Information
The LineLink DE-T transfers turkey products from the defeathering line to the evisceration line. It ensures fast but careful handling without causing any damage to the products and optimizes the hygiene of both the process and the products. The LineLink DE-T features a robust RS frame, which is easy cleanable.
One-to-one transfer
The turkey defeathering and evisceration lines operate at identical speeds, with the same number of shackles per minute. Products are transferred on a one-to-one basis, eliminating the risk of unsynchronized lines that could result in empty shackles downstream. This procedure ensures that products are rehung securely and are accurately positioned for the next process.
Transfer in the US
In most parts of the world, the turkey evisceration line needs no rehanging; it can operate with the defeathering line shackle. In the US market, however, veterinary regulations prohibit the presence of feet in the evisceration area. This necessitates rehanging products from the defeathering line to the evisceration line, along with feet cutting. Manually performing this task involves lifting approximately 25 kg repeatedly over extended periods. To eliminate this labor-intensive process, Marel has developed the LineLink DE-T transfer unit.
Feet cutting
Upstream, a pre-cutter is installed to meet the strict US requirements for anatomical foot cutting. Following this is the LineLink DE-T, which features three axles, the first dedicated to the integrated feet cutter. With its extended contact time for the products within the carousel curve, the LineLink De-T provides ample opportunity for precise positioning and accurate feet cutting at the tarsal joint. The feet remain securely in the defeathering shackles after cutting and can be unloaded further downstream.
Timing
Save time and reduce downtime with LineLink DE-T! Its innovative slanted sprockets enable precise adjustment of the transfer unit’s timing—for instance, to address unexpected product drops from the line. Timing adjustments can be made on-the-fly, delivering immediate results. This eliminates the need for technical staff to be called in to modify settings and minimizes production downtime, as the line continues running smoothly.
Conveyor
The conveyor belt system beneath the transfer unit serves two functions. First, it collects products– in the rare event that they drop from the line. Second, it allows for product transportation when the LineLink DE-T needs to be bypassed—for example, when processing non-commercial turkeys. Heavy parent stock turkeys, weighing up to 40 kg, are unsuitable for the transfer unit or other machines.
Ultra-reliable coupling with ATC
The Marel Active Tension Control (ATC) system electronically synchronizes line forces. ATC compensates automatically for differing chain stretch on the two lines. This way, both lines always run at precisely the same number of shackles per minute, achieving ultra-reliable coupling.
