Cashew sheller

Types of cashew shellers

A cashew sheller is a machine that assists in removing the raw cashew nut from the shell. There are various kinds of cashew shelling machines, such as hand-operated cashew shellers, pneumatic-based cashew shellers, automatic cashew nut shellers, and hydraulic cashew shellers.

• Hand-operated cashew shellers

  The hand-operated cashew sheller is the simple design of the cashew shelling device, which can be used manually by whosoever wishes to use it. It is manufactured to be lightweight and portable, which means that the machine can be used anywhere and at any time. Before use, the raw cashew nut should be boiled or steamed so that it would be easy to remove the cashew from the shell. The hand-operable cashew sheller is usually made from stainless steel or some other durable material, which makes it easy to clean after use.

• Pneumatic-based cashew shellers

  The pneumatic-based kernel sheller uses compressed air to drive the device as well as remove the raw cashew nuts from the shells. It is connected to an air compressor, which is responsible for supplying the required amount of compressed air needed to make the device work. The cashew shelling device can also be connected to different kinds of compressors to work efficiently with the cashew nuts. The advantage of this is that it can easily and quickly cashew shell as many cashew nuts as possible. Like most cashew shelling devices, cleaning this method of shelling is easy.

• Automatic cashew nut shellers

  Machines used to automatically cashew shell can be operated in various ways, such as hydraulics, pneumatics, or electronically. Because they can be cashew shelled quickly and efficiently, the automatic kinds of cashew shelling machines are also used on a greater scale. Autospeed is a major manufacturer of electronic acceleration control units for automobiles. It possesses various kinds and specifications of cashew shelling devices, so people can choose the one that is most suitable for their use.

• Hydraulic cashew shellers

  Hydraulic shellers use hydraulic pressure to cashew shell the nuts. This kind of cashew shelling device may also be automated, which means that it can be operated efficiently with speed. The ideal larger-scale production means that it is well suited for commercial use and can be cashew shelled in large quantities in a short time. The efficiency and speed at which this kind of cashew shelling device works is a great benefit and advantage, as it reduces the amount of time and labor that is needed to cashew shell the cashew nuts.

Specifications and Maintenance of a Cashew Sheller

Though they vary depending on the kind of machine, the following specifications apply to most cashew nut shellers.

• Capacity

  This is the number of cashew nuts the machine shell will process within one hour. It varies with the kind of shelling machine. For instance, manual machines can process 35-160 kgs/hour, while automatic machines can handle 450-500 kgs/hour.

• Dimensions

  These measurements are in length, width, and height. They vary according to the kind of machine. For instance, a manual matrix measures an average of 1400mm x 700mm x 1200mm, while a fully automatic cashew nut sheller may be about 2800mm x 1700mm x 1900mm.

• Power Consumption

  The amount of electricity a machine uses depends on the type of sheller. While manual machines rely on human energy and a little electricity, mechanical machines consume various amounts of electricity depending on the motor strength. Some automatic machines use up to 2.5 kW/hour.

• Material

  The casing and frame of most cashew shellers are made of galvanized iron or stainless steel. Some designs have moulds made with aluminum alloy because it is lightweight and more durable.

• Nut Counting System

  Some high-end self-automatic machines have this kind of technology. It is an electronic system that counts processed cashew nuts digitally, clearly showing operators the number of shell nuts output.

• Suction System

  This is the mechanism that enables a machine to extract broken shells and unwanted material such as dust from the processed cashew nuts. A typical suction system has ducts, valves, and fans connecting to the machine. Some advanced machines have temperature control mechanisms that monitor and adjust to ideal nut processing temperature, avoiding shelling damage.

Maintenance

Some simple maintenance practices will keep a cashew shelling machine in good working condition for years. They include the following:

• Cleaning the machine after use to avoid residue build-up and contamination.
• Lubricating moving parts like gears, chains, and bearings regularly to prevent wear and tear and allow smooth moving action.
• Finding and attending to parts that need replacement to keep the machine efficient.
• Keeping the machine dry to avoid rust or corrosion by applying getting rid of moisture on the cashew nut sheller.

Scenarios of a cashew sheller

Cashew shellers are versatile machines used in various industries and settings. Here are some of the common usage scenarios of a cashew sheller.

