Many contaminants find their way into bulk grain processing factories. Corn, wheat, oat and other grains are harvested in fields, trucked to the factory, and go through hundreds of yards of machinery before the finished product is packaged. Things picked up along the way include dirt, insect parts and something called tramp metal. Since small shards of random metal play havoc with grain processing, as well as being hazardous for consumer health, removal of these items is facilitated through commercial grade plate magnets.
Where Does Tramp Metal Come From?
Tramp metal should not be confused with trace metal. Trace metals are those elements which exist in almost all living organisms, both plant and animal. These are minerals like iron, which are digestible and are nutrients included in many grains. Tramp metal, on the other hand, occurs between harvesting and processing. Grains come into contact with harvest machinery that cuts and bundles stalks, transportation equipment and metallic parts of factory machines. If the machines used to harvest and process grain are worn down, bits of metal are likely to fall off in the grain.
How is Tramp Metal Removed?
Tramp metal can range in size from tiny flecks to pin-sized slivers. It would be impossible to inspect grain manually for metal or remove metal with a sieve, as some of the metallic pieces are the same size as the grain. This is where plate magnets come in. These large, super strong magnets can be used in chutes or conveyor belts that move grain from process to process. They are attached to sit over the top of the production transport. As grain moves under the magnets, bits of metal are pulled upward, sticking to the top of the chute or conveyer passage.
Types of Plate Magnets
These magnets come in a variety of sizes, shapes and strengths. Factories purchase the magnets which fit their equipment and processes, and some magnets are installed in positions other than above the production transport. The strength of magnet required to fully separate metal from grain depends on how bulky the grain is at the time separation begins and whether the product is wet or dry. Using multiple magnets within a single run will also provide additional quality in the end product, as the second magnet can act as a backup and catch anything the first magnet missed.
Using plate magnets in the beginning of the grain process to remove tramp metal keeps that metal from grinding and cutting into other machinery. In turn, this reduces the chance additional metals will end up in the grain. Quality of the product is increased, wasted product due to high metal contents is reduced, and consumers are supplied with a safer foodstuffs.
Please visit our website here for more information or visit our blog. Thank you.
No comments:
Post a Comment