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Food production lines require various types of machines and equipment to handle grains, nuts, and legumes. One essential piece of equipment is the small destoner machine, which helps remove stones and foreign metal, glass, and plastic contaminants that may inadvertently end up in food products.
Several types of destoners perform this function by utilizing specific techniques to ensure optimal food safety. The airflow-based destoner takes advantage of the differences in weight and size of food items and stones. Such a machine includes an air-blowing system that lifts the lighter food items while the heavier stones and contaminants fall through a mesh. Vibrating screens have different mesh sizes and can also remove stones by weight differences, where the food items bounce around trying to find their way through the screen holes while the stones stay behind. Water-type destoners use the buoyancy principle, where stones sink, and food items float when submerged in water; here, food items can run through a water-type destoner as water is sprayed on the field, allowing the stones to sink.
Magnetic destoners utilize a magnet to attract metallic contaminants after food items go through a vibrating screen that allows many food items to pass through the mesh while the metallic items remain stuck to the screen. Electromechanical type destoners utilize electric and vibrating motors to remove stones from grains based on a predetermined frequency, amplitude, and mesh size. Airflow and speed can be adjusted to achieve desired outcomes. Advanced technology has led to the development of optical grain sorters with cameras that can distinguish between the color of grains and stones. The identified stones are then removed using bursts of air. Other types utilize similar techniques to separate food items by size and weight. Flour mill destoners are usually placed at the beginning of the milling process and help remove stones before the grain enters the grinder. They typically have two to four screens with varying mesh sizes.
Small industrial-scale destoners are suitable for businesses that handle food production but may require a smaller scale to meet specific local market demands. Larger agricultural destoners, such as magnetic and electromechanical, are more suited for large-scale production on farms where large quantities are processed. Investing in the right kind of destoner helps protect milling machines from damage caused by stones and other hard objects and offers peace of mind knowing that food items are free of stones.
Grain capacity
The amount of food or grain the small grain destoner machine can process in one cycle is the grain capacity. Small destoner machines typically handle between 50 and 500 kg of grains hourly.
Stone separation accuracy
This refers to small destoner machines' ability to identify and remove stones. Effective small machines should be able to remove over 90% of stones and other foreign materials.
Power consumption
This is the amount of electric energy the machine uses while working. Small destoner machines use between 1 and 5 kWh, depending on the size.
Power supply
Most small destoner machines operate on electric power. The input voltage ranges from 220V to 380V, which are standard household and industrial power settings.
Machine dimension
A small destoner machine is 1 to 2 meters long, about a meter wide, and up to 1.5 meters high. Their small size allows operators to install them easily in processing facilities.
Cleaning
Regularly remove dust, grain residues, and foreign material from the small stone remover machine's surface. Use water and a detergent to clean other removable components.
Lubrication
Lubricate the transmission part and bearings of the destoner machine regularly. Apply lubricant oil to reduce the abrasion brought on by mechanical frictions and keep the equipment running smoothly.
Fastener check
Check and ensure all fasteners are adequately tightened. This includes clamps, screws, and bolts. This way, operators can prevent loosening and ensure stable operation.
Small grain destoner machine users should follow the specific maintenance schedule provided by the manufacturers. This ensures proper working and prolongs the equipment's useful life.
Small stone remover machines are ideal for small-scale food processing industries, restaurants, bakeries, and others. They can be used in the following scenarios:
Cereal processing facilities
Small destoner machines can be used in cereal processing facilities such as rice milling, wheat flour, and grain processing to remove stones and other undesirable materials from the crops before they are processed further.
Bakeries and food processing plants
In bakehouses and food processing plants, small destoner machines can be used to de-stone crops like rye and wheat. This helps improve the baking quality of the bread and other products.
Small-scale grain production
Small-scale grain producers or farmers can use small destoners after their harvest to clean up their crops for better market value. Besides, because of its small size, it's easier to store and end use on small-scale farms as opposed to large-scale ones.
Laboratories and research institutions
Some laboratories and research institutions may use small destoner machines for test purposes or experimental cleaning of specific samples. In such a case, they will adjust the parameters of the machine according to their needs so as to get accurate results.
Restaurants and catering services
Small destoner machines can also be found in some restaurant or catering service kitchens where whole grains are used as ingredients (e.g., rice, quinoa). These establishments want to provide high-quality food for their customers and therefore need to remove those annoying little stones carefully.
Educational institutions
Small destoner machines can be used in primary and secondary school agricultural programs or vocational training centers. They offer students hands-on experience with food processing equipment and help them understand the importance of crop cleanliness.
Buying the right small grain destoner for one's business requires careful consideration of multiple factors. Important questions like how much grain one plans to process and what sort of grains need processing should be asked before making a purchase.
African countries facing severe food scarcity and hunger should prioritize selecting an affordable grain stone remover so as to facilitate increased grain yield and food security on the continent. Inexpensive yet effective affordable grain destoners may enable many small-scale farmers to have access to them thereby increasing the number of processed grains in the market, which could be an important step towards addressing the continent's food crisis.
It is pertinent to note that some types of affordable grain cleaning equipment may be costly but could eventually prove to be more cost-effective in the long run if they are able to handle a large capacity of grains and have low maintenance costs. Therefore, it is important to consider the model and brand of the small destoner machine when making a selection, as some could be more costly due to better technology and effectiveness.
Consider the power source of the equipment - whether it's electric, gas-powered, or hand-cranked - and choose a destoner that fits one's available resources. Research reputable manufacturers and read reviews to select a quality machine that will serve well over time. Once purchased, proper training on the machine's operation should be provided to staff so it's used safely and effectively. Regular maintenance and cleaning of the machine will help prevent grain contamination and sustain its destoning ability for years to come.
Q1: What are the latest trends in small grain destoner machine technology?
A1: Recent trends in the small grain destoner machine technology include increasing automation and the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) for better accuracy. More machines are being designed with user-friendly interfaces and automated stone detection systems. Furthermore, larger machines are being split into smaller, more affordable models so that all grain producers can benefit from the technology.
Q2: Can small destoner machines be used for spices like black pepper and turmeric?
A2: Yes, small destoner machines can be used for spices such as turmeric or ginger. However, the type of stone detection technology and sorting methods used may vary depending on the characteristics of the specific spice, such as its size, shape, and texture.
Q3: What are the benefits of investing in a small destoner machine for a food business?
A3: The benefits of investing in a small grain destoner machine include improved product quality, enhanced food safety, operational efficiency, and saving time.
Q4: What are the limitations of small destoner machines?
A4: Small destoner machines have several limitations, such as limited capacity compared to industrial-scale destoners. In addition, they may struggle with specific types of contaminants, such as metal pieces or plugs, and they can be relatively expensive for domestic use.