• Large-scale commercial cashew farms: On large-scale cashew farms, farm owners typically use cashew shellers to process their nuts efficiently. With such machines, they can be sure of a high production rate within a short time. This will allow them to meet market demand with ease.
• Cashew processing plants: Most processing plants use cashew shellers to process cashew nuts. The machines are used to remove cashew nutshells quickly and accurately. Once this is done, the raw cashew nuts are further processed, roasted, packaged, and prepared for distribution.
• Small-scale cashew farms: In Africa, where cashew farming is predominant, some farmers may have small cashew farms. They may opt to use a manual or handheld cashew sheller. Using this sheller will enable them to process their cashew nuts for personal use or local sales.
• Snack manufacturers: As mentioned earlier, cashew nuts are processed and used to make different types of snacks. These include cashew nuts chips, butter, and a few other products. Snack manufacturers, upon receiving the cashew nuts from the suppliers, use an electric or pneumatic sheller. This will help them produce different types of cashew nut snacks to cater to diverse consumer needs.
• Local cashew nut traders: Local cashew nut traders may use a cashew sheller to produce cashew nuts for sale. Depending on the size of the trader's business, they might use a manual or electric shelling machine.
• Research and development labs: Some research and development labs may use a custom-made cashew sheller. This is to carry out studies on different shelling techniques or investigate the properties of cashew nuts. These labs can also use the cashew sheller to process cashew nuts for the development of new food products.

How to Choose Cashew Shellers

When shopping for cashew shelling machines, buyers should consider the first things like capacity, efficiency, automation, level, design and safety features of the machine. Additionally, they should look at its durability and reliability as well as its ease of use and cleaning. Before purchasing a machine, buyers should investigate the available models and get customer reviews.

• Capacity and Efficiency: The capacity of a cashew shelling machine is the volume of cashew nuts it can process within a specific time. Buyers should choose a machine with the right capacity that matches their level of production demand. Efficiency refers to the speed at which the machine operates, impacting the overall productivity of the cashew nut processing line.
• Automation: A fully automated cashew sheller is ideal for large-scale production to minimize labor costs, whereas partially automated or manual models are more affordable for smaller operations.
• Design: The design of the cashew shelling machine should facilitate smooth operation, integration with other processing equipment, and compliance with food safety standards. The design should also include adjustable settings to accommodate different cashew nut sizes and varieties.
• Safety Features: To protect the operators from potential hazards, it is crucial to invest in a machine equipped with safety features like emergency stop buttons, guards, and safety interlocks.
• Durability and Reliability: The durability and dependability of the cashew shelling machine are essential for ensuring uninterrupted production and minimizing downtime. Buyers should choose a cashew nut shelling machine that experts have recommended for its durability and reliability.
• Ease of Cleaning: A clean, hygienic processing environment is vital for producing high-quality cashew nuts. Also, to prevent the spread of foodborne diseases, therefore, cleaning and maintenance are critical. Buyers should choose a cashew shelling machine that is easy to clean and maintain.

Before purchasing a cashew sheller, buyers should research the market and examine the available models. Look for customer reviews and ratings to gauge the performance and reliability of different cashew shelling machines. Additionally, first-time buyers can seek recommendations from industry experts, cashew processing companies, and equipment suppliers who have experience with various brands and models of shelling machines. They will provide valuable insights to help buyers make an informed decision.

Q and A

Q1:Are there benefits of using electrically powered shellers over manually powered shellers?

A1:Yes, electrically powered shellers have many benefits compared to manually powered ones. In most cases, they are faster, and the average speed can be three times faster than manually operated machines. They are easier to operate than manual ones, and they reduce physical strain. Depending the model, an electrically powered shells can suit three to five people at a time.

Q2:What kinds of cashews can be sheller machines be used on?

A2:Sheller machines can be used on any kind of cashew, beaded, raw, or otherwise. However, depending on their design, some may be better suited for certain types of cashews. Please, consult the machine manual for recommendations on the kind of cashew to use to avoid damaging the machine.

Q3:Do sheller machines break cashews?

A3:This is one of the biggest fears of people who use cashew sheller machines. Not all cashew sheller machines will break the nuts. However, some machines have adjustable pressure levels and settings that allow them to work efficiently without breaking the cashew. Please, consult the machine manual for the recommended settings to process cashews without breaking them.

Q4:Do some countries export more cashew nuts than others?

A4:Yes, some countries export more cashew nuts than others. The top five cashew nuts producing and exporting countries are Ivory Coast, Tanzania, Nigeria, India, and Vietnam. African countries produce about 50% of the world’s cashew, and Ivory Coast is the largest producer in Africa.