Drum motors are hard to beat.

Established in the Netherlands in 1948. Van der Graaf has grown into an internationally known manufacturer and exporter of top-quality power transmission equipment for the conveyor industry. Today, the Van der Graaf Drum Motor is widely known in the conveyor industry and is utilized in many applications

The company's drum motor is a motorized pulley that offers a versatile and reliable solution by providing a less complex, more efficient way to power a belt conveyor. "All components of the drum motor are located inside the head pulley," says Mark Robertson, sales and marketing. "It eliminates external components and adds to operator safety and space savings."

Some conveyor systems have a motor and gearbox externally mounted on the conveyor, Robertson notes. Not only do the external motors not utilize the space as well as drum motors, he says, "By using an external motor and gearbox, mechanical losses can be up to 30 percent. Drum motors have typically 4 percent mechanical loss in efficiency." The drum motor also eliminates all external moving components such as the motor, gearbox, chain, sprockets, chain guards and pillow block bearings that would be on a conventional conveyor drive.

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Drum motors are also versatile pieces of equipment. Because all the components are internal, they can operate in any environment, including wet or dusty areas, in freezers or ovens, and more. "They are fully compatible with variable frequency drives, allowing for accurate motor control," Robertson says. "Drum motors can be fitted with encoders or sensor bearings, providing precise motor control. When equipped with sprockets, drum motors are capable of driving all types of modular belting, including chain style."

Van der Graaf's drum motors are available in all carbon steel or complete stainless steel, depending on the operator's requirements. Along with increased operator safety and efficiency, the motors require much less maintenance than conventional motors. The motors can go 50,000 hours between oil changes, and oil can be changed without dismounting the drum motor from its frame.

Van der Graaf's newest product is the SSV Sealing System for sanitary, antimicrobial handling. The all-stainless-steel construction food-approved SSV design incorporates a unique labyrinth-sealing cap, allowing the drum motor to be washed using extreme pressure. The SSV sealing system prevents contaminates like water and/or product residue from penetrating the sealing integrity of the unit. All external remaining bolts are hex-head style to eliminate product build-up areas. All external edges have a smooth radius, allowing for effortless cleaning by preventing product buildup. The SSV is available with either a SS junction box or cable-entry power hookup.

For more information, contact Van der Graaf at (905) 793-8100, or visit www.vandergraaf.com. The company will be exhibiting at the Worldwide Food Expo at Booth #S4661.