Kalamazoo, MI – Hapman, a global leader in the design and manufacture of custom bulk material handling equipment, is proud to highlight its CablePro Tubular Drag Conveyor. This advanced conveyor combines gentle handling, efficiency, and compliance with the most demanding food industry standards.

The CablePro Tubular Drag Conveyor is designed specifically for gentle, clean and efficient transport of products, such as cereals, grains, nuts, frozen foods, pet food, and other delicate items. The CablePro system features FDA-compliant components, including food-grade coatings and stainless-steel tubing. Another key feature of the CablePro are the self-lubricating UHMW disks, which are injection-molded directly onto a pre-stretched, food-grade oil-lubricated stainless-steel braided cable with a nylon coating. This unique construction helps maintain product integrity and meets the stringent sanitation standards required by the food and beverage industry.

The CablePro is available with all-metal or clear sight glass inspection tubes for improved visibility. Integrated cleaning accessories, such as wiper disks, scraper disks, brush boxes, air knives, and single-use sponge disks, support thorough cleaning for food-handling safety.

CablePro incorporates an auto-tensioner as standard, to maintain the optimal cable tension, extending the cable and disc life while reducing maintenance. Its sealed design with integral drains also supports Clean-In-Place (CIP) protocols, allowing for easier and faster cleaning through various cleaning options, such as mechanical scrapers, fluid rinse and foam cleaners.

To further streamline installation, the tubing is engineered and cut to application length, sanitary flanged, and match-marked, enabling labor-saving and fast assembly. The optional sanitary flanged connections enable fully seated tube ends which guarantees a tight gap fit, helping prevent product harborage and contamination. For increased flexibility, standard tube lengths may be field-cut and joined with compression couplers for easy on-site customization. The CablePro system also offers integrated floor and ceiling mount options for enhanced installation stability.

The CablePro can be seamlessly integrated with other Hapman products and systems, including Bulk Bag Unloaders, Bulk Bag fillers, PosiPortion feeders for precise product delivery, and SolidQuid® liquid-solid mixing systems. This flexibility enables manufacturers to optimize their processes and achieve higher productivity while maintaining quality.

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Inside Hapman’s CablePro Tubular Drag Conveyor

Hapman’s CablePro Tubular Drag conveyor gives consumers and pet food processors a gentle, hygienic way to move fragile products while supporting strict industry standards. Designed for dry, delicate materials, it helps protect product quality, simplify cleaning, and streamline integration with existing systems.​

Gentle handling for delicate products

The CablePro Tubular Drag Conveyor is built to move cereals, grains, nuts, frozen foods, pet food, and other fragile products. Its enclosed, cable-and-disc conveying method supports controlled, low-impact movement to help maintain product integrity from infeed to discharge.​

The system uses injection-molded UHMW disks permanently bonded to a pre-stretched, food-grade oil-lubricated stainless-steel braided cable with a nylon coating. Joining the cable ends together is our patent-pending cable connection. This simplified, robust, and intuitive design allows the cable to be assembled quickly, getting manufacturers back up and running in less time. This construction minimizes disk wear, reduces friction, and helps keep conveyed products intact as they travel through the line.​

Hygienic design for food safety

CablePro incorporates FDA-compliant components, including food-grade coatings and stainless-steel tubing, to support compliance with demanding food and beverage standards. The conveyor’s sealed design helps protect products from external contamination while also containing dust and fines within the system.​

To further support sanitation goals, the system is available with all-metal or clear sight glass inspection tubes that improve visibility during operation and cleaning verification. Integrated cleaning accessories, including wiper disks, scraper disks, brush boxes, air knives, and single-use sponge disks, help processors thoroughly clean internal surfaces between product runs.​

Streamlined cleaning and maintenance

The CablePro conveyor includes an auto-tensioner as standard, maintaining optimal cable tension to extend cable and disk life while reducing routine maintenance interventions. Consistent tension also supports stable conveying performance, which can help limit unexpected downtime and protect throughput.​

