Fishbone separator machine

Types of fishbone separator machines

A fishbone separator machine is a specialized tool used to remove thin bones and unwanted parts from fish flesh. These machines have become essential components in the food processing industry, particularly for businesses that handle large volumes of fish on a daily basis. There are three main types of fishbone separator machines: manual, automatic, and semi-automatic.

• Manual fishbone separator machines: Manual fishbone separator machines assist professional fishmongers in extracting bones from fish. The operator manually feeds the fish into the machine and operates the separating mechanism by hand. Even though it requires physical effort, its simplicity makes it easy to use without prior training. It also has low energy use, which results in inexpensive running costs. This makes them an affordable option for small businesses and fisheries.
• Semi-automatic fishbone separator machines: A semi-automatic fishbone separator machine combines automated and manual processes. The operator places the fish in the machine after starting it. The machine then removes the bones from the fish with the help of electric power. Although the operator is still involved, the procedure is quicker than with manual machines.
• Automatic fishbone separator machines: Automatic fishbone separator machines are fully automated. These machines have an in-feed conveyor belt that puts the fish into the separating mechanism. The fish is processed automatically after being fed into the machine. Both the removal of bones and the return of the fillets are automated. Large-scale food processing plants that handle a lot of fish every day typically use fully automated fishbone separation machines.

Specifications and maintenance of fishbone separator machines

Specifications

• Sizes and weights

  Fishbone separator machines typically have compact dimensions to fit processing facilities. Lengths range from 500mm to 2000mm, widths between 400mm and 1000mm, and heights are around 1000mm to 2000mm. Weighs vary from 50 to 500kg based on the parts used.

• Separating abilities

  These devices can separate as many fishbones as their motor power and sizes allow. Options with a small capacity are suited for home use and can separate 20 to 50 kg/hour. Commercial machines are optimal for larger operations. At their best, they can separate 3000 to 5000 kg of fishbones/hour.

• Power and voltage requirements

  Smaller fishbone separating machines use electricity at 220V, while larger commercial models employ three-phase power at 380V. Motor power ranges from 1 to 10HP, depending on the capacity.

• Separating methods

  Fishbone separators work using different methods like manual separation, cutting, sieving, crushing, or pressurizing. Manual separation provides low cost but demands highly skilled labor. Cutting methods are the most widely used and suitable for various fish. Some models that use the sieving technique have different meshes to separate fishbones of different sizes. Pressurized separators are the most advanced and usually separate small bones from soft fish flesh.

Maintenance

• Regular Cleaning:

  After processing each batch of fish, it's crucial to clean each component of the separator to prevent residue from building up. A fishbone separator machine manual can provide guidance on the right cleaning process, but generally, it's about disassembling removable parts and rinsing them with soapy hot water before drying and reinstalling them.

• Lubricate moving parts:

  Periodically add grease to the components that move or rub against something. This includes chains, bearings, gears, and hinges. Lubricating these components reduces their friction, thus prolonging the lifespan of the fishbone separator machine and preventing frequent breakdowns.

• Periodic inspections:

  A routine check on the fishbone separator parts allows one to notice issues that need immediate attention. It also makes it easy to schedule repairs rather than waiting for something to break down. When inspecting the fish separator bones, look for signs of wear, loose fittings, and damaged parts. Get an expert to check and recommend repairs or replacements as needed.

• Spare parts availability

  Before investing in a fishbone separator, it's wise to research its brand and manufacturer. Look into their support network and what kind of service they provide. Do they offer training to fish separator technicians so they can do timely maintenance and avoid costly repairs? Essentially, find a manufacturer with easily available spare parts and a remote support network, too.

Applications of Fishbone Separator Machines

Fishbone separator machines are used in seafood processing facilities to improve the quality and efficiency of filleting operations. Typical industry applications of fishbone separator machines are as follows:

• Seafood Processing: Fishbone separator machines are widely used in seafood processing industries to remove bones from fish fillets. Whether separating bones from small fish like sardines or larger fish like pike, fishbone separators can efficiently remove undesirable fishbones, resulting in clean fish fillets ready for cooking, packaging, or further processing.
• Meat Production: Fishbone separator machines can be used in the meat production industry when fish is used as an ingredient or protein source alongside other meats. For instance, fishbone separator machines can be employed when processing catfish or shark. They can also be used when fish constitutes an ingredient in fish burgers, fish sausages, or other meat products. These products are often sold commercially to be consumed as food or used as an ingredient in food.
• Food Service: Food service businesses such as restaurants, catering companies, and institutional kitchens use fishbone separator machines to streamline the preparation of fish dishes. These machines allow chefs and food service staff to produce fish fillets without bones quickly. This saves time, enhances food safety, and improves the dining experience for customers.
• Frozen Food Production: Frozen food production companies use fishbone separator machines to produce deboned fish fillets for freezing and distribution. Separating fish bones from fillets is the first step in the freezing, packaging, and distribution process. Fishbone separator machines help these companies maintain high production volumes while ensuring the quality of the final frozen seafood products.
• Fish Meal and Oil Production: Industries producing fish meal and oil use fishbone separator machines as part of their processing. The bones and residual fish matter are processed to extract fish meal or oil, which are Sought-after products used as fertilizer, animal feed, or omega-3 dietary supplement ingredients. Fishbone separators enhance fish utilization by efficiently separating bones for further processing, maximizing the extraction of valuable fish meal and oil.

How to choose a fishbone separator machine

When deciding on which fishbone separator to purchase for the intended target market, it is important to consider some features that both the separator and the fillet extractor possess. These features go a long way in asserting the functionality and efficiency of these machines.

• Capacity: The separator's capacity to handle a specific quantity or weight of fish within a specified timeframe is an important feature to consider. It is also important to note that different separator machines have different capacities, which are also connected to the fishbone removal system's efficiency. Common separator machine capacities range from 50 to 600 kilograms per hour. Customers and end users will likely be more interested in a machine with a higher capacity. It ensures that the separator can meet the demands of commercial fish processing.
• Paste yield: The amount of fish fillet or flesh that remains after the separation process is carried out is referred to as the paste yield. It represents the amount of loss incurred when separating bones from fish flesh. It has been observed that different fishbone separator machines have varying paste yields. This discrepancy is often connected to the machine's design, functionality, and efficiency. Many commercial fishbone separator machines typically have a paste yield of about 80 to 90 percent. This is an acceptable figure, and it means the machine separates the fish bones from the flesh with remarkable accuracy while still maintaining a significant yield of fish flesh.
• Power consumption: Separator machines driven by motors are bound to consume power. Motor-driven machines can be automatic or semi-automatic. Motors or motors driven by belts propel the separator machines. According to studies, filleting machines consume somewhere around 5 kWh per hour when separating fish bones from flesh. Motor-driven fishbone separator machines are likely to consume a different amount of power depending on various factors, such as capacity, age, and efficiency.

Fishbone separator machine FAQ

Q1: Can the fishbone separator machine be used for different types of fish?

A1: Yes, many separator machines can be used for different fish types. Nonetheless, the performance may vary depending upon the shape and size of the fish bones.

Q2: Is the fishbone separator machine easy to operate?

A2: Yes, most machines are developed to be user-friendly. They usually have clear instructions and don't require advanced technical skills.

Q3: Can the fishbone separator machine work with other food products?

A3: No, fishbone separator machines are specially designed to separate bones from fish. However, there are other separators that are designed to work with other food products.

Q4: Is the fishbone separator machine worth it?

A4: Yes, it is worth it. It can save time, improve product quality, and increase efficiency.