Replacement Screw Conveyor for Tyson Foods in Wallula, WA

Introduction

Tyson Foods was founded in 1935 and is one of the world’s largest food companies and a leading U.S. processor of chicken, beef, and pork. With well-known brands such as Tyson, Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm, and Ball Park, Tyson operates 11 beef processing plants. Screw conveyors are used in the beef processing operation at the Tyson plant in Wallula, WA. Applied Industrial Technologies (AIT) in Pasco, WA provides MRO components and solutions to the plant.

Challenge

An existing screw conveyor at the Tyson plant was worn out and required replacement. Corrosion had progressed to the point that the conveyor began to leak. Tyson needed a replacement built to exact specifications that would fit the existing layout without modification and stand up to the difficult environment.

KWS Advantage

A KWS Technical Sales Specialist visited the plant to confirm field measurements, and KWS provided approval drawings to ensure exact fit-up with the existing equipment. KWS manufactured the replacement screw conveyor with upgrades to address corrosion and leakage. The troughs were hot dip galvanized for corrosion protection. Every bolted flange connection was sealed with gaskets, and seal washers used to prevent leaks at the bolt holes. AR235 abrasion-resistant trough liners were added for long term durability. The replacement conveyor fit the existing layout without modification and was built to resist the corrosion that caused the original conveyor to fail.

Customer Testimonial

“KWS did a great job on this screw conveyor from start to finish. Tyson is very happy with the result, and we appreciate KWS taking care of our customer.”

Ty Haws, Account Manager – Applied Industrial Technologies