Almond shelling machine

Types of almond shelling machines

Almonds are one of those nuts that are consumed raw and used in several industries, such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food. They are known to have hard shells that protect the raw nuts and are challenging to break or crack manually. To solve this problem, the almond shelling machine was invented to efficiently break almond hard shells with minimal damage to the raw almond nuts inside.

The almond shelling machine is not just limited to almonds; machines can also be used to shell walnuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, and other hard-shelled nuts. These machines come in various shapes and sizes:

• Roller machines

  Roller machines are the most common type of almond shelling machine. They work by passing the almonds through rollers that crush the shells and then separate the almonds. The rollers can be adjusted according to size to accommodate different types of almonds. This almond shelling machine is suitable for large-scale production as it can process a large quantity of almonds in a short period.

• Air fan machines

  Air fan machines work by blowing a strong stream of air onto the almonds that are hard in shells. The pressure points created by the air blast are enough to loosen the shells of the almonds. This type of almond shelling machine is ideal for processing smaller volumes.

• Crack and separator combination machines

  These machines not only crack the shell of the almond but also separate the raw nuts from the waste in a streamlined process. They are ideal for processing large volumes of almonds and offer more efficient production lines. Some crack and separator combination machines even have multiple screens to ensure that the product is clean with no residue."

Specifications and maintenance of the almond shelling machine

Specifications

• Power: Various models are available with differing power levels, ranging typically from 1 to 5 kilowatts.
• Production Capacity: The amount of almonds shelled per hour is a key specification. This is affected by the machine's design, power, and the operator's efficiency.
• Shelling Efficiency: The percentage of shelled almonds compared to the total number of almonds processed, usually ranging from 80% to 95%.
• Size Compatibility: Some machines are able to accommodate different almond sizes, while others are designed for specific sizes.
• Grain Type: The machine can be fitted with different types of grains to adjust the shelling process.
• Vibration System: Some models have a vibration system to separate almond shells and kernels.
• Waste Separation System: The ability to separate the shelled waste and almonds, which assists in further processing.

Maintenance

• Regular Cleaning: Frequent cleaning of the machine to prevent the build-up of almond residue and shell particles. Clean the shelling parts, vibration system, and waste separation system.
• Lubrication: Regularly lubricate the moving parts like bearings and gears. This is to ensure smooth operation and reduce wear.
• Parts Inspection: Regularly inspect the key parts such as shelling blades and screens to check for signs of wear or damage. Replace any parts that need it.
• Adjustment: Adjust the machine to ensure the optimal shelling efficiency. This may include adjusting the vibration strength, shelling gap, and shelling speed.
• Electrical and Pneumatic Systems: Regularly check the electrical connections, control system, and pneumatic pipes to ensure they are functioning properly and securely.
• Safety Device Check: Check the safety devices to ensure they are functioning properly. This may include safety covers, emergency switches, etc.
• Periodic Overall Maintenance: Carry out overall maintenance for the machine periodically. This may include cleaning, adjustment, lubrication, etc., as per the manufacturer's provided maintenance schedule.

Usage scenarios of almond shelling machines

Almond shelling machines play a vital role in the food industry, particularly in the production of almond milk and almond butter. These two products are staples for vegans who are looking for alternatives to the cow's milk and butter. An industrial-scale almond milk production line usually relies on an almond shelling machine because it can handle a large quantity of almonds. Shelling the entire batch will lower production costs since processing un-shelled almonds can increase the price of the end product.

Such machines are not only useful for large-scale industrial production companies. Farmers who grow almonds and small-scale producers also find the machines useful. A farmer who intends to process his produce into milk, butter, flour, or snacks will directly benefit from having an almond shelling machine at their disposal.

Retailers and wholesalers of processed almonds are also in the supply chain looking for almond shelling machines. They know that shelling the almonds will make them more preferable to consumers, as many people choose shelled almonds over unshelled ones.

Other users of the almond shelling machine include small-scale producers of almond milk and butter, snack packing companies, research facilities, and restaurants, bakeries, and cafes that offer almond milk as an alternative to regular milk. Businesses that process a lot of almonds would consider investing in the machine instead of outsourcing the service to cut costs.

How to Choose Almond Shelling Machines

Consider the following factors of the almond shelling machine when buying to ensure that they are choosing the right one for their specific needs.

• Capacity and Volume

  Consider the capacity and volume requirements. It is important to think about how many almonds will be shelled per hour or day.

  For this, it is important to look for a machine that can handle the desired quantity. Evaluate the workflow. This helps in making a decision about capacity. If the business is expected to grow in the future, it may also be worthwhile to look for a machine that can easily be increased to meet those demands.

• Shelling Efficiency and Quality

  Shelling efficiency is another important factor. This refers to how quickly and accurately a machine can remove the shells from the almonds. Look for a machine that provides a high shelling rate while ensuring minimal damage to the nuts. Research the different machines available and find out which ones are the efficient ones. Also, consider the quality of the shelling, meaning how well the machine separates the shell without leaving any fragments behind.

• Size and Dimensions

  It is important to think about the size and dimensions of the almond shelling machine. Check that the machine fits in the available space. It is also necessary to ensure that it can be installed and operated comfortably.

• Cleaning and Maintenance

  Shelling almonds creates a lot of mess. Therefore, cleaning and maintenance requirements go hand in hand. Choose a machine that can be cleaned quickly and conveniently.

  It is also important to ensure that the machine is durable and reliable, so it doesn't need frequent maintenance. Strong build material and construction are necessary for this purpose.

• Cost and Budget

  Finally, the cost of the almond shelling machine is an obvious consideration. The cost of the machine varies with its model, specifications and features. While it is important to look for a machine that provides good value for the investment, it is also critical to aligning with business needs and budget constraints.

Almond shelling machine Q&A

Q1. Can the almond shelling machine be used to process other nuts?

A1. The almond shelling machine is designed to efficiently shell almonds. Other nuts also have unique characteristics and might require specific adjustments or modifications to process them effectively.

Q2. Does the almond shelling machine require specialized installation?

A2. Shelling machines are generally straightforward and integrate into existing processing lines or set up as standalone units. Some complex machines may require professional installation for optimal safety and efficiency.

Q3. How does the almond shelling machine affect the nutritional value of the almond?

A3. The almond shelling machine simply helps to remove the outer shell of the almond. The procedure has no impact on the nutritional value of the almond. Even so, the machine can help to salvage almonds that would otherwise be unfit for consumption due to excessive shell damage.

Q4. Can an almond shelling machine be adapted to different production scales?

A4. Yes. There exist almond shelling machines adapted for different production scales, from small-scale workshops to large commercial facilities. Shelling capacity might vary depending on the machine model.

Q5. What are the advantages of using an almond shelling machine?

A5. The main advantages include increased efficiency compared to manual shelling, improved yield by minimizing product loss, faster processing speeds, and consistency in shelling results. Automated shelling saves labor costs and helps meet higher production demands.