Compact Automatic Taring Line

A compact taring line developed by RMA Techniek for taring potatoes.

Conveyor Belts

The potatoes are transported to and from the machines by means of a number of conveyor belts.

Weighing-in bunker

The weigh-in bunker is equipped with a barcode scanner and input screen. This makes it possible to scan each sample in advance so that the line "knows" which type of sample is coming and can also link the correct parameters to it. All data collected in the line is also linked to the appropriate sample. After the sample has been scanned, the crate can be manually put into the weighing bunker. This weighing hopper will weigh the sample and subsequently unload the product on the underlying conveyor belt.

Peeler

The potatoes fall into the peeler from the elevator belt. As soon as the potatoes are in the peeler, the machine starts and the bottom, which consists of a peeling disc, starts to rotate. The potatoes will be thrown around in the drum and the scraping and rinsing with water will remove the skin from the potatoes. After a set time, the peeler will eject the potatoes onto a conveyor belt by means of an ejection flap.

Dosing system

The potatoes are transferred to the distribution vibrator via a flat conveyor belt. This dosing vibrator is made for dosing potatoes. The vibrator is mainly used in combination with another machine. For example a length meter. The vibrator ensures that in this case the potatoes are supplied in a dosed manner towards the length meter, resulting in a higher accuracy. Due to the vibrating / shaking effect of this vibrating chute, the potatoes are moved in the direction of the length meter. By using 2 tracks, the potatoes are singled out so that the length meter works optimally.

Length meter

The potatoes reach the length meter from the dosing vibrator. The length meter will determine the dimensions of each passing potato using a 3D sensor. This information is collected per sample and made available online. The capacity of this machine is 120 tubers per minute. The length meter consists of a conveyor belt that runs under a sealed space. In this room, the 3D sensor can determine the dimensions of the potato using a laser beam. The data of each potato will be stored. The length meter is fitted with a weighing bin at the back, which is used to determine the net weight of the sample in question.

Inspection table

After the net weight has been determined, the potatoes end up on the inspection table. This inspection table consists of a flat plastic plate with an output flap at the rear. In addition, an input screen is provided to enter data.

Underwater weigher

This standalone machine has been developed to determine the dry matter content of potatoes. By weighing the weight above and under water, the dry matter content can be determined using a formula. When the machine has been started and tared to 0, the basket filled with a sample of potatoes of maximum 15 kg can be hung. First the machine will weigh the weight above water. Then the cylinder will go out, causing the basket to hang under water. The weight is weighed again underwater. Then, the cylinder retract and the machine will determine the dry matter content based on the weights. After the cycle is completed, the dry matter content is displayed on the screen.

Manual salt bath

This manual salt bath consists of a stainless steel container with a shut-off valve and suspension bracket for draining the basket. This container can be filled with water to which salt has been added. Then a basket of potatoes can be placed here. The potatoes with a low dry matter content will float here and can be picked out.

The entire installation consists of: