Posts by Apache Stainless

About the Author: Apache Stainless

Mepaco Parts Status Update: Just-In-Time VS. Just-In-Case

Updated 4/1/21 An uptick in the manufacturing economy, reduction of COVID restrictions, COVID vaccine availability and the Suez Canal crisis have made material sourcing and parts management unpredictable. Apache’s material supply in stainless sheet and plate are produced in the United States. Pipes, fittings, and electrical components are often produced overseas. Further, some components such … Mepaco Parts Status Update: Just-In-Time VS. Just-In-Case

How To Evaluate A Custom Pressure Vessel Manufacturing Partner

Accreditations Custom and pressure vessel manufacturers must have accreditation for ASME certification. Compliance with the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel code is required. Pressure vessel manufacturers must also manufacture to ASME material specifications, certificates, and welding qualifications. Other accreditations are also crucial in the pharmaceutical, life science, and health industries. Confirm all industry … How to Evaluate a Custom Pressure Vessel Manufacturing Partner

Surge Loading Metering Screw Conveyor Is Key Component In 24/7 Formulation Line

The Metering Screw Conveyor with surge loading capabilities is the key equipment component in this (above) 24/7 formulation line. In the system above, pre-broken frozen food products (red meat, fish, chicken, vegetables) are delivered to a designated metering screw on a traversing belt which locates the exact drop position. Once the recipe is established and … Surge Loading Metering Screw Conveyor is Key Component in 24/7 Formulation Line

How To Troubleshoot A Pressure Tank

There are several reasons why a vessel may need service, however, two main causes why a vessel may need service are either accident or performance related. In the case of an accident, such as a tool falling into the tank and causing damage; surface scratches and dents can typically be repaired on-site, provided they do … How to Troubleshoot a Pressure Tank

General Use VS Custom Vessel: When It’s Time To Consider A Custom ASME Pressure Vessel

Emerging life sciences, and health and wellness product manufacturers must carefully plan budget and start-up costs to launch their products. Many of these entrepreneurs begin production with a general use vessel. A stainless general use vessel has a lower entry price. Depending on the process and the demand for the product, general-use vessels may serve … General Use VS Custom Vessel: When It’s Time to Consider a Custom ASME Pressure Vessel

Practical Equipment Strategies To Remove Foreign Contaminants From Processing Lines

Large-volume automation in the meat processing industry brings a higher risk of foreign material contamination. Foreign material can include metal shavings and shards from grinders, mixers and dicers, wood and nails from pallets, and numerous other materials like plastics and glass. The following are equipment options and proper maintenance practices that can help mitigate foreign … Practical Equipment Strategies to Remove Foreign Contaminants from Processing Lines

Why Agitator Solutions Are Important To Quality And Throughput In Cooking Operations

The type and viscosity of food product, thermal processing technology, desired texture, and cooking/processing cycle times are considered when specifying the agitator solution. Primary consideration for mixing or blending agitator solution begins with the ability for the food product to self-level. Agitator configurations also include scrapers with indirect cooking applications. In some applications, the agitator … Why Agitator Solutions are Important to Quality and Throughput in Cooking Operations

What Is The Significance Of Domestic And Foreign Stainless Steel For Original Commercial Equipment?

The steel material used in manufacturing commercial original equipment must fit the performance, pricing, delivery time, and quality requirements for the end-user. Industrial equipment suppliers, like Apache, must leverage relationships with mills and partnering suppliers to manage the constantly changing market. Part of the purchasing program for the stainless material program at Apache, focuses on … What is the Significance of Domestic and Foreign Stainless Steel for Original Commercial Equipment?

What Is The Difference Between An ASME U And A UM Stamp?

Many industry-specific certifications in vessel manufacturing regulate the construction of a vessel. However, for many types of pressure vessels, ASME certification is required and may be in addition to other industry requirements due to the vessel’s geometry and pressure designation. Any tank that meets the requirements of ASME Code Section VIII can be certified. This … What is the Difference Between an ASME U and a UM Stamp?

