Customer demand

Here the customer was looking for a solution for pre-washing potatoes. Pre-washing of potatoes is necessary here before they go to a steam peeler. The existing washing line was replaced so that the customer could run a double capacity with a second steam peeler.

Washing & Cleaning

First the potatoes are brought into a de-stoner, by pushing water upwards the product passes through to the washer and the stones fall onto an output belt below. The washer washes the product and the drum rotates in 4 V-belts. The dwell time of the product is determined by a control screen at the front.

Below the washer is an outlet screw to remove the sand and dirty heavy particles; a spray valve at the bottom ensures this. The product then goes to the flotation unit where the floating parts are removed.

Inspection & Sorting

Next, the product goes to the flotation unit where the floating parts are removed. Salt is added to the water in order to remove the lighter/badder potatoes. These remain floating, the good ones sink and are brought to the top with an output screw.

At the end of the screw there is a spray pipe to rinse off the excess salt water, this water is drained off with a wedgewire that is mounted in the bottom of the screw.

Before the product is stored, it is first optically sorted to remove any rejects.

Drying & Dewatering

Next, the product passes over a felt dryer that dries the product. This is done by means of rolls covered with felt.