Its sealed construction with integral drains supports Clean-In-Place protocols, enabling mechanical scraping, fluid rinses, and foam cleaning methods without extensive disassembly. By simplifying cleaning procedures, processors can shorten changeover times, improve allergen control, and keep production schedules on track.​

Flexible installation and integration

To speed installation, CablePro tubing is engineered and cut to the application length, and match marked before shipment, so crews can assemble the system more quickly on-site. Optional sanitary flanged connections enable fully seated tube ends, helping achieve a tight gap fit that reduces the risk of product harborage and buildup.​

For facilities that need additional flexibility, standard tube lengths can be field-cut and joined with compression couplers for on-site customization. Integrated floor and ceiling mount options further support stable installation in tight or complex layouts.​

Part of a complete Hapman system

The CablePro Tubular Drag Conveyors can be integrated with Hapman Bulk Bag Unloaders and Bulk Bag Fillers to create a continuous, contained material handling flow from receipt to packaging. They also pair well with PosiPortion® feeders for precise, metered product delivery and with SolidQuid systems for efficient liquid–solid mixing applications.​

By pairing CablePro with these upstream and downstream solutions, manufacturers can design cohesive material handling lines that support higher productivity while maintaining product quality and hygiene. This system-level approach aligns with Hapman’s focus on practical, customer-driven bulk material handling solutions backed by decades of industry experience.

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Kalamazoo, MI – Hapman, a global leader in custom bulk material handling equipment, is proud to highlight the TubePro Tubular Drag Conveyor, a comprehensive solution designed to transport a wide range of materials with precision and efficiency. The TubePro is engineered to convey blended, friable, large particle, or smearing materials without compromising product integrity, making it suitable for a variety of demanding applications.  Featuring a fully enclosed, dust-tight design that contains dusty, odorous, toxic, or hazardous materials, the TubePro supports zero-emission operation and creates a safer work environment. This construction makes the TubePro a dependable choice for facilities with strict containment requirements.

Operational flexibility is a key advantage of the TubePro. The conveyor can move product vertically, horizontally, at any angle, and around corners, with effortless configuration of inlets and outlets to fit specific facility layouts. Customizable leg lengths and bend angles allow the TubePro to meet the unique needs of every installation, and Hapman’s application engineers work directly with customers to develop the most efficient layout for each project.

Product is transported en masse between flights, exposing it to minimal turbulence and reducing the risk of abrasive degradation. This gentle movement preserves material quality during transfer. The TubePro operates at high torque and low speed, resulting in energy-efficient performance and lower operating costs. The conveyor can also stop and restart while fully loaded, minimizing waste and reducing downtime during operation.

Durability is built into every TubePro system, with heavy Schedule 40 pipe construction, slotted round flanges, and continuously welded, offset connections that create an interlocking pipe structure for long service life. The TubePro offers several options to further enhance performance and adaptability. Multiple chain and flight options, including round link, drop forged rivetless, and engineered seal-pin chains, are available to reduce fatigue, wear, and stretching, supporting a wide range of applications. Available enhancements include the Airknife, Chain Hammer, Brush Box, and Self-Cleaning Discharge Gate.

The Airknife uses a focused stream of air to remove residual material from the chain and flights, ensuring a clean and efficient operation. The Chain Hammer provides mechanical agitation to dislodge stubborn material, further reducing buildup and carryover. The Brush Box, typically used for waste material, utilizes dual spinning brushes to remove stuck debris from flights and chain, helping prevent carryover and ensuring thorough cleaning. The Self-Cleaning Discharge Gate is an intermediate discharge point that can be installed at any location along the conveyor side of the tube conveyor, allowing for full discharge of material and preventing product from getting trapped. The Vibrating Hammer can be placed at discharge points to free material that might otherwise cling to the chain flights.

With its combination of gentle handling, energy efficiency, robust construction, and a range of adaptable features, the TubePro Tubular Drag Conveyor provides a dependable and effective solution for bulk material handling. Facilities can rely on the TubePro to maintain product quality, streamline operations, and support safe, dust-free material transport across a variety of industries.

