Strawberry tunnels forever
Andalucia/E. Andalucia's 21st-century strawberry plantations bear little resemblance to the flower-laden fields one may remember from those halcyon days of youth. Today, so-called macro-tunnels play a prominent role in the production of this red-coloured delicacy. When it comes to coordinating the actual logistics - 350,000 tonnes of strawberries are produced here each year -, Interroll offers crème-de-la-crème solutions: RollerDrives, DriveControls®, Drum Motors and an Interroll "classic".
|  | Throughput per minute: 130 kg
CORA, one of the world's largest strawberry producers, has established a strong presence in Andalucia. Its latest project: a new production plant capable of processing approx.
130 kg (287 lbs.) of strawberries per minute. Commissioned to design and engineer the system, Santa Gema Construcciones Mecánicas came up with a fascinating concept. One of
the most prominent features: intelligently controlled pallet processing and conveyor options for various types of container, complemented by automatic labelling with specially
designed identification units and full logistical monitoring at all times. The family-run company teamed up with Interroll - for a strawberries-and-cream partnership that tickled
everyone's taste buds.
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| | Total control
As if purpose-built to handle delicate fruit (strawberries have a water content of 90%), Interroll 24V RollerDrives delivered the forward momentum needed at the process-critical
points of the conveyor lines. Equipped with an Interroll ZPA+4 DriveControl® and installed mainly at the end of the conveyor, they ensure zero-pressure accumulation of the
strawberry containers. No sign of congestion at the end of the harvesting tunnel. This highly efficient solution is also a tribute to Interroll's DriveControl®, an ingenious
device that controls the drive, thereby streamlining the flow of goods and pallet processing.
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Acceleration and deceleration with pin-point accuracy are just two of the system's delectable features. But the RollerDrive, which operates up to nine slave rollers, has a lot
more up its sleeve. Integrated within a 50-mm tube (1.9 in.), the drive is capable of performing to the highest standards without the need for additional mechanical components
such as external chains or drive shafts.
Thanks to this compact design, the surface area that is potentially exposed to wet conditions remains as small as possible.
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| | The sweet smell of success
These are qualities that Andalucia's strawberry farmers have come to appreciate. Little wonder that Interroll's drum motors also feature heavily in the CORA plant. In fact,
Interroll Drum Motors are the unsung heroes of conveyor systems deployed in the food industry, renowned not only for their durability but also for what is close to
zero-maintenance functionality. What's more, installation and cleaning can be performed in a matter of minutes. No wonder: the drive unit is fully enclosed and sealed. This, in
turn, guarantees best-possible environmental protection - so, "nothing to get hung about". By the way, another Interroll classic - the S 1700 Universal Conveyor Roller - has also
made a strong impression at CORA. In fact, these rollers even thrive in wet conditions - thanks to their specially protected bearings.
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