What are the precautions for the automatic cleaning and feeding integrated machine for potatoes

The automatic cleaning and feeding integrated machine for potatoes is a key piece of equipment in the potato processing production line. It integrates functions such as cleaning, impurity removal, and conveying, which can significantly enhance processing efficiency. However, due to its involvement in complex working conditions such as mechanical transmission, water flow impact, and material friction, improper operation can easily lead to equipment failure or a decline in processing quality. The following are the key precautions during the usage process, covering four major aspects: installation and commissioning, operation and management, maintenance and upkeep, and safety regulations

I. Precautions during the Installation and Commissioning Stage

1. Equipment foundation and level calibration

Basic requirements

The thickness of the concrete foundation is ≥200mm(adjusted according to the weight of the equipment), and the strength grade is not lower than C25.

Reserve holes for the fixing bolts of the equipment (the hole diameter should be 2 to 3mm larger than the bolts) to facilitate fine-tuning later.

Horizontal calibration

Use a laser level or a frame level to check the levelness of the equipment installation surface, with an error of no more than 0.5mm/m.

The level is achieved by adjusting the regulating bolts at the bottom of the equipment (usually 4 to 6 for each device) to prevent material deviation or uneven bearing wear due to tilting during operation.

2. Transmission system adjustment

Belt tension

Measure the tension of the drive belt with a belt tensiometer (for example, if a 50N force is applied to the center point of the V-belt, the deflection should be 10 to 15mm).

Insufficient tension can cause the belt to slip (reducing the efficiency of friction transmission by more than 30%), while excessive tension will accelerate the wear of bearings.

Chain tightness

The sagging of the chain should be controlled at 1% to 2% of the center distance of the sprockets (for example, a 1-meter-long chain sagging of 10 to 20mm).

Regularly apply lithium-based grease (NLGI No. 2) to reduce the wear of chains and sprockets.

3. Waterway system inspection

Spray pressure

Use a pressure gauge to measure the pressure of the cleaning nozzle (usually 0.2 to 0.4MPa). Insufficient pressure will cause sediment residue.

The nozzle Angle needs to be adjusted to be 30° to 45° in the direction of material conveying to enhance the flushing effect.

Drainage smoothness

The diameter of the drain outlet at the bottom of the cleaning tank should be ≥DN50 to prevent blockage by potato debris.

Install a filter screen (with a mesh size of 80 to 100) to intercept large particles of impurities and prevent the water pump from clogging.

Ii. Operating Procedures

1. Requirements for material pretreatment

Size control

Remove oversized potato chunks with a diameter greater than 80mm (to prevent them from getting stuck on the cleaning roller or conveyor belt);

Crush sweet potatoes with a length of less than 30mm (to prevent them from being washed away by water flow and causing waste of raw materials).

Mud content limit

The mud content of the raw materials should be ≤15%. If it is too high, it will cause the turbidity of the cleaning water to rise rapidly (it is recommended to change 1/3 of the cleaning water every 2 hours).

Pre-soaking treatment (with water temperature ranging from 20 to 30℃ and soaking time of 10 to 15 minutes) can soften mud lumps and enhance cleaning efficiency.

2. Parameter setting and adjustment

Cleaning time

Adjust according to the variety of tubers (for example, 3 to 5 minutes for potatoes and 5 to 7 minutes for sweet potatoes);

The speed of the conveyor belt (usually 0.5 to 1.5m/min) is adjusted by a frequency converter to achieve precise control of the cleaning time.

Water level control

The water level in the cleaning tank should cover the lower edge of the spray pipe by 100 to 150mm. If the water level is too low, it will cause blind spots in the spray.

Install a liquid level sensor (such as a float switch) to achieve automatic water replenishment and prevent dry burning from damaging the water pump.

3. Key points of operation monitoring

Current fluctuation

Monitor the motor current with an ammeter (±10% of the rated current is within the normal range).

A sudden increase in current may be due to material jamming or bearing damage. The machine should be stopped immediately for inspection.

Abnormal noise

The normal operating noise is ≤75dB(at a distance of 1 meter). If there is a metal friction sound (bearing damage) or a collision sound (material jamming), an emergency stop is required.

Temperature monitoring

The temperature of the bearing housing should be ≤65℃(able to hold for 3 seconds when touched by hand). If it is too high, lubricating grease should be replenished or the bearing replaced.

The temperature of the motor housing should be ≤70℃(if it exceeds this limit, check the cooling fan or load condition).

Iii. Maintenance and Servicing Cycle

1. Daily maintenance

Cleaning equipment

Use a high-pressure water gun (pressure ≤0.5MPa) to rinse the inner walls of the cleaning tank and the conveyor belt to remove residual sand and mud.

Clean the filter screen at the drain outlet to prevent blockage and affect the drainage speed.

Lubrication inspection

Apply lubricating oil (such as 320 # industrial gear oil) to transmission components like chains and gears;

Check the oil level of the reducer (it should be at the 1/2 to 2/3 position of the oil window). If it is insufficient, add the same type of oil.

2. Maintenance is required every 200 hours of operation

Replace the grease

Remove the bearing end cover, clear the old grease (using a scraper or cotton yarn), and fill it with new lithium-based grease (the filling amount should occupy 1/2 to 2/3 of the bearing cavity).

Key maintenance parts: Conveyor belt driving roller bearings, cleaning roller bearings, hoist head wheel bearings.

Adjust the belt/chain

Check the wear condition of the belt (if the crack depth is greater than 1/3 of the belt thickness, it needs to be replaced).

Readjust the tightness of the chain to the specified range to prevent tooth skipping or breakage

3. Conduct in-depth maintenance every 500 hours of operation

Clean the waterway

Disassemble the spray pipe and use a needle to clean the scale inside the nozzle (especially in hard water areas, it needs to be cleaned once every three months).

Check the wear condition of the water pump impeller (if the wear is greater than 2mm, it needs to be replaced; otherwise, the flow rate will drop by more than 20%).

Inspect the electrical system

Use a megohmmeter to test the insulation resistance of the motor (≥0.5MΩ is qualified).

Tighten all terminal blocks (loosening will increase contact resistance and cause local overheating).

Iv. Safety Operation Specifications

Requirements for protective devices

Mechanical protection

Guardrails (with a height of ≥500mm) are installed on both sides of the conveyor belt to prevent personnel from touching the moving parts.

Protective covers (mesh size ≤10mm×10mm) should be installed on rotating parts such as cleaning rollers and elevators.

Electrical protection

The grounding resistance of the control cabinet shell is ≤4Ω to prevent leakage and electric shock.

The emergency stop button should be placed within 1 meter of the operation position and be in a red mushroom-shaped design (for easy emergency braking).

2. Requirements for operators

Qualified in training

Operators need to be trained by the equipment manufacturer or the safety supervision department to master the equipment structure, operation procedures and emergency handling methods.

Untrained personnel are prohibited from operating the equipment without authorization.

Personal protection

When operating, wear anti-slip gloves (to prevent hands from being cut by potato chunks or equipment) and anti-crush safety shoes (to prevent heavy objects from falling).

Long hair should be coiled into the work cap to prevent it from getting entangled in the transmission components.

3. Emergency response measures

Material jamming

Press the emergency stop button immediately to turn off the water and power supply.

Use special tools (such as wooden sticks) to clear stuck materials. Do not directly scoop them out by hand.

Electrical fault

After cutting off the main power supply, use a multimeter to detect the fault point (such as short circuit or open circuit).

Non-professionals are prohibited from disassembling electrical components to prevent electric shock or the expansion of faults.