Every ENTRA system, built to be explored.

Operating principle

A belt conveyor carries products on a continuous moving belt supported by a frame and driven through a pulley arrangement. Belt material, width, speed, support, tracking and transfer geometry are selected for the product and operating environment. This page describes the equipment family; it is not a fixed standard design.

Belt Conveyor. A continuous belt runs over a drive drum and a tail drum to carry cartons, cases, bags and unit loads. Built flat or as a cleated incline between levels.

What ENTRA needs to know

• Product characteristics. Product dimensions, mass, base condition, centre of gravity, surface, packaging and allowable contact.
• Conveying duty. Required throughput, belt speed, conveying length, incline, accumulation needs and operating hours.
• Belt selection. Belt material, surface texture, food-contact or chemical requirements, temperature, cleaning and wear conditions.
• Mechanical design. Frame material, pulley and roller arrangement, belt tensioning, tracking, supports, guarding and maintenance access.

Design basis

Belt width

Selected from product footprint, edge clearance and loading pattern.

Belt speed

Set from target throughput, product pitch and connected-machine cycle time.

Belt material

Selected for product contact, abrasion, temperature, cleaning chemicals and applicable compliance requirements.

Drive duty

Motor, gearbox, pulley and starting method sized from load, incline, friction and duty cycle.

Frame & supports

Designed for span, loading, environment, floor fixing and access requirements.

The gallery photos are ENTRA portfolio references from the belt-conveyor category. No universal belt speed, capacity, width or load rating is published here because these depend on the selected belt, drive, frame and application.

Operating principle

Roller conveyors support products on a series of rotating rollers. Gravity versions rely on slope and product momentum; powered versions drive rollers directly or through belts, chains or line shafts. Roller pitch, diameter, frame and drive zones must suit the load base and product geometry.

Roller Conveyor. Loads travel on a bed of rollers. Gravity sections use a slight slope or a manual push; powered sections drive the rollers for transport and accumulation.

What ENTRA needs to know

• Load base. Minimum and maximum load dimensions, weight, base stiffness, runners, feet and underside condition.
• Roller geometry. Roller diameter, pitch, face width, material, bearing type and load distribution.
• Drive and zoning. Gravity or powered operation, drive method, zone length, accumulation logic and speed matching.
• Layout and safety. Slope, curve radius, transfers, side guides, stops, guarding, access and emergency-stop strategy.

Design basis

Roller pitch

Selected so the load is supported by sufficient rollers throughout travel.

Roller diameter & wall

Selected from load, impact, span, duty and bearing requirements.

Load capacity

Calculated for the actual load distribution, roller count, frame span and support arrangement.

Drive arrangement

Gravity, chain, belt or motorized roller solution selected for control and duty.

Accumulation control

Zone logic and sensor placement defined by product flow and downstream acceptance.

Roller conveyor images are from ENTRA’s roller-conveyor gallery. Pallet duty, carton duty and accumulation behavior require different design checks; the same roller layout should not be assumed suitable for every load.

Operating principle

MODU plastic-chain systems use modular links running over compatible wear strips and support profiles. The V22 catalogue identifies aluminium plastic-chain families MP, MS3, MM3, ML2 and MX2, plastic-belt families MT2, MR2 and MF2, pallet families and stainless families. Select the family and polymer only after checking product, duty and environment.

MODU Straight Chain Conveyor. An aluminium beam guides a plastic chain on low-friction slide rails. Five chain widths carry items from 15 mm to 500 mm wide.

MODU 180° Wheel Bend. A free-turning wheel carries the chain round a tight radius. It has the lowest friction of any bend.

MODU Flexible Layout. One chain and one drive follow the route your floor allows. Wheel bends come in 30°, 45°, 60°, 90° and 180°.

MODU Friction-Chain Incline. A friction-top chain climbs up to 25° without the product slipping back. Plain chain is limited to about 7°.

MODU Modular Belt Conveyor. A plastic modular belt for wider and heavier products, in 315, 435 and 585 mm widths.