Infographic – Why Processors Like Mepaco’s Dumping Equipment

Mepaco’s Food Processing customers opt for custom and modifiable dumping equipment features that provide the highest level of personnel and food safety, including: PERSONNEL SAFETY Personnel guarding designed for the entire dump-zone footprint and safety relays that control the e-stop position; and optional pocket door designs that allow for safe fork truck access for loading and unloading. Guards … Infographic – Why Processors like Mepaco’s Dumping Equipment

5 Things To Consider Before Ordering A Tank

Apache is a custom manufacturer of tanks and vessels. Due to our customized offering, we want to provide the exact vessel you need; and that might lead to many questions and back and forth responses. If you don’t have a specification list, here are 5 recommendations for you to determine when ordering a tank. 1. Determine … 5 Things to Consider Before Ordering a Tank

Compare EP Food Contact Surfaces Under 200X Magnification

Apache routinely conducts tests for customers and in-house studies on the benefits of electropolished surfaces on food contact surfaces. Highlighted above, is a study that compares high-end finishes under 200X magnification: 304 Stainless Steel Bead Blast Finish with readings from 35 – 45 RA 304 Stainless Steel 2B + Electropolished Finish with reading from 5 … Compare EP Food Contact Surfaces under 200X Magnification

Maintenance Audit Discovers Repairs That Decrease Batch Time By 2 Minutes

We received a request for a maintenance audit on a high volume meat processing line that is a supplier to fast food restaurant chains. The first round of inspection uncovered several maintenance issues: SYMPTOM A Pump Feeder motor kept tripping the breaker and caused constant down-time. RECOMMENDATION/REPAIR The gearbox bearings were bad and was causing … Maintenance Audit Discovers Repairs that Decrease Batch Time by 2 Minutes

Column Dumpers – Featuring 60 Degree Dump Angle

Processors should be able to focus on critical operations and not have to worry about auxiliary equipment. That’s what Mepaco’s CD1000 Column Dumper delivers; a Column Dumper that is heavily built, engineered for easy maintenance, built to strict sanitary design standards, and like our processing equipment solutions, modifiable to meet specific production requirements. The animation … Column Dumpers – Featuring 60 degree dump angle

7 Parts To Consider For Holiday Shutdown

Here’s a quick infographic and guide with 7 common parts in food processing equipment that should be in stock for year-end / holiday shut-down maintenance. EMERGENCY 1. Motors: Extra motors can prevent unnecessary emergency shut-downs and lost production. LONG LEAD TIME 2. Agitators: Agitators are custom fabricated to your machine specification, and require longer lead … 7 Parts to Consider for Holiday Shutdown

Interactive PDF Highlights Food Safety Compliance And Processes

We’ve developed an interactive PDF that includes industry news and best practices, paired with Mepaco’s solutions and videos to help processors solve food safety challenges. Discover: USDA, FSIS and FSMA Compliance and Validation as it relates to processing equipment design and recommended construction Removal of foreign contaminants using modifications to system layouts and equipment Acceptable … Interactive PDF Highlights Food Safety Compliance and Processes

10 Food Processing Equipment Designs That Drive Safety

Safety guarding is recommended on equipment like the dumper shown in the animation. Relays control the e-stop position and if personnel trips the switch, the equipment will cease operation. This PRS (Pallet Retention System) shown on a DP3000 Dumper, and allows the combo to complete the dump cycle by separating from the pallet, limiting the … 10 Food Processing Equipment Designs that Drive Safety

Tech Tip: Troubleshooting Vacuum

The effects of a vacuum leak can be subtle. The Mepaco equipment may appear to be holding a vacuum, yet a small leak, especially in the feed pump, will affect the performance of the machine. Look for these symptoms: Air bubbles in finished product Reduced product output rate Loss of vacuum in deaeration chamber General … Tech Tip: Troubleshooting Vacuum

Lunch & Learn Customized To Your Business

If you would like to learn more about food safety and sanitation equipment innovations trending in food processing equipment and systems, we are offering a Lunch & Learn presentation. Discover: Food processing equipment that is customized to specific applications and to scale System examples with animation and video that solve processing throughput Sanitation design options … Lunch & Learn Customized to your Business

Small Vessel Scale-Up Solution Quadruples Production

Emerging market start-ups can have production challenges when their business takes off at a faster rate than planned. Here’s a problem that Apache helped to solve. Problem: A fast-growing botanical extraction processor was unable to produce the quantity of product needed to fulfill demand. Their process involved an imported vessel that was placed in a … Small Vessel Scale-Up Solution Quadruples Production

What Is Your Stainless Finishes IQ?

RMS (Root Mean Square) is a standard used to diagnose machining operations and surface finish. The fineness of the finish and ultimate success of sanitation effectiveness is called RA, the roughness average, measured by height in millionths of an inch or microinches. A profilometer device determines RA values of small surface variations and calculates … What is Your Stainless Finishes IQ?

Sanitation And Safety Checklist: Time For A Review?

An equipment safety and sanitation audit can provide direction for implementing improvement procedures and specifying equipment updates that mitigate risk and solve for safety and production goals. Here’s an excerpt from our audit checklist: Are all parts of the equipment readily accessible for inspection, maintenance, sanitation? Is there any evidence of premature wear on parts? Does the … Sanitation and Safety Checklist: Time for a Review?

