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Control of Equipment Operation in the Flour Mill Cleaning Process

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Release time:2023-09-11

Control of equipment operation in the flour mill cleaning process is crucial, as it directly affects both the quality of the flour and production efficiency. The following is a detailed introduction to the control of equipment operation in the flour mill cleaning process:

I. Overview of Process Equipment Cleaning Procedures

The cleaning process at a flour mill typically includes the following major equipment:

  1. Primary cleaning screen: Used to remove large impurities from raw grains, such as straw and stones.
  1. Vibrating screen: Further screens the raw grains to remove smaller impurities.
  1. Stone-removal machine: Removes heavy impurities such as stones from raw grains.
  1. Magnetic separator: Adsorbs magnetic impurities from the raw grains.
  1. Threshing machine: It strikes the raw grain to remove impurities adhering to the surface of the wheat kernels.
  1. Moisture-adjusting machine: Adjusts the moisture content of raw grains.

II. Key Points for Equipment Operation and Control

  1. Initial screening
  •  
    • Control the feed flow rate: Ensure that the feed is uniform and avoid excessive flow rates that could lead to screen blockage or incomplete removal of impurities. Typically, the flow rate can be controlled by adjusting the opening of the gate in the feed hopper.
  •  
    • Inspect the screen surface condition: Regularly check the screen surface for damage, blockages, or other issues. If any damage is found, replace the screen mesh promptly; in case of blockage, stop the machine and clean the screen surface.
  •  
    • Adjust the amplitude and frequency: Based on the characteristics of the raw grain and its impurity content, appropriately adjust the amplitude and frequency of the primary cleaning screen to enhance the impurity removal efficiency.
  1. Vibrating screen
  •  
    • Select the screen mesh appropriately: Choose a screen mesh with an aperture size that is slightly smaller than the size of the impurities you wish to remove. In general, the screen mesh aperture should be slightly smaller than the dimensions of the impurities to be removed.
  •  
    • Control the feed rate and layer thickness: An excessive feed rate or an overly thick material layer will reduce the screening efficiency. Therefore, the feed rate should be controlled according to the equipment specifications and the characteristics of the raw grain, ensuring that the material layer remains at an appropriate thickness.
  •  
    • Regularly clean the screen mesh: During operation, the screen mesh of a vibrating screen is prone to clogging by impurities, which can affect the screening performance. The screen mesh should be periodically stopped and cleaned using a brush or compressed air.
  1. Stone removal machine
  •  
    • Adjusting Air Volume and Wind Speed: The stone-removal machine removes heavy impurities such as stones by utilizing the combined effects of air flow and gravity. The air volume and wind speed should be adjusted according to the characteristics of the raw grain and the content of impurities, ensuring that stones can be separated smoothly.
  •  
    • Control the feed flow rate: An excessively high feed flow rate may result in incomplete removal of stones. Therefore, the feed flow rate should be controlled to ensure that the stone-removal machine has sufficient processing capacity.
  •  
    • Check the stone removal performance: Regularly inspect the stone removal machine’s stone removal effectiveness. If you find a significant amount of stones remaining, promptly adjust the equipment parameters or check whether the equipment is malfunctioning.
  1. Magnetic separator
  •  
    • Regularly clean the magnetic separator: As the magnetic separator adsorbs magnetic impurities, these impurities will gradually accumulate on its surface, reducing the adsorption efficiency. The magnetic separator should be periodically shut down and cleaned; you can use a brush or cloth to remove the accumulated impurities.
  •  
    • Check the magnetic field strength: The magnetic field strength is a key factor affecting the performance of magnetic separation. The magnetic field strength of the magnetic separator should be checked regularly, and if any weakening of the magnetic field is detected, the magnetic separator should be replaced or the magnetic field strength adjusted promptly.
  1. Threshing machine
  •  
    • Control the impact force: An impact force that is too strong may damage the grains, while one that is too weak will fail to effectively remove impurities from the grain surface. The impact force of the threshing machine should be adjusted according to the characteristics of the raw grain and its impurity content.
  •  
    • Inspect the beating plates and screen mesh: The beating plates and screen mesh of the threshing machine are prone to wear during operation and should be inspected regularly and replaced promptly.
  •  
    • Control the feed rate: An excessively high feed rate may result in incomplete threshing. Therefore, the feed rate should be controlled to ensure that the thresher has sufficient processing capacity.
  1. Water landing machine
  •  
    • Precise Control of Water Addition: The primary function of the water-addition machine is to regulate the moisture content of the raw grain. The amount of water added should be precisely controlled based on the requirements of flour production and the moisture condition of the raw grain. Flow meters and automatic control systems can be used to achieve precise control of water addition.
  •  
    • Ensure even distribution of moisture: After being moistened, the raw grain should undergo a certain period of conditioning to allow moisture to distribute uniformly throughout the grain kernels. The duration and method of conditioning should be adjusted according to the characteristics and moisture content of the raw grain.
  •  
    • Check the water-adding effect: Regularly monitor the moisture content of the raw grains after water addition. If uneven moisture distribution or failure to meet the required standards is detected, promptly adjust the parameters of the water-adding machine or inspect the equipment for any malfunctions.

III. Safety Precautions for Equipment Operation

  1. Operators should have undergone professional training and be familiar with the equipment’s operating procedures and safety regulations.
  1. During operation of the equipment, it is strictly prohibited to touch rotating parts to avoid danger.
  1. Perform regular maintenance and inspections on the equipment, checking whether its transmission components, electrical systems, and other parts are functioning properly.
  1. When the equipment malfunctions, it should be immediately shut down and maintenance personnel notified for inspection and repair. It is strictly prohibited to continue operating the equipment while it is malfunctioning.
  1. When cleaning impurities inside the equipment, first shut down the machine and disconnect the power supply to ensure safety.
  1. Comply with other safety regulations at the flour mill, such as wearing personal protective equipment and keeping the workplace clean.

4. Automated Control of Equipment Operation

To improve the control accuracy and efficiency of equipment operation in the flour mill cleaning process, an automated control system can be adopted. The automated control system can achieve the following functions:

  1. Automatic control of feed flow: Using sensors and controllers, the feed flow is monitored in real time, and the opening of the feed hopper gate is automatically adjusted to ensure uniform feeding.
  1. Automatic adjustment of equipment parameters: Based on the characteristics of the raw grain and its impurity content, the equipment’s amplitude, frequency, air volume, and air velocity are automatically adjusted to enhance the effectiveness of impurity removal.
  1. Automatic control of moisture content: Using sensors and controllers, the moisture content of raw grains is monitored in real time, and the amount of water added by the moistening machine is automatically adjusted to ensure that the moisture content meets the required specifications.
  1. Monitoring and alarming of equipment operating status: Real-time monitoring of equipment operating conditions, such as temperature, pressure, current, etc. When the equipment malfunctions or encounters abnormal conditions, an alarm signal is automatically triggered to alert operators to take timely action.

In summary, the control of equipment operation in the flour mill cleaning process requires a comprehensive consideration of factors such as equipment performance, the characteristics of the raw grains, and production requirements. By employing rational operational controls and automated systems, we can enhance equipment efficiency and improve flour quality.