MODU MM3 Pallet System. Products ride on pallets carrying RFID tags, so each one can be stopped, located and tracked through the line.

What ENTRA needs to know

• Catalogue family and material. Confirm MP, MS3, MM3, ML2, MX2 or the relevant belt/pallet family; distinguish POM from PP and other material variants.
• Product and load. Product footprint, mass, contact surface, stability, spacing, accumulation and transfer requirements.
• Layout geometry. Straight and curved sections, chain width, minimum radius, return path, supports and transfer details.
• Environment and duty. Temperature, cleaning, chemicals, wear, speed, operating hours, drive and maintenance conditions.

Design basis

MODU MP (POM)

35 mm chain width; 2,000 N tensile strength at 20°C; 500 N maximum working tension; 5–40 m/min recommended speed; 150 mm minimum radius; 25.4 mm pitch; -10 to +60°C; max length 20 m layout-dependent.

MODU MS3 (POM)

63 mm chain width; 3,000 N tensile strength at 20°C; 700 N maximum working tension; 5–50 m/min; 150 mm minimum radius; 25.4 mm pitch; -10 to +60°C; max length 30 m layout-dependent.

MODU MM3 (POM)

83 mm chain width; 4,000 N tensile strength at 20°C; 1,000 N maximum working tension; 5–50 m/min; 160 mm minimum radius; 33.5 mm pitch; -10 to +60°C; max length 30 m layout-dependent.

MODU ML2 (POM)

140 mm chain width; 5,000 N tensile strength at 20°C; 1,200 N maximum working tension; 5–50 m/min; 200 mm minimum radius; 44.5 mm pitch; -10 to +60°C; max length 30 m layout-dependent.

MODU MX2 (POM)

220 mm chain width; 5,000 N tensile strength at 20°C; 1,200 N maximum working tension; 5–50 m/min; 500 mm minimum radius; 44.5 mm pitch; -10 to +60°C; max length 30 m layout-dependent.

Numerical values above are transcribed from the supplied MODU Product Catalogue V22 technical reference for POM chain. PP chain data differ. These catalogue reference values are not an application approval; confirm exact material, duty, load, temperature, speed, layout and series with ENTRA. Catalogue family page references are recorded in MODU-CATALOGUE-V22-REFERENCE.md.

Operating principle

Aluminium-profile conveyors use modular extruded profiles and compatible brackets, supports and guarding to create configurable conveyor frames. The conveying medium may be selected separately—such as belt or modular chain—so frame material alone does not define the conveyor’s load or performance.

Aluminium-Profile Conveyor. A conveyor built on slotted aluminium profiles, so guides, sensors and stands bolt on anywhere and the line is easy to extend or reconfigure.

What ENTRA needs to know

• Conveying medium. Identify belt, chain, roller or other conveying element; aluminium frame is not a substitute for medium selection.
• Structural loading. Product load, frame span, support spacing, deflection limits, dynamic effects and anchoring.
• Environment. Corrosion exposure, cleaning chemicals, temperature, contamination and required finish.
• Integration. Machine interfaces, guarding, sensor brackets, cable routing, adjustable feet and maintenance access.

Design basis

Profile series & section

Selected from structural load, span, stiffness and accessory compatibility.

Conveying surface

Belt, chain or roller type selected independently for product contact and process duty.

Frame deflection

Checked for product load, conveyor span, support spacing and dynamic operation.

Mounting & accessories

Footing, brackets, guarding, guides and sensor mounts coordinated with the machine layout.

The supplied gallery has a dedicated aluminium-conveyors category with four references. The images show aluminium conveyor structures; they should not be read as proof of a particular profile series or load rating.

Operating principle

Stainless-steel conveyors are selected where corrosion resistance, cleaning access, product-contact requirements or process conditions call for stainless construction. Stainless steel alone does not make a conveyor hygienic: geometry, weld finish, drainage, seals, bearings, belt materials and cleaning procedures all matter.