10 Solution Examples To Reduce Foreign Material Contamination

Every food processor has their own unique food safety challenges. Here is one process room scenario where attention to process layout, equipment modifications and training can significantly reduce foreign material contamination. Operator Training High-volume automation brings a high degree of risk for machinery fatigue and vibration. Over time, nuts and bolts will loosen and moving … 10 Solution Examples to Reduce Foreign Material Contamination

Coating Technology Improves Component Sanitation Performance

With rising energy and labor costs, there is a continuous need to improve operational efficiency, cut expenses, and increase uptimes. One area of improvement is to increase the life and sanitation performance of motors, gear motors and bearings. In consideration of the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership), some processors choose food safe stainless motors. Stainless … Coating Technology Improves Component Sanitation Performance

A Comprehensive Read On Heat Transfer Surfaces

To help inform our tank and vessel customers about jacketed vessels and heat exchange surfaces, Apache shares this e-book that in-house specialists produced, “Abstract and Attributes of ASME Vessel Heat Transfer Surfaces”. Jacketed vessels are used in many industries and can remove the elevated heat of reaction (heat reactor vessel) or reduce the viscosity of … A Comprehensive Read on Heat Transfer Surfaces

The Meat Attachment Test Results Are In

We recently designed an in-house meat attachment test to determine performance of stainless finishes used in processing equipment. In a device designed by our technicians, we tested an electropolished panel on the left, a pickle passivated panel in the center and a bead blasted panel on the right. The 70% lean beef patty with an … The Meat Attachment Test Results Are In

How To Increase The Life Of Bearings

With the complex demands in food processing and production, safety, and quality, every component within food equipment is critical. Any machinery with moving parts will utilize bearings. Here are some tips to reduce wear issues and extend bearing life: Mount the bearing correctly after maintenance. Make sure shims are re-installed and that the shaft is … How to Increase the Life of Bearings

Quick Upgrades That Increase Production Right Now

1. Pull more out of your grinder Ask your grinder experts about an upgrade kit to address a different plate configuration to increase throughput. If you do not have a level sensor, contact your controls partner to add controls to turn off the grinder before it runs dry. A continuous flow of meat product will … Quick Upgrades that Increase Production Right Now

5 Common Bottlenecks That Impede System Yield Goals

Our service techs, engineers and application experts have pinpointed five most-often congested production areas and processes observed in food manufacturing plants: 1. Underperforming grinders Grinders underperform due to dull plates and knives and other worn parts. Adjustment of the HP/RPM/Pitch can be made to increase capacity. If not properly maintained, the pin and bushing will … 5 Common Bottlenecks that Impede System Yield Goals

Compare Quality And Price With Apache Standard Vessels

Apache offers a line of standard stock pressure vessels ranging from one to 37.4 gallon capacity. Our stock tanks feature large mouth oval opening, molded rubber bases on our 9-inch (model 90) tanks and pickle passivated finishes. In addition to our stock tank offering, we also offer options such as small mouth closures, stainless steel … Compare Quality and Price with Apache Standard Vessels

How To Plan For CRN In Your Next Tanks Or Vessel Project

CRN is a Canadian Registration Number issued by each province or territory of Canada for the design and manufacture of boilers, pressure vessels and fittings to be shipped for use in Canada. It is important to note that each province and territories have unique application criteria for CRN. Some fittings, piping and components are pre-approved … How to Plan for CRN in your Next Tanks or Vessel Project

Ask The Experts-At Process Expo-The ThermaBlend Cooker

This ThermaBlend Cooker is available for customer on-site testing and we are glad to have it on display at Process Expo. In the video, Tom Hoffmann takes you on a tour of the features of this machine in our “Ask the Expert” video series that we are posting daily at Process Expo. Be sure to … Ask the Experts-At Process Expo-The ThermaBlend Cooker

Ask The Experts – At Process Expo – The Lab Mixer

Tom Hoffmann, Director of Mepaco Sales, gives a tour of a lab mixer at Process Expo. The lab mixer was engineered and manufactured for UW-Madison’s new meat science lab. The equipment is being donated for their new facility and educational center opening 2020. This video is part of a series called “Ask the Experts” to … Ask the Experts – at Process Expo – The Lab Mixer

Ask The Experts-At Process Expo-the Pump Feeder

It was great to be able to display this customized Pump Feeder at Process Expo – Chicago. This video is one of several in an “Ask the Expert” series that highlights show equipment. In this video, Cory Buchholz does a walk-though of the Pump Feeder which is part of a system display with the DP3000 … Ask the Experts-At Process Expo-the Pump Feeder

Ask The Experts – At Process Expo – The Screw Conveyor

We are highlighting the Screw Conveyor on display at the Process Expo in this video. This particular screw conveyor was customized for a specific pet food processing application. Mepaco is fortunate to have all this equipment available this year to bring to Chicago. Scroll up and down in this blog to watch other videos in … Ask the Experts – at Process Expo – the Screw Conveyor

Ask The Experts – At Process Expo – DP3000 Dumper

Mepaco is exhibiting this week at Process Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago – booth S2024! To promote our event, we are hosting a daily series on Ask the Experts and highlighting the equipment in our booth. Our first video is in the DP3000 Dumper with a tour given by Cory Buchholz.

