For this project, the customer requested an automated crushing unitthat could loosen frozen vegetables from bulk storage in preparation for further conditioning. In addition to being suitable for an environment of -20°C, the unit had to be portable for cleaning and maintenance.

Product reception is done from bins placed on a hydraulic tipper with position detection. The tipper feeds the product into a robust hopper covered by a sturdy grid. This grid ensures that very large clusters cannot damage the system.

The hopper feeds the automated crusher, in which two shafts equiped with pins loosen the product. A secured inspection door allows easy access to the crusher for inspection and maintenance.

After the process in the crusher, a conveyor shaker with breaker roll ensures even feeding to the built-in extraction screw. The breaker roll reduces any remaining lumps and is easily manually adjustable in height via a hand wheel. The extraction screw is equipped with a double funnelso that two bins can be filled at the same time.

The entire installation including main control box, stairs and operator platform was built on a mobile frame that can be easily moved with a forklift for maintenance or cleaning.

Our colleagues from Bruynooghe Automation took care of the automation of this project. They equipped the installation with programming, control cabinets and buttons and the necessary safety components.