Stainless-Steel Conveyor. A conveyor with a stainless-steel structure and an open, cleanable frame for process areas where corrosion resistance and washdown matter.

What ENTRA needs to know

• Material grade. Specify stainless grade from chloride exposure, cleaning chemistry, product contact and corrosion risk.
• Hygienic design. Review open profiles, hollow sections, welds, crevices, drainage, surface finish and accessibility.
• Conveying components. Belt or chain material, bearings, seals, motors, feet and fasteners must suit the cleaning regime.
• Compliance scope. Define applicable customer standards and regulatory requirements; do not assume certification from stainless construction alone.

Design basis

Stainless grade

Selected from corrosion exposure and cleaning chemistry; grade is not assumed.

Surface finish & welds

Specified for cleanability, product-contact requirements and customer acceptance criteria.

Cleaning regime

Water, foam, chemical concentration, temperature, pressure and frequency defined by the user.

Seals & components

Bearings, motors, fasteners, belts and feet checked for the same environment.

No GMP, FDA, IP, ATEX or other compliance claim is implied. Customer standards and required documentation must be identified and reviewed for the specific project.

Operating principle

An industrial spiral conveyor transfers products between elevations while maintaining a continuous conveying path. Depending on the belt, product and process, a spiral can be used for elevation, lowering, accumulation, cooling or buffering. The final design is selected around the product and the line—not from a generic height claim.

Spiral Conveyor. Products climb or descend on a continuous helical track around a central column, changing level in a small footprint without stopping the flow.

What ENTRA needs to know

• Product and handling. Product dimensions, weight range, base stability, packaging, orientation, allowable contact and required spacing.
• Line duty. Required throughput, operating hours, infeed/outfeed elevation, available floor area, accumulation target and upstream/downstream interfaces.
• Belt and structure. Belt or chain type, minimum curve geometry, support structure, wear surfaces, cleaning access and guarding.
• Drive and controls. Drive arrangement, speed control, start/stop logic, accumulation sensors, interlocks and integration with the existing line.

Design basis

Product envelope

Dimensions, mass, stability, package base and allowable contact surface.

Vertical travel

Infeed/outfeed elevations and required elevation change.

Spiral geometry

Tower diameter, belt path, curve geometry and available footprint.

Operating duty

Throughput, product pitch, accumulation target and operating hours.

Belt / chain and environment

Selected from product, temperature, cleaning and wear requirements.

Spiral capacity, maximum elevation, belt speed, product loading and temperature suitability are project-specific. ENTRA confirms these after reviewing the product, layout, belt selection, drive duty and operating environment. No universal capacity or height is assumed on this page.

Operating principle

A side-gripper conveyor uses two synchronized, opposing belts or gripping elements to hold a product along its sides while it is transferred. It is useful where a conventional base-supporting conveyor cannot provide the required vertical path or where the product needs to be presented in a controlled orientation. Grip geometry and pressure must be matched to the actual container.

Side-Gripper Conveyor. Two opposing belts hold each container by its sides and carry it steeply up or down between conveyor levels, keeping it upright.

What ENTRA needs to know

• Container geometry. Container height, diameter or width, neck and shoulder profile, mass, centre of gravity, surface finish and dimensional variation.
• Grip strategy. Belt contact material, contact length, adjustable gap, grip force, friction, product sensitivity and allowable marking or deformation.
• Transfer duty. Required throughput, vertical travel, infeed/outfeed elevations, product pitch, accumulation behaviour and line synchronization.
• Controls and protection. Speed matching, VFD control, sensors, guarding, access for cleaning, emergency stops and interlocks with connected machines.

Design basis

Container geometry

Height, diameter/width, shoulder profile, mass and centre of gravity.

Grip interface

Belt material, contact length, grip gap, friction and allowable deformation.

Vertical travel

Required elevation, line speed, product pitch and transfer sequence.

Drive synchronization

Matched speed and coordinated operation of opposing grip elements.