Custom Vessels For Extreme Compliance Industries

The Small / Portable Vessel group produces specialized ASME vessels that customers need for their extremely regulated processes. Apache manufactures custom mix tanks, storage tanks, jacketed vessels, heat exchange surfaces, extraction equipment. The Apache Stainless Equipment Corporation employs experts and artisans in the fabrication of stainless equipment for a range of industries. Our expertise in … Custom Vessels for Extreme Compliance Industries

Tech Tip Download: 3 Seal Trouble Signs

Mepaco’s Field Services team have developed a quick-read download on the seal trouble signs that our technicians see in food processing plants. Also Learn about and compare Mepaco recommended seals commonly used on our equipment. Download the Tech Paper to learn about the Top 3 Seal trouble signs and what to do to fix them: 1. … Tech Tip Download: 3 Seal Trouble Signs

5 Hard To Find Fabrication Processes That Are Under One Roof

Apache has extensive in-house fabrication processes and machines required to make our tanks and vessels. The same machines and know-how are used in our contract manufacturing group to produce anything from repeatable parts to full assemblies. These processes are all under one roof at Apache Stainless in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. 1. ASME certified high-quality welding, specializing … 5 Hard to Find Fabrication Processes that are Under One Roof

Comparing Kettle Cooking To ThermaBlend Cooking

Introducing our video: Comparing kettle cooking to the ThermaBlend® Cooking Process. This video explains the heat transfer differences between a traditional kettle cooker and the ThermaBlend®. It also highlights some of the capabilities of the cooker that make it such a versatile solution for large batch cooking, such as: Efficient agitators and patented scraper system … Comparing Kettle Cooking to ThermaBlend Cooking

When Do You Need An ASME R-stamp For Repairs To An ASME Tank?

The ‘R’ stamp is issued by The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors for the alterations or repairs of steam boilers. This certification helps ensure that such alterations or repairs are only done by capable fabricators who can meet the requirements of the code. It is the responsibility of the owner or user … When Do You Need an ASME R-stamp for Repairs to an ASME Tank?

Horizontal Screw Conveyors Provide Bulk Handling For Many Industries

Mepaco’s screw conveyors are engineered to the requirements of the food processing application. In the photo, these screw conveyors transported pet food. The conveyor in the foreground was placed after the grinder and transported ground product. The conveyor in the background was utilized before the grinder. It featured a trough design that handled large meat … Horizontal Screw Conveyors Provide Bulk Handling for Many Industries

Proper Operational Procedures Improves Dumper Performance

Depending on the complexity of the equipment and controls, there are a few options for production personnel to learn how to operate the equipment. The manual explains the operation of the equipment and its components. The customer can visit Apache for training and testing or contract with Mepaco Field Services for on-site training. In one example, the production … Proper Operational Procedures Improves Dumper Performance

Accumulation Solutions Solves Bottleneck For Pet Food Processor

Problem A Pet Food Processor needed to increase throughput due to production delays in waiting for grinders feeding directly to blenders. Solution Mepaco engineered a solution that placed surge loaders between the grinder and the blender, allowing the processor to accumulate and stage a full batch of products to be fed into the blender. This … Accumulation Solutions Solves Bottleneck for Pet Food Processor

The Specialty Services Of Apache’s Contract Group

Apache has extensive in-house fabrication processes and machines that are required to make our vessels, tanks and custom equipment. The same machines and know-how are used in our contract manufacturing group to produce anything from repeatable parts to full assemblies. Expertise: Parts requiring multiple processes Heavy industrial components Large format fabrication High compliance metal finishing … The Specialty Services of Apache’s Contract Group

New Video: Mepaco Dumper Equipment Configurations

Mepaco offers a range of dumper configurations that are customized for specific applications in food manufacturing environments. Column Dumper CD1000 The Column Dumper CD1000 is designed for buggies with a standard working capacity up to 600 lbs. High Dumper HD3000 The HD3000 has a 3000 lb. capacity with a high discharge height specification. Lift Dumper LD3000 The … New Video: Mepaco Dumper Equipment Configurations

