The new HS8 runs at 124 cups per minute which is almost twice the speed of the existing Atlas Pacific peeler. This is accomplished through the use of dual "sensor peel" type cutters. The machine can utilise the same amount of flor space which means more production per square foot of factory.
Feed Efficiency
The feeding of raw product into the machine has been made more efficient. This translates into higher throughput with fewer empty cups in each cycle. The net effect is a savings in plant run time to process the same amount of product.
Orientation
The patented newly designed roll orienter improves orientation and reduces the number of doubles and cross-cored fruit. This results in less downgraded or discarded raw product and more good product available to put in the can.
Peeling Yield (Recovery)
The peeling pressure is controlled pneumatically to assure precision peeling for delicate fruit as well as hard fruit. Each cutter blade is assisted by a precision ground ceramic guard which guides the cutter over the contours of the fruit assuring that only a thin layer of peel is removed. Together these features produce the maximum peeling yield. On medium-sized pears (2.5" diameter±0.312") tests have shown up to a 10.5% increase in yield.
Throughput Yield
When taken in conjunction with each other, the improved orientation and the 10.5% improvement in peeling yield combine to give a 14% improvement in throughput yield. This means that for the same output the processor is able to utilise 14% less raw product as compared to the standard Atlas Pacific Pear peeler. In other words, for each ton of raw product processed the new machine produces 280 pounds (127 kg) of additional useable finished product.
Size Range Capability
The new orienter is designed to have a wider size range capability than the standard Pear Belt Orienter (PBO). This gives the processor greater flexibility in the size of the fruit that will run through the machine and in most instances the need for hand fed machines may be eliminated.
Sanitation
Sanitation is greatly improved through the extensive use of non-corrosive materials such as stainless steel and plastics. This reduces the hours required to clean, sanitise and maintain both during the season and winter repairs.
Maintenance/Lubrication
The centralised lubrication system significantly reduces the hours required to maintain the machine during the season. This coupled with modular assemblies makes overall maintenance of the machine simpler and less time consuming.
Improved Control System Design
The machine's control system platform has been designed to allow for future developments including:
- Communications with upstream and downstream processes to optimise machine performance.
- The ability to control the machines speed and peeling pressure from a central location
- Reporting of critical processing data.
