Bison^® 730 Series Powerstar Gearmotors Thrive in Tough Corn Processing Application

A prominent food production company processes a vast quantity of corn annually for frozen food products. In this meticulous production process, the corn cobs undergo a de-kerneling process facilitated by a conveyor system. This system not only removes the kernels efficiently but also propels them further down the production line for subsequent processing.

However, a significant challenge arose when the food production manufacturer employed hydraulic motors to power the conveyor system. Despite their initial implementation, the open-air environment in which the motors operated posed several mechanical challenges. Fluctuating temperatures, particularly during the varying seasons of the corn harvesting period, led to notable changes in the viscosity levels of the hydraulic fluid. This fluctuation directly impacted the speed and performance consistency of the motors, thus affecting the overall efficiency of the conveyors.

To address these issues, Bison proposed an innovative solution to replace their current hydraulic motor setup. The new solution needed to withstand the harsh four-season environment and ensure consistent speed control throughout the application for reliable and uninterrupted operation.

Following a thorough assessment of the application, Bison’s engineering team recommended their top-of-the-line AC 730 Series Powerstar right-angle hypoid gearmotor, coupled with an inverter drive for enhanced speed control. The design of the 730 Series Powerstar gearmotor is specifically tailored to excel in both indoor and outdoor settings, making it ideal for the food producer's application. To further enhance protection against dust and particulate matter, Bison recommended a completely sealed 730 Series Powerstar variant for this particular application.



Subsequently, the food production manufacturer opted to install the 730 Series Powerstar gearmotors on each of their corn conveyors to drive the de-kerneling process. The inverter duty drive ensured precise speed control, maintaining it within the desired operational range.

A year later, the results were remarkable. The 730 Series Powerstar units had performed flawlessly, despite running continuously throughout the entire corn harvesting season. The manufacturer was particularly pleased with the centralized speed control provided by the single drive unit. Additionally, the convenience of sourcing both the drive and gearmotor from a single supplier simplified their operations and procurement processes. Encouraged by these outcomes, the manufacturer is now exploring the possibility of integrating the 730 Series Powerstar gearmotors into other applications within their production process, further enhancing their operational efficiency and reliability.