New E-Book: Factory Tests And ASME Certifications Explained

An important part of quality assurance is the process of manufacturing a vessel and the completion of required certifications to meet ASME compliance. Equally important is the understanding of these processes and procedures, by all parties from project engineering manager to purchasing teams. Apache’s quality experts have put together a informative resource on factory tests … New E-Book: Factory Tests and ASME Certifications Explained

New White Paper: Comparing Agitator Solutions

Mepaco has recently published a new white paper, “Comparing Agitator Solutions for Food Processing Applications”. The paper, developed in collaboration with sales, engineering and applications teams, is a guide for agitation solutions in Cookers, Mixers, Blenders and Drop Tanks. In the white paper, there are many details about the technology of agitators, highlighting: ribbon, paddle, … New White Paper: Comparing Agitator Solutions

Controls Showcased At Process Expo

At the Process Expo, we had a chance to showcase our electrical controls capabilities on the PosiFlo Automatic Chub Loader. In the video, Jason Hicks demonstrates the HMI (Human Machine Interface) capabilities programmed into the pumping system. In the demo, there are monitoring devices that measure and correct product level, pumping pressure, loading efficiencies and … Controls Showcased at Process Expo

A Tour Of The New PosiFlo Automatic Chub Feeder

The PosiFLo is on display at the Process Expo. A new solution for loading chub machines, the PosiFlo is an automatic chub loader system that can be integrated with most types of chub forming machines. In the video, Tom Hoffmann gives a tour of the features and many benefits of the equipment. It was engineered … A Tour of the New PosiFlo Automatic Chub Feeder

How Can Custom Modified Equipment Solve For Process Efficiencies? Ask Mepaco Experts

Are you planning on going to Process Expo? Click here to see our show page! We are highlighting systems and showing you how smart system designs and modified-to-order equipment, customized to specific applications, solves for processing goals: – Increased Yield Performance – Optimal designs for maintenance and operation – Increased sanitation efficiencies – Vigilant food … How can custom modified equipment solve for process efficiencies? Ask Mepaco Experts

Benefits Of Passivation And Electropolishing

Pickle passivation is the immersion of metal in a nitric-hydrofluoric acid bath. Pickled stainless material has a light matte appearance. Benefits include ease of sterilization and corrosion resistance. Electropolishing is the immersion of metal in a charged bath of sulfuric and phosphoric acid. Benefits include ease of sterilization, improved cleaning properties, corrosion resistance and a … Benefits of Passivation and Electropolishing

New Animation: Clean Sweep Surge Loader

Mepaco’s Clean Sweep Surge Loader offers a solution that mechanically clears food product between batches on surge loading applications. In the animation, paddles sweep the sides of the tub and continually push product into the feed screw. The spin ridge keeps product from barreling, maintaining positive conveyance until the food product is completely unloaded. This … New Animation: Clean Sweep Surge Loader

Large Vacuum Mixer Blender Part Of Meat Processing And Forming Line

This 8000 lb. Mixer Blender is equipped with vacuum and CO2 injection, required for downstream forming and packaging operations. Mepaco’s Mixer Blenders are engineered to specific application parameters. These industrial mixing solutions are code-stamped and ASME rated, with high-pressure dimple or stay-bolt jackets. Cooling jackets or injection systems, like in this Mixer Blender, are also … Large Vacuum Mixer Blender part of Meat Processing and Forming Line

24″ Diameter – 150 Liter Mixing Pharma Tank

In the video, this 150 liter mixing Pharmaceutical Vessel has a bottom mag mixer that comes with a stainless steel control panel, touch screen with speed control. There are numerous sanitary ports for add-ins, CIP spray ball, and sight glass with LED light. The interior surface materials and welds are all ground and polished with … 24″ Diameter – 150 Liter Mixing Pharma Tank

Dumper With Optional Pallet Retention

In the photo, the DP3000 is shown in different stages as the pallet is separated from the combo during the dumping process. This system reduces the risk of foreign matter getting into the food stream and contaminating the food production process. This dumper also features liner retention which prevents the liner from separating from the … Dumper with Optional Pallet Retention

New Animation: Watch Mepaco’s Pre-Blend System For Formulating Ground Meats

Designed by the Mepaco group, this system (above video) was engineered to formulate ground meats. It addresses the customer’s production goals for speed, flexibility and accuracy with the utmost attention to a safe and sanitary design. In addition, the system provides efficient transfers that reduce transport time and eliminates transfer issues that result in … New Animation: Watch Mepaco’s Pre-Blend System for Formulating Ground Meats

Two Local Companies Work Together To Solve Need For Increased Production And Storage