About Hapman:

Hapman is a global leading designer and manufacturer of custom bulk material handling equipment for a variety of industries. With 80 years of experience, Hapman provides innovative solutions that improve efficiency and productivity in material handling processes.

For more information about the TubePro Tubular Drag Conveyor and to explore how Hapman can enhance your bulk material handling processes, contact sales@hapman.com.

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In the dynamic world of food processing and packaging, innovation is the key to maintaining product quality and operational efficiency. Hapman, a renowned leader in bulk material handling equipment, has once again raised the bar with its latest offering: the CablePro Tubular Drag Conveyor. This solution, unveiled at PACK EXPO 2024 in Chicago, represents Hapman’s first major product launch since 2008 and showcases nearly eight decades of expertise in tubular drag conveying technology.

Gentle Handling for Delicate Products

The food industry demands solutions that can transport delicate products without compromising their integrity, and the CablePro is specifically designed to meet this challenge. It offers a gentle and efficient conveyance system for a wide range of food items, including cereals, grains, nuts, frozen foods, and pet food. The conveyor’s innovative design features FDA-compliant components, ensuring food safety with food-grade coatings and polished stainless-steel tubing.

Innovative Design Features

The CablePro Tubular Drag Conveyor boasts several key features that set it apart in terms of durability, efficiency, and ease of maintenance. At its core, the system utilizes a pre-stretched, high-strength stainless steel cable with a food-grade coating, ensuring extended life and long-lasting performance even in demanding environments. This robust cable is complemented by proprietary self-lubricating UHMW disks, which significantly reduce friction and wear, contributing to the system’s overall efficiency and longevity.

Durability is further enhanced with the inclusion of stainless-steel sprockets, featuring polished edges that minimize cable fray and degradation. This attention to detail in the sprocket design helps to maintain the integrity of the cable over time, reducing maintenance needs and potential downtime.

Installation of the CablePro is streamlined through thoughtful engineering. The tubing comes pre-cut to the application length, flanged, and match-marked, facilitating faster and more straightforward assembly. This labor-saving approach not only reduces installation time but also minimizes the potential for errors during setup, ensuring that the system is ready to operate efficiently from the outset.

These innovative design features collectively contribute to a conveyor system that not only meets the stringent demands of the food industry but also offers a reliable, low-maintenance solution for manufacturers seeking to optimize their material handling processes.

Clean-In-Place Compatibility

One of the standout features of the CablePro is its Clean-In-Place (CIP) compatibility.  The sealed design with integral drains supports various cleaning options, including fluid rinse, foam cleaners, spray nozzles, sponges, wipers and scrapers, allowing for easier and faster cleaning. This feature is crucial for maintaining hygiene standards in food processing environments.

Meeting Industry Demands

Matt Richardson, Vice President at Hapman, emphasizes the significance of the CablePro: “We designed this conveyor to meet a specific market segment that demands gentle, efficient and reliable transport while meeting strict sanitation guidelines”. This statement underscores Hapman’s commitment to addressing the critical needs of the food processing industry.

Seamless Integration with Existing Systems

The CablePro isn’t just a standalone solution; it’s designed to integrate seamlessly with other Hapman products. This integration capability allows manufacturers to create a comprehensive material handling system that optimizes productivity while maintaining product quality. The conveyor can be easily incorporated into systems with Bulk Bag Unloaders, Posi Portion feeders for precise product delivery, and SolidQuid® liquid-solid mixing systems.

A Milestone in Food Processing Technology

The launch of the CablePro Tubular Drag Conveyor marks a significant milestone in food processing technology. By combining gentle handling, efficiency, and compliance with industry standards, Hapman continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation in material handling solutions. For food manufacturers looking to enhance their production processes, the CablePro offers a promising solution that addresses the critical needs of product integrity and operational efficiency.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Material Handling

As the industry continues to evolve, Hapman’s latest offering promises to play a crucial role in enhancing efficiency and productivity for manufacturers across various sectors. The CablePro is not just a new product; it’s a testament to Hapman’s 80 years of experience and dedication to developing innovative, customer-focused material handling solutions.

