Crate Washing Line for Transbox crates

1. Feeding System

• Stack Conveyors:

  • Provide capacity for 13 stacks per lane and automatically transfer crate stacks to the stack unloader.

• Stack Unloader:

  • Top-loading unloader that removes two crates at a time from the top of each stack.

• Overhead Conveyors:

  • Transport crates to the washing line’s debris removal and dosing unit.

• Debris Removal and Dosing:

  • Crates are inverted to remove loose debris before being dosed into the washing machine.

2. Washing and Drying Line

• Pre-Wash Unit:

  • 11 kW pump, 400 l/min flow, 900 l insulated tank, 18 kW heating (+40–50 °C), adjustable spray pipes for optimal cleaning.

• Main Wash Unit:

  • 15 kW pump, 600 l insulated tank, 27 kW heating (+55–60 °C), drum filtration system.

• Pre-Rinse:

  • 1.1 kW pump, 600 l tank, 18 kW heating (+45–60 °C), recirculates water from the final rinse.

• Final Rinse:

  • Mains water at approx. 55 °C, recirculated to the pre-rinse unit to optimize water exchange and energy efficiency.

• Dryer:

  • 4 × 5.5 kW blowers (total airflow 10,000 m³/h), adjustable nozzle angle and gap for each crate side, drying level 6–12 g of water per crate after 90 seconds.

3. Safety and Control

• Safety guarding and interlocked doors according to risk analysis.
• Emergency stop buttons and reset controls located at each access point.
• Siemens PLC control with touchscreen HMI, clear interface, and integrated system monitoring.

4. Outfeed Conveyor and Automatic Stacking

• Plastic lamella conveyor transfers washed crates to manual stacking or directly to the automatic stacker.
• Automatic stacker forms complete stacks and transfers them to the stack conveyor, with capacity for five stacks (one pallet load).

This system achieves a high level of automation, consistent washing quality, and optimal labor efficiency. It is specifically designed to meet food industry hygiene requirements and is easy to maintain, thanks to liftable tunnel covers and clear conveyor arrangements.