Brakebush Brothers, a leading processor of chicken products, worked with Apache Stainless Equipment Corporation to design, fabricate and deliver a new 20,000 gallon fresh oil tank for their Westfield, Wisconsin plant. David Meyer, Utilities Manager at Brakebush, needed a new storage tank to keep up with production demands and chose Apache Stainless for it’s … Two Local Companies Work Together to Solve Need for Increased Production and Storage

Dual Cook System Solves Flexibility For Production Scenarios

DUAL COOK SYSTEM SOLVES PRODUCTION FLEXIBILITY & CAPACITY THE CHALLEGE A multi-recipe prepared foods manufacture required an increase in cooking production and the flexibility to add more varieties of soups and sauces to their product offerings. The application required cooking and blending of viscous food product with limitations in available floor space. THE SOLUTION The … Dual Cook System Solves Flexibility for Production Scenarios

Comparing Metal Finishes Used In Sanitary Design Equipment

In the photo are samples that we provide to customers to show the different types of finishes available in the design and manufacturing of equipment for industries that require a high degree of sanitation. From the left: 2B Finish: Has common corrosion resistance properties, heat resistant, smooth (not brushed) steel. The RA (roughness average) is … Comparing Metal Finishes used in Sanitary Design Equipment

New Video Animation: A Demonstration Of The Articulating Screw Elevator

The Mepaco group has expertise in manufacturing screw conveyor systems for many food industries and applications. The articulating screw conveyor is part of the customizable product offering that includes screw feeders and surge loaders. In the video, the articulating screw conveyor is animated to demonstrate: Lowering and elevating capabilities for safe and efficient sanitation and … New Video Animation: A Demonstration of the Articulating Screw Elevator

Mepaco Dumper Equipment: New Options Improve Food Safety

Mepaco’s Pallet Retention System (PRS) is an option on Dumper equipment that reduces the risk of foreign matter like wood and nails from contaminating your food production process. A manual or optional pneumatic clamp safely secures the combo throughout the dumping process. As the dump cycle begins, the pallet is immediately secured so once the combo reaches 90-deg, the combo … Mepaco Dumper Equipment: New Options Improve Food Safety

New White Paper: Heat Transfer Surfaces For ASME Tanks And Vessels

The Apache Large Tank and Small Vessel team has developed a new white paper to serve as a general guide to ASME vessel heat transfer surfaces. The white paper highlights three basic types of external jacketed heat transfer surfaces: conventional jacket, half pipe and dimple jacket, which are welded to the outside of the vessel. … New White Paper: Heat Transfer Surfaces for ASME Tanks and Vessels

Polymer Bearings: Mepaco’s Customers Showing Promising Results

With the sophisticated demands in food processing and production, safety and quality, every component within food equipment is critical. Any machinery with moving parts has friction and ‘wear’ issues, and to accommodate most equipment uses a standard bearing. But in applications where the standard bearings compromise food contact areas, Mepaco offers the polymer bearing. Standard … Polymer Bearings: Mepaco’s Customers Showing Promising Results

Ergonomic Stainless Lifts Are Easy To Use

Mepaco offers two models of lifts that meet most manual pallet lift or product lift operations. In the video, Mepaco’s Greg Gruber demonstrates the EZL2500 lift in our manufacturing facility. The EZ4000 Product / Pallet Lift handles up to 4000 lb. loads and raises to any level up to 36 “ for ergonomic comfort. This … Ergonomic Stainless Lifts are Easy to Use

Magnetic Grate: Another Safeguard Against Contaminants

Magnetic grates help to remove ferrous metal contaminants from flowing gravity-fed product streams in processing equipment. In the video demonstration, a pen adheres to the magnetic grate, which is part of a screw elevator system. The grate is also easily cleanable for sanitation with the magnet constructed inside the stainless tube. The magnetic grate in … Magnetic Grate: Another Safeguard Against Contaminants

Apache Tank Heads Deliver Extreme Compliance To Pharmaceutical Processors

Apache recently completed a tank order of more than 20 specialty tanks for a pharmaceutical manufacturer. Eleven different designs were produced under strict guidelines for sanitation requirements and governing regulations. Customized Tank Heads: ASME 24” pressure manway with center mounted agitator fitting Mechanically polished inside and out, with additional electropolish finish inside Fully polished alcoves … Apache Tank Heads Deliver Extreme Compliance to Pharmaceutical Processors

A Video Walk-Through Of The Auger Cart

At a recent trade show, here is a video walk-around tour of the Auger Cart on display. Features: 3000 lb. dual screw auger cart with pump discharge Available with single or double screws with optional leveling ribbons Sanitation steps Safety guarding with hinged grating for accessibility Electropolished finish on product contact surfaces Positive displacement pump … A Video Walk-Through of the Auger Cart

