KWS Provides Loadout System for Food Manufacturer

General Description

Since 1920, Farbest Foods has been a leading producer of high-quality turkey products, supplying major food manufacturers and retailers across the US. With a strong commitment to efficiency, food safety, and environmental responsibility, Farbest operates state-of-the-art processing plants in Huntingburg and Vincennes, Indiana. The company continues to invest in innovative systems that improve plant performance, reduce waste, and enhance sustainability.

At the Huntingburg, IN facility, Farbest Foods required a reliable and automated system to handle and load out wastewater sludge generated during processing. The new system dewaters the sludge and discharges it directly into roll-off dumpsters for disposal. The KWS sludge loadout system includes shaftless screw conveyors, pneumatic slide gates, zero-speed sensors, and adjustable pipe supports, creating a clean, and highly efficient operation.

KWS Provided a Durable, Low-Maintenance, and Fully Enclosed Solution for Sludge Handling

Design Parameters

Product Type: Sludge
Material Density: 48 Lbs. per Cubic Foot
System Capacity: 319 Cubic Feet per Hour
Duty: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

KWS Advantages

The KWS loadout system provided Farbest Foods with a durable, low-maintenance, and fully enclosed solution for sludge handling. Automation of the process significantly reduced operator involvement, improved plant cleanliness, and enhanced overall efficiency.

KWS engineered the system to fit within the limited space of the Huntingburg facility while maintaining full accessibility for maintenance and operation. In addition, KWS worked closely with the contractor and Farbest’s maintenance team during installation and commissioning to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance from day one.

KWS Special Features

To withstand the corrosive environment and ensure long-term reliability, conveyor trough and covers were fabricated from 304 stainless steel. KWS engineered a custom inlet chute to create a smooth transition from the centrifuge, minimizing spillage and improving material flow.

For system protection and operator safety, zero-speed switches were incorporated to monitor screw rotation and automatically stop the system in the event of a malfunction. Strategically placed emergency stop switches allow operators to quickly and safely shut down the equipment when necessary.

The system also featured KWS adjustable structural supports, which allowed precise on-site height and alignment adjustments of the conveyors to ensure proper discharge into the roll-off containers. These heavy-duty supports simplified installation, enhanced stability, and provided long-term reliability.

In addition, KWS flat pneumatic slide gates were installed for automated, controlled discharge of dewatered sludge. The flat, low-profile design minimized overall system height, while pneumatic actuation provided dependable flow control with minimal maintenance. Together, these features created a fully automated, contained, and operator-friendly loadout system that exceeded Farbest Foods’ expectations for performance and cleanliness.