For more information about how the CablePro can revolutionize your food processing operations and to explore how Hapman can enhance your bulk material handling processes, click here or contact sales@hapman.com.

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The Helix® Flexible Screw Conveyor is designed to handle a wide variety of materials, from powders and granules to flakes, crystals, and pellets. Its versatility has made it a staple in industries ranging from food and chemical processing to wastewater and pharmaceuticals. Whether transporting materials for bulk processing, batching, or blending, the Helix® offers a practical solution that can be tailored to your operation’s specific needs. This adaptability is why the Helix® remains one of the most trusted options for material handling nearly half a century after its introduction.

Flexibility in Design

One of the Helix®’s standout features is its flexible design, which allows it to easily fit into various facility layouts, even in areas with limited space. The conveyor can transport materials horizontally up to 80 feet or achieve vertical discharge heights of up to 40 feet, providing a unique advantage over more rigid systems that may struggle with space constraints. This flexibility ensures that the Helix® can adapt to existing production lines without requiring significant modifications.

Available in sizes ranging from 2.5 inches to 8 inches in diameter, the Helix® offers a wide capacity range—between 15 and 1,800 cubic feet per hour. This scalability means businesses, whether small-batch operations or high-volume production facilities, can find a Helix® model that suits their needs. With its extensive capacity range, the conveyor is suitable for handling everything from lightweight powders to denser, heavier materials.

Every material presents unique handling challenges, and Hapman understands that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work in material handling. The Helix® is equipped with multiple auger options that can be customized based on material characteristics. For example, sticky materials, fine powders, and heavy, abrasive substances all require different handling approaches, and the Helix® offers auger types specifically designed to optimize performance for each.

This attention to customization extends to other parts of the conveyor as well. The Helix® offers various hopper designs, allowing businesses to tailor their material feeding solution to their exact needs. Additionally, the option to add a center core is beneficial for operations handling dense or aerated materials, as it helps to mitigate common conveying challenges such as blockages or inconsistent flow.

These customizable features make the Helix® an adaptable and flexible option across industries including food processing, chemical, pharmaceutical, and wastewater. By offering a wide array of auger types and hopper configurations, Hapman ensures that customers can find the right setup for their specific materials and processes.

Designed with Efficiency in Mind

Operational efficiency is another core advantage of the Helix® Flexible Screw Conveyor. Maintenance is often a significant source of downtime in industrial operations, but the Helix® helps minimize that with its tool-free casing removal feature. This allows operators to quickly and easily access the system for maintenance or cleaning, reducing the time spent on upkeep and keeping production lines running smoothly.

The Helix® also prioritizes worker safety. With its Hi/Lo functionality, operators can safely control the conveyor from ground level, eliminating the need for ladders or lifts, and significantly reducing the risk of workplace accidents. Additionally, the portable base allows the conveyor to be easily moved between different processes, adding a level of operational flexibility that is particularly valuable in dynamic manufacturing environments.

For businesses that require precise material dosing, the Helix® offers advanced capabilities with its Loss-in-Weight Batching option. This feature integrates seamlessly with automated systems, providing programmable batch controls and built-in load cells to ensure accurate material dosing. Whether you’re handling delicate pharmaceutical ingredients or more robust materials like grains and powders in food processing, the precision provided by the Loss-in-Weight Batching system ensures that your operations remain efficient and reliable.

This precision makes the Helix® an ideal solution for industries such as pharmaceuticals, where contamination-free handling and exact dosing are critical. Stainless steel construction ensures compliance with sanitary requirements, while the ability to integrate with automated systems makes it a highly effective tool for precise material control in these settings.

A Commitment to Reliable Material Handling

Hapman’s Helix® Flexible Screw Conveyor remains a highly reliable, customizable, and efficient solution for material handling. By offering customizable options to meet the specific needs of various industries, Hapman continues to enhance productivity and streamline processes for its customers. Whether you’re transporting lightweight powders or heavy, dense materials, the Helix® provides a proven, time-tested solution that will keep your operations moving smoothly.

With quick-ship availability for select models, businesses can implement this proven solution quickly and effectively, minimizing lead times and avoiding unnecessary production delays.