Video Walk Through Of The Articulating Conveyor At Process Expo

Here is a video walk-through, given by Roy Howe of Mepaco, of the Articulating Conveyor that made it’s way to the Process Expo this year. Highlights: Lowering / Elevating capabilities for safe and efficient sanitation and maintenance Pivoting capabilities to promote versatile production possibilities Electropolished screw and food contact surfaces for sanitation effectiveness Magnetic safety … Video Walk Through of the Articulating Conveyor at Process Expo

Automated Samples Saves Down Time

The integration of a Vacuum Sampling System in a Mixer / Blender is an efficient way to take product samples. There is no need for equipment and production stops because the vacuum sampler is automatic and can be delivered at different intervals to provide a true test of product consistency. Compared to manual sampling, the … Automated Samples Saves Down Time

Batch Cooking And Chilling That Tastes Like It Came From Mom’s Kitchen

In the process of manufacturing fruit pie filling, the ThermaBlend™ first cooks the product to 185°F; then cools it to the proper filling temperature of 75°F. The cook step and the chill step take approximately 30 – 40 minutes each, which is critical to maintaining product integrity and reaching the production goals of this application. … Batch Cooking and Chilling that Tastes Like It Came from Mom’s Kitchen

Mepaco’s 170 Mixer-Blender Is An Effective Part Of Any Emulsifying Line

A recent shop floor walk through shows a Mepaco Mixer-Blender discharging into a Pappas Emulsifier. The large chute directs product discharging out of the Mixer-Blender into the cutting head of the emulsifier. Once the product is emulsified to the desired consistency, it can then be transferred to a linker, former or surge vessel. In this … Mepaco’s 170 Mixer-Blender is an Effective Part of any Emulsifying Line

What Is The Difference Between Pickle Passivation And Electropolishing?

The main difference between pickle passivation and electropolishing is the appearance and RA (roughness average) of the stainless material. In the photo, an electropolished sample is shown above a pickle passivated sample. The pickle passivated sample has a white appearance, while the electropolished sample has a mirror-like, shiny finish. Pickle Passivation is the immersion of … What is the difference between pickle passivation and electropolishing?

EZL-2500 Wide Wing Lift Provides Flexible Access

The EZL-2500ww (wide-wing) is a low profile lift that can be loaded from the floor level with a pallet jack or fork truck. The wide wing model is designed with the cylinders located under the platform to allow manual operator access from all sides for loading and unloading. This unit is accommodates 42” x 48” … EZL-2500 Wide Wing Lift Provides Flexible Access

Clean-Sweep Surge Loader System Modified For Food Product Flexibility

This surge loader was engineered to accept up to 4000 lbs. of bulk food product with metered delivery to downstream operations. In this design, the hopper is offset from the discharge screw, which allows a “clean sweep” of the agitator against the hopper preventing product bridging. During the FAT (Factory Acceptance Test), 99% of the … Clean-Sweep Surge Loader System Modified for Food Product Flexibility

Side Agitated Vertical Tank Serves As Large Stock Pot In Sauce Processing Application

This side agitator was engineered to mix food products with a high percentage of solids and viscosity in the processing of soups, sauces, marinades and gravies. The 2500 gallon tank acts as a large stock pot as part of the manufacturing process. On the left photo, the tank (shown horizontal during manufacturing) was equipped with … Side Agitated Vertical Tank Serves as Large Stock Pot in Sauce Processing Application

Food Product Bulk Dumper Equipment Customized For Extreme Sanitation Protocols

Designed and manufactured by Mepaco, this pivot dumper has a high load infeed because of the dump elevation and limited ceiling height available at the customer’s food processing facility. This dumper features a pneumatic combo hold down, with options for additional sanitary surfaces to meet the demands of the caustic and aggressive cleaning procedures. Due … Food Product Bulk Dumper Equipment Customized for Extreme Sanitation Protocols

Apache’s Custom Capabilities Delivers All Sizes

Apache fabricates tanks from one gallon to more than 165,000 gallon capacity that are custom fabricated for processors and manufacturers all over North America. In the photo, the large distillation tank has been loaded on the trailer is embarking to Canada. It is 9 ft. in diameter, 137 ft. long and weighs in at 160,000 … Apache’s Custom Capabilities Delivers All Sizes

Screw Conveyor Solves For Fast Cooling While Inclining Bulk Product

Mepaco engineers a solution for metering cooked product to an elevated position while continuously reducing product temperature. This screw conveyor system is equipped with CO2 snow horns and exhaust and can regulate the flow to maintain optimum displacement and temperature control. Having the ability to remove energy during product transfer helps to increase production efficiencies. … Screw Conveyor Solves for Fast Cooling While Inclining Bulk Product

