Development of a Clod Separator for Potato Packing Houses
ABSTRACT AN investigation was conducted with an experimental unit to separate clods from potatoes using the difference in their rebound trajectories. Both potatoes and clods were dropped from a feed conveyor onto a revolving steel roller and separated by an adjustable divider. The drop height was limited to 250 mm in order to prevent potato damage. The effects of roller and divider adjustment on separation efficiency were determined in relation to potato and clod size. The data were used to develop a two-stage separator for potato packing houses. Test results are presented using this machine as a precleaner in a packing house. In addition to the clods most of the loose stems and rotten tubers were also separated. A simulation model was used to study the relationship between the size distribution of the feed material and the correct separator adjustments.