For more information on how Hapman’s Helix® can enhance your material handling processes, visit Hapman’s Helix® product page.

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A leading pharmaceutical manufacturer needed a vacuum conveying system to transfer finished product from a dryer to a mobile, scale-mounted bulk bag filler for precise batching. The primary challenge was ensuring complete cleanability to eliminate any risk of cross-contamination during product changeovers — a critical requirement in pharmaceutical processing.

Solution

Hapman engineered a Vacuum Conveyor equipped with individually controlled spray wash ports strategically located throughout the interior. This feature enabled automated, thorough cleaning and sanitization without external disassembly.
To further simplify maintenance, the system included a side access door for fast filter cartridge replacement and a clean-in-place rotary valve that could be disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled within minutes.
The entire sanitary assembly was built from 304 Stainless Steel with sealed motors and controls rated for explosive and wash-down environments, ensuring compliance with stringent pharmaceutical standards.

Results

The custom vacuum system met all performance and cleanliness requirements, enabling faster product changeovers, reduced downtime, and improved process efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of product purity.

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One of the nation’s largest snack food producers needed a conveying solution that could be quickly cleaned between batches and easily moved between production areas. Frequent product changeovers required full wash-down capability, while the existing process forced employees to clean conveyors from ladders — a time-consuming and unsafe method.

Solution

Hapman provided a Hi/Lo Helix Flexible Screw Conveyor designed to meet both mobility and sanitation needs. The unit’s mobile base and pivoting design allow operators to raise or lower the conveyor for cleaning, inspection, or auger changeovers — all from ground level.
With an electric actuator for smooth height adjustment, the conveyor can be safely and efficiently maneuvered throughout the plant — even through standard doorways — without disassembly. This design eliminated the need for ladders and improved worker safety during routine maintenance.

Result

The snack manufacturer now performs complete cleanouts in five minutes or less using one maintenance person, without special tools or equipment. The Hi/Lo Helix’s portability and fast changeover capability helped the team meet strict food safety requirements while reducing downtime and improving overall production efficiency.

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Process inefficiencies

Some plants lose efficiency because of poor bulk material handling. One issue is material spillage, which manufacturing professionals should take seriously. Spillage is a potential cause of injury, material loss and downtime.

Poor flow or a complete cessation of flow can cause inefficiencies as well. This crops up in several situations, including when:

• Materials form an arch by an outlet, obstructing it
• Too much material moves through an outlet at once, creating downstream issues
• Materials gather on the sides of an outlet and stagnate, which is known as “ratholing”

Fortunately, it’s possible to make systems more efficient by correcting the above problems. That may involve a reassessment and calibration of a given system’s design, taking into account its temperature, the materials it moves and other factors.

Degradation

Degradation is one of the most prominent challenges in bulk material handling because the process involves so many objects coming into contact. Degradation may change traits such as the size and consistency of the material, leading to later issues with product quality or plant operations. The answer to reducing degradation often lies in selecting better equipment, as perfectly fitting components give greater control over materials. 

Material segregation

When it comes to challenges in bulk material handling, no discussion would be complete without touching on segregation. This problem occurs when particles with different traits, such as size and shape, separate from each other. If this goes on unchecked, significant amounts of material may stay behind, slowing down operations and reducing the resulting products’ quality and consistency. 

However, it becomes easier to prevent material segregation by installing properly fitting components, including bags and hoppers. Other helpful steps include optimizing conveyors’ configurations and carefully controlling how much material moves through a feeder at once.

Cleaning challenges

While cleaning needs vary from factory to factory, cleanliness is always important for bulk material handling. Dirty machinery contaminates materials, making them unusable and unsafe.

Keeping machinery clean is so important in manufacturing that government regulations dictate the standards factories must meet. That means factory managers and process overseers need an adequate plan for cleaning their conveyance systems. The good news is that there are convenient solutions like clean-in-place systems available.

Dust control challenges

While dust particles are small, failing to install dust-control measures can create huge challenges in bulk material handling. Over time, materials leaving the supply line as dust can cause costs to creep up, while dust can also present maintenance problems if it accumulates in unwanted places. In extreme situations, dust may even make fires or explosions more likely.

