Washing

Conveyor belts for industrial washing and rinsing

A washing line places two requirements on its belt at the same time. The product needs stable support as it moves through the installation, and wash water and rinse water need a path through the conveying surface. These requirements should be assessed together, because the belt openings affect both water passage and product support.

Belt selection therefore starts with the product. A crate needs a different supporting surface from a small, lightweight item. The smallest product dimensions and its orientation help determine suitable opening sizes, while the load and conveying layout influence the required belt strength and construction.

Water permeability and drainage

Both eyelink and wire mesh belts offer an open structure that allows liquids to pass through. The size and distribution of the openings determine how much of the conveying surface is available for water passage.

The opening size also needs to be checked against how the product rests on the belt. This is particularly important for small or irregularly shaped items, where contact points and orientation affect the support needed during transport.

Materials for demanding washing conditions

Washing processes can expose conveyor belts to elevated temperatures, persistent moisture and cleaning agents. Material selection needs to account for these operating conditions alongside the mechanical load the belt carries.

When specifying a belt, state the washing temperature and the cleaning agents used, including their concentration and exposure time. Chemical resistance must be assessed for those conditions. For a replacement belt, matching the existing width and length covers only part of the specification. Material, construction and drive arrangement also need to be checked, since belts with the same dimensions can have different operating characteristics.

Cleanability and stable product handling

The conveyor belt itself needs to be accessible for regular cleaning. An open construction allows cleaning liquids to pass through the belt elements and drain away. Cleaning access should be considered together with the supporting structure and the space available within the installation.

Product handling at the infeed and discharge matters just as much as support along the belt. Heavier or unstable products may benefit from a flat, rigid conveying surface. For lighter products, a belt with minimal contact area may be more appropriate. The transfer arrangement should support the product as it enters and leaves the washing line.

Choosing a conveyor belt for your washing line

Twentebelt offers eyelink and wire mesh belts for washing applications. The appropriate choice depends on the required product support, load, drainage and integration with your equipment.

Eyelink belts for robust, stable transport

Eyelink belts combine a strong metal construction with a flat, stable conveying surface. They are suitable for heavy loads and for unstable or fragile products that need even support throughout the washing process.

Different eyelink configurations offer different opening sizes, allowing the belt to combine product support with liquid permeability. Stainless steel options and configurable dimensions make it possible to specify the construction around the washing conditions and installation.

Wire mesh belts for lightweight products

Wire mesh belts provide an open conveying surface with minimal product contact. They are particularly suitable for lighter products and processes where effective drainage and access for cleaning are important.

Pitch, wire diameter, mesh length and edge finish can all be adapted to the process. Their ability to run over narrow nosebars can also help where small transfer gaps are required between conveyors. The selected configuration must provide sufficient support for the product and suit the load and drive system.

A washing belt specified around your equipment

Whether you are developing a new washing line or replacing an existing belt, Twentebelt helps assess the specification before production. We provide practical advice on belt selection, engineering reviews and support during design and commissioning, with attention to your process conditions and equipment requirements.

Share your product dimensions, load, required throughput, belt speed and washing conditions, along with equipment drawings where available. For replacement projects, a belt sample can help us validate dimensions and construction and check compatibility with the existing drive components.

Contact Twentebelt to discuss the requirements of your washing application.