Steam Options On ThermablendTM Cookers Designed To Suit Different Applications

The above illustration shows the direct and indirect steam capabilities that exist with both the single and double agitated ThermaBlend™ batch cookers. In the process of indirect steam heating, steam is injected into the ASME thermal outer jacket and heats the product through conduction. Since there is no added moisture to the product, the potential … Steam Options on ThermablendTM Cookers Designed to Suit Different Applications

Auger Cart Provides Production Efficiencies For Pet Food Manufacturer

Mepaco’s augers and pumping systems eliminate the need for batching by automating product transfers between production processes. The cart highlighted in the photo was customized for a specific bone-in chicken processing application. Due to a stringent plant floor layout, the cart was modified to cover the gear boxes during the product dumping cycle from an … Auger Cart Provides Production Efficiencies for Pet Food Manufacturer

Stainless Meat Vats And Bins Built For Rigorous Use

Mepaco’s stainless steel vats, buggies and troughs are engineered to endure the rigors of continuous use and abuse that exists in meat and food processing production environments. Each unit is designed to meet or exceed the USDA, BISSC, and AMI standards for sanitary design. Mepaco offers custom stainless steel vats built to the customer’s requirements. Our vats … Stainless Meat Vats and Bins Built for Rigorous Use

Apache’s Large Vessel Team Delivers BIG For Canadian Oil Sands Production

Apache Stainless Equipment Corporation, a manufacturer of ASME pressure vessels, was contracted to provide two large falling film evaporators for a Canadian oil processing operation. Apache’s “Large Vessel” fabricators/ welders manufactured the two evaporators, made from 2205 and 2304 duplex materials that were each 13 ft. in diameter and 127 long. Each evaporator has an … Apache’s Large Vessel Team Delivers BIG for Canadian Oil Sands Production

Dumper Equipment Video And Brochure Updates

Mepaco has recently updated Dumper Equipment information on our website at www.mepaco.net! We have added new videos, photos and brochures on the Dumper web pages. The video link above is a general overview of the types of dumpers that Mepaco manufactures including the HD3000 High Dumper, the LD3000 Lift and Dump, the DP3000 Pivot Dumper … Dumper Equipment Video and Brochure Updates

Side Lift Dumper Provides Alternative Access In Challenging Plant Floor Layout

The Side Load Dumper is typically specified in applications where access is limited due to challenging floor layouts or overhead structures. The DP (pivot) and HD (high) dumper series have the option of loading both “in-line” or from the side. The Side Load Dumper, which can be designed in a left or right-side configuration, delivers … Side Lift Dumper Provides Alternative Access in Challenging Plant Floor Layout

Mepaco’s 11-09 Grinder Reduces Cycle Times And Delivers Low Deviations In Product Quality

Mepaco’s 11-09 Grinder was recently on-display at the Process Expo this past November. As a follow-up to inquiries, here are some highlights of this equipment: 3,000 lb. hopper capacity, based on 50 lbs. per cubic foot 6” schedule 80 shaft piping with 3/4” thick paddle agitation Agitator motor: 7 1/2 HP flange mounted wash down duty … Mepaco’s 11-09 Grinder Reduces Cycle Times and Delivers Low Deviations in Product
Quality

Food Processing Equipment Tests Prove-Out The Most Efficient Production Efficiencies

Mepaco, the food processing group of Apache Stainless Equipment Corporation, has three cookers available for testing as a courtesy to customers. A 50 gal single agitated ThermaBlend Cooker A 75 gal double agitated ThermaBlend Cooker A small continuous cooker The ThermaBlend “batch” Cooker offers a superior thermal processing solution with excellent cooking, cooling and blending … Food Processing Equipment Tests Prove-Out the Most Efficient Production Efficiencies

Apache Tank Donation Prepares MATC Students For Bio-Engineering Careers

Madison Area Technical College engineering students presented their class project, a bio-diesel blending system, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison May 8th, 2013. Apache Stainless Equipment Corporation donated the tank used in the project and the biodiesel system will also be shown at collegiate fairs and educational outreach events. The Madison College engineering students were tasked … Apache Tank Donation Prepares MATC students for Bio-Engineering Careers

Apache Custom Stainless Tanks Support Growing Biofuel Industry For Sanimax

Sanimax, a leading rendering and renewing process company, partnered with Apache Stainless Equipment Corp. to provide stainless steel tanks to support growing production of B100 Biodiesel fuel. The Sanimax facility in DeForest, Wisconsin is dedicated to the processing of 100% renewable Biodiesel fuel. Apache supported their need for increased capacity by supplying one atmospheric stainless … Apache Custom Stainless Tanks Support Growing Biofuel Industry for Sanimax