The long-established and innovative Ehrhart company set up its current premises in Ammerschwihr in the 1990s. The 8-generation family estate is expanding rapidly, currently producing 6,000,000 bottles a year.
You have chosen to innovate in the face of competition with a new handling method. Why choose the Belt Conveyor?
Our family-run Ehrhart winery invested last year in a new press and two second-hand augers. We then had the idea of consulting Tecnitude for bulk handling of grape pomace leaving the presses, for unloading into agricultural skips. We don't believe in screw handling, which is very common in the wine industry, because we find it dangerous and costly. What's more, the innovative principle of gentle positive inflection proposed to us and implemented by Tecnitude was not only appealing but also highly effective.
What were your handling alternatives?
We had the choice between redler-type chain conveyors, which are very widespread in the wine industry but generate a lot of noise pollution. Redler conveyors are widespread in the wine industry, as they can be used to transport all types of bulk products, including grapes. They can be transported horizontally or at different angles. These tools are widely used in the wine industry, but they generate a lot of noise. They are also complex and costly to maintain, and have a high level of danger. The motor system is either driven directly or via chains, depending on the technical characteristics of the product. The second solution was screw handling, but we finally opted for a Belt Conveyor.
How do you use our Belt Conveyor? What are your impressions?
The Manubloc E.A 14 m x 650 mm Belt Conveyor is installed outdoors at the press outlet, and is fed by two augers. The conveyor operates for an average of 3 weeks a year - 20/24 hours during the busy harvest period. The Manubloc's Stringer is ideally designed to be very low and of limited height, and can be easily positioned under the two augers. The products have low humidity and rise very well with the 25mm herringbone belt (conveyor inclined at 30°).
What conclusions can you draw from using a Manubloc conveyor?
We have found many advantages in your system, such as
- Attractive price
- Inflection without constraining Idlers
- Ease of assembly and maintenance
- No noise pollution
- Low energy consumption
- Compact Stringer design
- Short lead time: 3 weeks
Are there any future projects to be considered following this first experience?
The whole family is very satisfied with our Belt Conveyor, and we'll be consulting Tecnitude for a project to acquire motorized Idlers to position in the storage building.