Safety & guarding

Access protection, interlocks, emergency stops and jam recovery.

Grip dimensions, pressure, belt speed and achievable throughput depend on the actual container and line layout. Fragile, tapered, wet, slippery or highly variable products require trials or engineering review before a final design is selected. The gallery includes one ENTRA gripper reference plus separate general elevator references; the latter are not presented as side-gripper installations.

Operating principle

Industrial elevators and lowerators transfer products vertically when a horizontal conveyor cannot bridge the required level change. The lifting principle may use a platform, carrier, cleat, bucket, gripper or other product-specific support. The equipment principle must be selected from the load and transfer duty rather than inferred from the word elevator.

Industrial Elevator. A guided carriage lifts or lowers the load between two conveyor levels when a horizontal conveyor cannot bridge the height.

What ENTRA needs to know

• Load and carrier. Product dimensions, mass, centre of gravity, support points, carrier geometry and retention.
• Vertical travel. Lift height, infeed and outfeed elevations, cycle rate, dwell and transfer sequence.
• Safety. Risk assessment, guarding, access doors, interlocks, overload protection and safe maintenance access.
• Controls. Position sensing, sequencing, VFD/servo requirements, machine handshake and fault recovery.

Design basis

Lift height & travel

Defined from floor levels, machine interfaces and installation envelope.

Rated load

Established from product mass, carrier mass, dynamic effects and safety design.

Cycle / throughput

Calculated from travel, loading, unloading, dwell and control sequence.

Safety functions

Defined by risk assessment, access conditions and applicable machinery requirements.

The ENTRA gallery includes two elevator references. They are shown as general elevator equipment and are not labelled as side-gripper systems. No rated load or travel speed is assumed.

Operating principle

A screw conveyor moves bulk material along a casing by rotating a helical flight around a shaft—or by using a shaftless spiral in suitable applications. It can provide horizontal or inclined conveying, controlled feeding and transfer between process stages. Selection depends heavily on the material properties and the required duty.

Screw Conveyor. A rotating helical flight pushes powders, grains and other bulk material along a closed casing from the inlet to the discharge.

What ENTRA needs to know

• Material properties. Bulk density, particle size and distribution, flowability, moisture, temperature, abrasiveness, corrosiveness and tendency to bridge or compact.
• Duty and capacity. Required mass or volumetric rate, operating hours, conveying length, inclination, fill level, start-up condition and upstream/downstream equipment.
• Flight and casing. Shafted or shaftless design, flight profile, pitch, diameter, trough or tube, cover, liners, cleanout points and material of construction.
• Drive and maintenance. Drive location, torque duty, bearing arrangement, seals, access, inspection, wear parts and maintenance clearance.

Design basis

Material bulk density

Measured or supplied bulk density and its variation during operation.

Particle and flow behaviour

Particle size, cohesion, moisture, abrasiveness, temperature and tendency to bridge.

Screw geometry

Flight diameter, pitch, shaft/shaftless design, trough or tube and fill ratio.

Duty and inclination

Mass/volume flow, conveying length, inclination, start-up and operating hours.

Wear and containment

Liners, seals, bearings, cleanout, dust containment and material compatibility.

Screw conveyor capacity is not inferred from diameter alone. It depends on material bulk density and flow behaviour, flight geometry, pitch, speed, fill ratio, inclination and duty. Abrasive, sticky, hot, combustible or food-contact materials require specific material, sealing, guarding and process review.

Operating principle

A bulk belt conveyor carries loose material on a belt that is shaped into a trough by three-roll idler sets, so the material stays centred on the belt. Material is loaded through a skirted chute and leaves through an enclosed discharge at the head end, where the drive pulls the loaded belt. ENTRA applied this approach at the Alnasr Chemicals salt factory, with a Mega Belt layout, enclosed transfer points and a variable-speed drive to control flow.

Bulk Belt Conveyor. A troughed belt on three-roll idler sets carries salt, granules and other bulk material, with enclosed loading and discharge points to contain spillage and dust.

