A Smarter Belting Solution Helps Potato Chip Processor Reduce Downtime

From Constant Repairs to Reliable Performance

At its facility in the Southern U.S., a potato chip processor handles potatoes used in kettle-cooked and traditional potato chip production. Before potatoes could move to the peeler, they first passed through a wash system and dewatering conveyor. While essential to the production process, this application had become a frequent source of maintenance headaches.

The processor was using a flat-wire metal belt with cleats on a 26-foot-long by 18-inch-wide conveyor. Damaged cleats and wire sections required repairs four to five times each week, with each repair resulting in roughly an hour of downtime. The recurring maintenance not only consumed labor resources but also created ongoing disruptions to production.

The challenges didn’t stop there. Worn sprockets needed to be replaced every four to five months, adding additional maintenance costs and increasing the workload for the facility’s maintenance team.

Finding a Better Solution

Looking for a more reliable option, the processor partnered with MIR and the uni engineering team to evaluate alternatives. After reviewing the application, the team recommended converting to the uni MPB 25% Open modular plastic belt with two-piece sprockets.

The goal was simple: reduce downtime, simplify maintenance, and improve reliability.

Unlike wire belting, modular plastic belts can be repaired by replacing individual belt sections rather than repairing damaged wire assemblies. The two-piece sprocket design also makes replacement faster and easier, helping reduce maintenance time when service is required.