on Cablevey Conveyors to Meet Its Customers’ Expectations

Probat Inc. helps design coffee roasting plants and expansions for companies ranging in size from small regional roasting operations to large multinational corporations. Probat, which traces its existence back to 1868, is currently the acknowledged world market leader for the supply of machinery and systems designed for the coffee industry. The company’s focus is to help its customers “get the best out of the bean.”

“Cablevey is one of the tools we have in our tool chest that helps us meet customer expectations,” said Scott Stouffer, vice president for Probat. “Companies that need quality whole bean coffee, or that need specific solutions for a number of pickup points and transfer destinations, are best served with a customized solution. And with Cablevey, we’re able to provide very customized conveying solutions.”

Stouffer is an industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience. His experience with Cablevey Conveyors began even before his start with Probat twelve years ago. “Cablevey represents a way to move roasted whole bean coffee without any breakage. It can also be used to transport coffee grounds and green coffee. While we do work with other conveyor companies, I’ve found that Cablevey supplies the best means of gentle mechanical transfer for these friable materials,” said Stouffer.

What Are the Key Considerations Driving Conveyor Selection?

While there are other conveyor technologies and options, Stouffer said he often finds them lacking. “We know what Cablevey is and what it does. While it isn’t a new company, it is constantly making improvements. If you want to look at that new guy on the block, pay attention to what they’re not telling you,” said Stouffer. Amidst specifications for throughput, distance, elevation changes, sweeps, and, of course, food-grade qualified parts, coffee roasters should consider the following features of conveyor engineering.

Preserving the Quality of the Beans

A key concern for roasters is preserving the integrity of the bean. Coffee beans are very friable, meaning that coffee beans can break easily. Because of this, processors should avoid moving them at high speeds above 140 feet per minute. In addition, industrial conveyor systems must be designed to avoid introducing mechanical shear, sudden changes, or directional shifts. Otherwise, the beans will break. While it doesn’t impact the taste, it does affect quality perception.

Avoiding Contamination Due to Poorly Installed Conveyor Technologies

Another important factor within the entire food and beverage processing industry is avoiding material contamination. Improperly installed conveyor technologies or the wrong choice of conveyor can lead to broken beans, broken pucks (injection-molded carriers inside the conveyor tube), and broken cables. Broken pucks are particularly dangerous for any food processing line since the puck materials typically end up in the food product that is being processed. 

If undetected, this can cause product recalls or destroy capital equipment. “It might be a week or more before the maintenance crew notices a broken puck. And then it becomes the question, which bag, or bags of coffee, did those plastic pieces of broken puck wind up falling into?” said Stouffer. Should conveyor issues cause the pucks to go out of line on a grinder feed, for example, all that foreign matter could ruin machinery worth $250,000 or more and shut down production for an indefinite period of time.

Keeping Noise Levels Within Safe Limits 

This is an issue often overlooked – however, it’s one of the factors that contribute to worker safety. Certain industrial conveyor systems produce a lot of noise, and once the noise levels exceed 85 decibels, it creates a hearing protection zone. Prolonged exposure can cause noise-induced hearing loss. OSHA sets legal limits for a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 90 dB for all workers during the course of an eight-hour day.

What Are the Advantages of Cablevey’s Tubular Drag Conveyor?

The Cablevey tubular drag cable conveyor offers coffee roasters an enclosed, modular, and highly flexible system that is easy to clean and maintain. The enclosed tube contains a sealed, stainless-steel cable running through its center. Circular discs are evenly spaced along the cable, creating pockets or spaced compartments to gently convey materials from one processing step to another. This enclosed design helps protect against foreign contamination of materials being conveyed. It also traps dust to aid with plant sanitation and safety.

Various inlet types or options enable the conveyance of a broad range of materials that require gentle handling, including all types of products, from whole beans to finely ground coffee, breakfast cereals, specialty grains, snack food, and more. Operators can elect the preferred cleaning option – either wet or dry. The system is easy to clean and maintain, which helps speed product changeovers. 

In addition, Cablevey Conveyors stands out for energy efficiency, with the standard motor incorporated into the system using significantly less energy than chain or pneumatic conveyors. Depending upon the volume required, tube diameters are available in sizes ranging from two to eight inches. The eight-inch diameter tubing enables throughput of up to 80,000 lbs./hour, depending on material bulk density.

Intangibles That Perk up a Business Relationship

Cablevey as a company is flexible and friendly, said Stouffer. This flexibility impacts all areas of business negotiations, from terms for order placement to changing delivery dates. According to Stouffer, “Customers might start delaying projects for a few months, or on the flip side, accelerate their delivery schedules. Cablevey is the type of company that tries to accommodate either scenario.”

There have been occasions when a business relationship calls for flexibility with a payment schedule as well. “Cablevey gives us the flexibility to work with non-standard payment terms due to mutually established trust. We figure out ways to work around and within business situations and have never heard the word no,” said Stouffer.

Cablevey Conveyors Is Here for All Your Conveying Needs

Cablevey Conveyors specializes in providing top-tier conveyor technologies tailored to meet the diverse needs of various industries. Our innovative industrial conveyor systems are designed to enhance your production process, ensuring efficiency, safety, and reliability. Whether you’re handling delicate materials that require gentle conveyance or need a robust system for heavy-duty operations, you can rely on our conveyor engineering.

Our commitment to customer satisfaction drives us to offer customized solutions that perfectly fit your specific requirements. Let us help you streamline your production process, reduce downtime, and increase productivity. With us by your side, you’re not just getting a conveyor – you’re getting a partner dedicated to your success. Contact us today and embark on the journey to successful conveyance.

FAQ

What Makes Cablevey Conveyors Unique in Handling Coffee Beans?

Cablevey Conveyors stands out for our gentle conveyance approach, which is critical for preserving the integrity of coffee beans. Our conveyor technologies ensure beans are moved without breakage, maintaining quality and flavor, which is essential for coffee roasters demanding top-quality product transport.

How Does Cablevey Ensure the Safety and Quality of Coffee During Transport?

Cablevey’s tubular drag conveyor system is enclosed, reducing contamination risks and preserving bean quality. It operates at safe speeds and avoids mechanical shear, protecting beans from damage and ensuring the coffee’s quality and consumer perception remain high.

What Are the Primary Concerns When Choosing a Conveyor System for Coffee?

Key considerations include preserving bean integrity, preventing contamination, and maintaining low noise levels. Cablevey Conveyors addresses these concerns with gentle handling, enclosed systems for sanitation, and low-noise operations to ensure a safe working environment.

Can Cablevey Conveyors Handle Different Types of Coffee Products?

Yes, Cablevey Conveyors offers automated conveyor systems with flexible and modular designs that can transport a wide range of coffee products, from whole beans to ground coffee. Our systems offer various inlet options and cleaning methods, accommodating different materials and production needs.