What ENTRA needs to know

• Material. Bulk density, particle size, moisture, abrasiveness, corrosiveness and dust behaviour.
• Capacity and route. Required throughput, conveying length, incline and the loading and discharge points.
• Environment. Corrosion exposure, cleaning, dust control and the drive and control requirements.

Design basis

Belt width & trough angle

Selected from the material and the required capacity.

Idler spacing

Set for the load on the carrying and return runs.

Structure & finish

Selected for the corrosion exposure of the site.

Drive & control

Head drive with speed control sized for the duty.

Shown as ENTRA's 3D model. The Alnasr Chemicals project is described in ENTRA's published case study. Capacities and dimensions are defined per project and are not implied here.

Operating principle

Tilting and inverting stations change the orientation of a load to support emptying, access, assembly, inspection or process transfer. The mechanism may use a pivoting cradle, powered table, clamp or purpose-built fixture. Product retention and controlled movement are central to safe design.

Tilting Station. A pivoting cradle holds the load and tilts it to a set angle for emptying, feeding or a change of orientation, then returns it.

What ENTRA needs to know

• Load geometry. Mass, dimensions, centre of gravity, support points, fill condition and containment.
• Motion envelope. Tilt angle, rotation axis, stroke, travel path, clearances and transfer height.
• Retention and safety. Clamps, stops, restraints, guarding, interlocks, access and emergency-stop requirements.
• Process sequence. Load/unload method, cycle time, operator interaction, sensors and machine interfaces.

Design basis

Maximum load & centre of gravity

Established from the actual load and fixture, including dynamic effects.

Tilt angle / rotation

Defined from process requirements, clearance and product retention.

Actuation

Hydraulic, pneumatic, electric or mechanical drive selected by force, motion and environment.

Safety & guarding

Risk-assessed restraints, interlocks, access controls and safe loading method.

The gallery category contains tilting-station equipment references. Do not infer a rated load, tilt angle or safety category from photographs; these are determined by the project design and risk assessment.

Operating principle

A scissor lift table raises and lowers a level platform on crossed scissor arms driven by a lifting cylinder. It brings pallets, bins and heavy unit loads to a comfortable working height, matches the level of a conveyor or machine, or helps loading at different heights. Platform size, stroke, lifting drive and safety devices are selected for the load and the workplace.

Scissor Lift Table. Crossed scissor arms raise and lower a level platform, bringing pallets and heavy loads to a safe working height or to the level of a conveyor.

What ENTRA needs to know

• Load. Mass, footprint, centre of gravity, load distribution and how the load is placed on the platform.
• Heights. Lowered height, required lifted height, pit or floor mounting and access around the table.
• Duty and controls. Cycles per shift, control position, interlocks with conveyors and required safety devices.

Design basis

Platform size

Selected from the load footprint and handling access.

Rated load & stroke

Established from the actual load and the required height range.

Lifting drive

Selected for load, speed and duty cycle.

Safety

Edge protection, guarding and controls defined for the installation.

No photo of an ENTRA lift table was supplied, so this page shows ENTRA's 3D model. Capacities, heights and speeds are defined per project and are not implied here.

Operating principle

A pallet inverter grips a complete pallet load between two clamping platens and rotates it, typically through 180 degrees. The pallet can then be removed and replaced, for example to change from a wooden to a plastic or hygienic pallet, to recover goods from a damaged pallet, or to turn a load over for a process step. Clamping force, rotation and controls are selected for the load so it stays stable throughout the cycle.

Pallet Inverter. A rotating clamp unit grips a full pallet load between two platens and turns it over, so the pallet can be exchanged or damaged goods recovered without hand restacking.

What ENTRA needs to know

• Load. Load mass, height, footprint, stability, packaging and the pressure it can accept.
• Pallet types. Incoming and outgoing pallet types and sizes.
• Integration. Forklift or conveyor loading, cycle time, guarding and control interfaces.

