Castor shelling machine

Types of Castor Shelling Machines

Like any other nut, the castor seed requires sophisticated machinery for successful extraction. The purpose-built castor shelling machines are specially designed to remove the kernel with minimal damage to the grain. Based on the machine function and capacity, these devices are broadly categorized into the following models:

• High-efficiency Castor Shelling Machines:

  These machines have multiple shelling units, which means they can handle large volumes of castor seeds within a short period. Castor shelling machines with a higher shelling capacity are suitable for industrial-scale oil extraction. They produce a large amount of unbroken seeds for further processing. However, they tend to be more significant, more complex, and more expensive than their low-capacity counterparts.

• Single-shelling unit machines:

  Single-shelling unit machines are castor shelling machines with only one shelling unit. These types of machines process a smaller volume of seeds per hour. The machine's main advantage is that it is more affordable, smaller in size, and less complex. Machine operators can easily learn how to use and control it within a short time.

• Manual castor seed shelling machine:

  This machine relies on human power to extract castor seeds. Typically, it requires a two-person team to extract the seeds effectively. It's more efficient than extracting the seeds with an intruder or manually but less efficient than an electric-powered machine. However, this machine is more affordable because it does not rely on electricity to function.

• Electrically-powered castor seed shelling machine:

  This machine's main power source is electricity. It can be connected to a generator or the mains power supply. Because it is automated, it can shell the seeds faster, provided there is a steady power supply. The machine has adjustable speed options to suit different applications and can be used for commercial, industrial, or home purposes.

Specifications & Maintenance

The following are some typical specifications corresponding to the above-mentioned types of caster shelling machines:

• Capacity

  The capacity of a cashew nut shelling machine is an important specification. It shows the amount of cashew nuts that the machine can shell in a given time period. Typical capacities may vary by machine model and design. They are usually expressed in kilograms per hour (kg/h) or shelling units per hour. For example: 30-40kg/h.

• Size & Dimension

  There are different types of cashew shelling machines, such as small/bench-top, portable, electric, and fixed-type/large-scale, so the size and dimension will vary accordingly. Generally speaking, the dimension (Lέ*W*H) of a machine may be around 600*700*800mm, and its weight could be about 50kg. For large-scale functional machines, the dimension could be larger, such as 1,100*960*1,140mm.

• Power/Electricity

  The power of the cashew nut shelling machine indicates how much power the machine consumes. Some machines are manually operated and need to be operated by trained operators, while others are electrically powered machines. For electric power machines, the voltage and power are important specifications. A common value is 220V/1.5kw.

• Materials

  Some cashew nut shelling machines have an entire frame made of stainless steel, which is a durable and easy-to-clean material.

Due to the great diversity of cashew nut shelling machines, the above specifications are representative but not exhaustive. Buyers can understand the products better by referring to the specifications provided by different vendors on the website.

The maintenance of the cashew nut shelling machine is very important in order to ensure that it can keep functioning well and avoid breaking down or causing any injuries.

• Regular cleaning

  The machine needs to be cleaned regularly so as to remove the cashew shelling residues and any other dirt. After each use, the operator should clean the parts of the machine and the shelling spaces to prevent clogging. This can keep the smooth operation of cashew nut shelling machines and also improve the processing efficiency and product quality.

• Lubrication and oiling

  Apply lubricants to the moving parts of the machine to reduce friction and wear. Lubricate the bearings and chains by applying lubricating oil and ensure that the lubricant is evenly applied. This helps to keep the smooth operation, ease the wear and tear, prolong the life, and reduce the noise of the machine parts.

• Check for wear and tear

  Users or operators should check the cashew nut shelling machine parts regularly, such as the shelling blades, belts, bearings, etc., to find out the damage or abnormal conditions promptly. They need to ensure that the parts are replaced or repaired properly if they are worn out to avoid affecting the shelling efficiency and accuracy of the cashew nuts. Such practice can also prevent further damages to the machine.

• Pay attention to safety

  Wear safety gloves and protective glasses when handling or cleaning the machine, and ensure that the power supply is disconnected during maintenance or repair work. This is to help keep the user safe and prevent accidental injury.

Scenarios

• Industrial food processing:

  Jambalaya, gumbo, and other traditional Louisiana dishes use a sizable amount of shellfish. Because of this, commercial kitchens in Castor can use this machine to prepare massive amounts of shellfish for these gatherings.

• Catering services:

  During large-scale public gatherings, festivals, or sporting events, catering companies are frequently requested to provide seafood options. They can ensure that they have sufficient shellfish for their menus by utilizing a castor shelling machine, which would allow them to cater effectively and meet customer demands. Offshore, shrimp can be plentiful, but the market can always use some more product; thus, reheating and serving shrimp at a convenient location can be cost-effective. Catering Mobile Solutions' high-quality catering cars have been utilized for various large gatherings where catering goods must be prepared in catering cars, which have included football, basketball, and soccer events.

• Food service establishments:

  Restaurants, seafood markets, or shellfish processing facilities require efficient and hygienic methods of casting shellfish. Utilizing a castor shelling machine can assist these businesses meet health requirements while also increasing production speed to keep up with client demand.

• Exporting companies:

  Around 20% to 35% of the castor oil put on the market globally is produced in India. Because the country is one of the main producers of the castor bean, other companies working in this sector may need to shell the beans so they can be exported to different nations.

• Research and development:

  To investigate the physiology, behavior, or ecology of specific marine species, scientists and researchers occasionally need to obtain shellfish specimens. They can use a castor shelling machine to collect shellfish specimens fast and efficiently. This would enable them to focus on their research without the additional logistical burdens of handling intact shellfish.

How to Choose a Castor Shelling Machine

Before purchasing a machine for castor seed processing, buyers should make a checklist of critical features needed in their facility. It is also a good idea to sample some of the available machines and look for expert reviews online to make an informed decision.

• Quality of Material:

  The shelling machine will come into contact with different kinds of chemicals when processing seeds. Moreover, it must have parts that will withstand constant friction and movement. Therefore, buyers must ensure that the material used to build the shelling machine is of good quality and corrosion-resistant.

• Capacity:

  Buyers should determine the number of castor seeds the machine can process in an hour. Consider the daily output of the processing facility to ensure the capacity of the machine will meet production needs. More importantly, the machine's capacity should match the workforce to source, process, and sell the final product.

• Type of Shelling Machine:

  There are different kinds of shelling machines based on capacity and automation. A manual machine will be less expensive, but an operator will spend a lot of time on the task. An electrically powered machine may require an operator to assist the machine or feed it material. A fully automated machine will shell the seeds efficiently with minimum human interaction.

• Ease of Use:

  Consider the machine's operating instructions and look for simple controls to understand effortlessly. Technical documentation is necessary to understand the electronic parts and software. Moreover, look for any instructional videos that may help train the staff faster.

• Maintenance:

  When looking at the cost of the machine, buyers need to factor in maintenance costs over its lifespan. Ask how often the machine will need maintenance and the number of parts that may need to be replaced. Choose a machine that is easy to service and has parts that are easily available.

• Warranty and Support:

  Buyers should get a warranty on the machine to cover defects in material and poor workmanship. Look for the manufacturer's support network. Inquire about training staff to operate and maintain the machine and the availability of spare parts.

Q&A

Q1: Where does the castor bean originate?

A1: Africa and Middle East

Q2: How many types of castor beans are there?

A2: 3 types

Q3: What is the amount of oil in the castor bean?

A3: 50% of the bean is oil

Q4: How is castor oil extracted?

A4: Cold pressing is the most common method used in the industry extract castor oil from the beans.