Lots of potatoes are harvested worldwide every year: as much as more than 341 million tonnes. An important intermediate step before the potatoes are delivered to the market is their storage. The SL80 hall filler from Grimme can now do this in an even more reliable and efficient way by using specific encoders from the also German company Hengstler.
It has been more than eighty years since Grimme developed the first potato harvester. But with so many potatoes being harvested each year, storage technology is also important to ensure the potatoes retain their top quality and meet demand. The SL80 hall filler is used in agriculture to fill warehouses with potatoes.
Sensors
The hall filler with 80 cm wide belt and lengths from 14.5 m to 18.5 m has a comfortable operation and a large intake capacity of potatoes and products such as onions, carrots or grain. The product is handled very gently thanks to the electro-hydraulic drive and infinitely adjustable belt speeds with variable swivel speed. In addition, the SL80 is equipped with special customised sensors that allow the machine to detect the current filling level. Based on this data and the positioning data, a Hengstler AC58 absolute encoder controls the movements and angle of the conveyor mechanism via an intelligent system. The aim is to fill the storage area in a careful, even and defined manner.
Reliability
The solution, which can be tailored to specific customer needs, is working well.
So far, there have been no reports of problems or breakdowns. Users can rely on their machines, while Grimme counts on Hengstler to determine positioning data.
Future prospects for the encoders are positive. Demand for fresh potatoes in industrialised countries is expected to remain stable. On the other hand, there will be more demand for processed potatoes as more and more ready-made meals are sold. In developing countries, diets are becoming more varied, which will boost the consumption of fresh potatoes.
Recently, Idaho State University and Boise State University in the US won an Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission (IGEM) grant. The universities are working to develop an integrated miniature air purifier and wirelessly distributed sensor network. This network can monitor and control the environment of potatoes in storage areas.
By: Kelly Bakker
Source: Grimme.com