Design basis

Load envelope

Defined from the largest and smallest pallet loads to be handled.

Clamping

Selected so the load is held without damaging the packaging.

Rotation

Angle and speed defined for load stability.

Safety

Guarding, interlocks and operator controls defined for the site.

The photo shows an ENTRA pallet inverter from the ENTRA company profile. Capacities and cycle times are defined per project and are not implied here.

Operating principle

An accumulation conveyor momentarily holds products before releasing them to the next production phase. On an accumulation table, products arrive in single file, spread onto a wide moving bed when the downstream machine slows or stops, and are guided back into single file by rails when it restarts. ENTRA supplies accumulation tables and alpine (multi-level) accumulation conveyors.

Accumulation Table. A wide moving bed holds products for a short time when the next machine stops, then guide rails funnel them back into single file so the line keeps running.

What ENTRA needs to know

• Product. Container shape, size, stability, material and how it behaves in mass flow.
• Buffer requirement. Line speed and the stop time the buffer must cover.
• Line interface. Infeed and outfeed heights, transfer points, sensors and controls.

Design basis

Bed width & length

Selected from the buffer quantity and the space available.

Belt type

Selected for the product, stability and cleaning.

Guide rails

Shaped to return products to single file without jams.

Controls

Sensors and logic that fill and release the buffer.

The photo shows an ENTRA accumulation table from the ENTRA brochure. Buffer capacities and speeds are defined per project and are not implied here.

Operating principle

A stainless-steel access platform gives operators and maintenance staff a safe, stable place to work at the height of a machine or conveyor. It combines a supported deck with an anti-slip surface, guard rails with knee rails and toe boards, and a stair with anti-slip treads. Adjustable feet level the structure on uneven floors. Platforms are made to suit the machine, the access needed and the hygiene requirements of the area.

Stainless-Steel Platform. A stainless-steel access platform with an anti-slip deck, guard rails and a stair, giving operators safe access to machines and conveyor lines.

What ENTRA needs to know

• Access. Working height, deck size, stair position and the number of people using it.
• Area. Hygiene and cleaning requirements, floor conditions and available space.
• Safety. Guarding, tread surfaces and handrails defined for the installation.

Design basis

Deck height & size

Selected from the machine and the access required.

Material

Stainless steel, grade selected for the area.

Deck & treads

Anti-slip surfaces with marked tread edges.

Guarding

Top rails, knee rails and toe boards defined for the site.

Shown as ENTRA's 3D model, based on the stainless platform in the ENTRA brochure. Dimensions and loads are defined per project and are not implied here.

Operating principle

Conveyor line integration connects individual machines and transport sections into a coordinated material-flow system. The engineering scope may include mechanical transfers, accumulation, product detection, drives, PLC interfaces, operator controls, safety circuits and commissioning. Exact automation architecture depends on the existing plant and project scope.

Conveyor Line Integration. Conveyor sections, a right-angle transfer, sensors and a control panel work as one line, so product flow is coordinated between machines.

What ENTRA needs to know

• Process mapping. Product route, cycle times, bottlenecks, accumulation needs, operating modes and recovery sequence.
• Controls architecture. PLC ownership, I/O list, communications, HMI, recipes, alarms and data exchange.
• Sensors and actuators. Product detection, tracking, stops, diverters, motor starters, VFDs and safety devices.
• Safety and commissioning. Risk assessment, safety circuits, machine interfaces, FAT/SAT scope, documentation and operator training.

Design basis

Throughput & cycle time

Defined from product rate, machine cycle, accumulation and shift pattern.

Control platform

PLC, HMI and communications selected to suit customer standards and existing plant architecture.

I/O and instrumentation

Sensor, actuator, drive and safety-device list developed from the sequence of operation.

Safety integration

Risk assessment and interface definition for emergency stops, guards and machine interlocks.

The images are industrial application references from ENTRA’s supplied gallery. They do not assert a specific PLC brand, safety performance level, line throughput or certification.