Fortunately, there are many potential dust control and containment measures for manufacturers to explore. Examples include sealed conveyor designs and components dedicated to dust collection.

Machine maintenance issues

The machines that handle bulk materials are often capable of controlling impressive amounts of volume and weight — but no machine can run forever without maintenance. Periodic tune-ups are necessary to avoid unplanned downtime as well as dangerous, operation-disrupting events like material pile-ups.

Given how much money maintenance saves through downtime prevention, it’s an investment with a huge return. Factory managers can get ahead of the curve with a maintenance plan. By scheduling preplanned inspections and performing routine repairs, maintenance providers reduce service disruptions and extend equipment’s useful life.

Partnering up for better processes

Plant managers and process engineers who proactively tackle the challenges in bulk material handling will be rewarded with safer, more profitable operations. And partnering with a company like Hapman means manufacturing professionals don’t have to solve problems alone.

From maintenance plans to custom equipment, Hapman offers efficiency- and safety-boosting solutions to companies around the world and in an array of industries. To speak to a local Hapman representative, get in touch today.

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The key consideration in any dairy environment is sanitary design — equipment must be constructed to prevent material buildup, allow complete cleaning, and easily disassemble for inspection and maintenance. Understanding the distinction between USDA and 3-A certification helps ensure compliance and long-term product safety.

What Is 3-A Sanitary Standards Certification?

3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc. (3-A SSI) is an independent, non-profit organization that develops hygienic design standards for equipment used in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.

• 3-A certification focuses on equipment design — ensuring that surfaces, joints, seals, and finishes meet sanitary criteria to prevent microbial contamination.
• Manufacturers can license the 3-A symbol once their equipment passes a third-party verification process and continues to meet those design standards annually.
• 3-A certification demonstrates compliance with recognized hygienic design principles, even if the facility itself is not USDA-regulated.

In short: 3-A ensures your equipment is designed right — cleanable, durable, and safe for sanitary applications.

What Is USDA Acceptance Certification?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a federal agency that enforces food safety and inspection standards, including those for dairy processing plants. Within the USDA, the Dairy Grading Branch oversees the Certificate of Acceptance program for equipment used in certified dairy facilities.

• To receive USDA Acceptance, equipment must be manufactured under strict sanitary guidelines that meet the government’s design and fabrication criteria.
• Certification involves comprehensive documentation, inspection, and testing — a more extensive and costly process than 3-A verification.
• USDA maintains a public list of certified manufacturers, whose equipment is approved for use in federally inspected dairy operations.

In short: USDA certification ensures your equipment and its manufacturing process meet government standards — not just design guidelines.

Which Is Right for Your Facility?

Your choice depends on your facility type and compliance requirements:

• Certified dairy facilities benefit from choosing USDA Acceptance Certified equipment, ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
• Non-certified or general food processing plants may find 3-A Approved equipment sufficient to meet industry standards for sanitary design.

It’s important to note that USDA Certified equipment automatically meets 3-A sanitary design standards, but not all 3-A equipment qualifies for USDA certification.

Hapman Dairy Helix®: USDA Certified for Sanitary Excellence

Hapman’s Dairy Helix® Flexible Screw Conveyor proudly holds USDA Certification, ensuring full compliance with the USDA Guidelines for the Sanitary Design and Fabrication of Dairy Processing Equipment.

This model is engineered specifically for dairy and food processors who require clean-in-place capability, corrosion-resistant stainless steel construction, and easy disassembly for sanitation. The Dairy Helix® combines proven material handling efficiency with verified hygienic design, making it ideal for regulated dairy operations where food safety is paramount.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to sanitary design, both USDA and 3-A certifications are valuable indicators of equipment quality. However, only USDA certification guarantees compliance for federally inspected dairy facilities.

If your operation requires verified USDA-grade performance — choose Hapman’s Dairy Helix® Flexible Screw Conveyor, designed to deliver the reliability, cleanliness, and confidence that modern dairy processors demand.

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