Pistachios picked from the orchard must go through several stages in pistachio processing plants before reaching the consumer. The pistachio skin separator machine is one of the key components in the pistachio processing line. This machine removes the thin, hard shell from the kernel.
In this article, we will introduce you to how the industrial pistachio peeler works, its advantages, and other equipment in the processing line. So, if you are planning to set up a pistachio processing production line, read this article to the end.
Pistachios and Their Varieties
Pistachios are one of the most delicious and nutritious nuts, abundantly found in the Middle East, especially in Iran. This thin-shelled fruit with a crunchy and delightful kernel is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Pistachios come in various types, each with its own distinct characteristics. Below, we have introduced some of the most well-known varieties of pistachios:
Fandoghi pistachio (round-type pistachio)
This type of pistachio, also known as Ohadi, is very popular due to its hazelnut-like shape and excellent flavor. Approximately 60 to 70 percent of the country’s pistachios are of the Fandoghi type. It is smaller in size compared to other pistachio varieties and is also more economical in terms of cost-effectiveness.
Kalleh Ghouchi pistachio (jumbo pistachio)
Kalleh Ghouchi pistachio, due to its thick shell and large kernel, has its own dedicated fans. The round appearance of this pistachio and its delicious kernel make it a preferred choice for premium and luxury purchases.
Akbari pistachio
Akbari pistachio is also one of the most popular pistachio varieties in Iran, with an almond-like elongated shape. This pistachio has the highest economic value and, in the pistachio processing line, due to its uniform appearance, it yields better output with minimal waste.
What is meant by pistachio skin/shell?
When we talk about pistachio skin, we refer to two types: the thin green skin (hull) that covers the pistachio kernel, and the drier brown skin (shell) that lies beneath the green hull. The pistachio peeling machines at Seifi Industrial Group remove both types of skin from the pistachio.
The purpose of removing the skin from fresh pistachios in the peeling machine is to prepare them for direct consumption or further processing such as salting, roasting, or use in the food industry. In other words, one of the most essential machines in the pistachio processing line is the industrial pistachio cracker/sheller.
Main components of the pistachio peeling machine
The fresh pistachio hull remover or hard shell separator machine must be composed of precision parts and advanced technology to effectively remove the thin or hard skin of the pistachio. The outer body of the machine is mainly made of stainless steel, which offers sufficient resistance against impact, moisture, and heat. Additionally, you must adjust the settings of the pistachio peeling machine according to your specific peeling objective. The most common components of the pistachio peeling machine include:
● Hopper: A tank where raw pistachios are loaded.
● Conveying system: This system uses a conveyor belt or other mechanisms to move pistachios from the hopper to the peeling section.
● Peeling system: This is the main section of the machine, which removes the pistachio skin using impact, vibration, or friction.
● Separation system: This system separates the removed skin from the pistachios.
● Discharge system: This system directs the peeled pistachios out of the machine.
● Motor and control system: The machine’s motor provides the necessary power for moving various components, and the control system regulates the machine’s operation.
● Cooling fan: To prevent the motor from overheating and getting damaged during operation, a fan is used to cool the motor components.
After familiarizing yourself with the components of this machine, it is also good to learn how the pistachio sheller/cracker works. For peeling fresh (green) pistachios, after the pistachios are placed in the input hopper, the abrasive plates or rollers of the machine separate the thin skin. Then, with the help of a suction system, the pistachios are separated from the skin and waste, and transferred to the output hopper. In general, the peeling operation in the pistachio peeling machine is carried out in two ways:
Impact peeling (Drum Beater):
In this method of pistachio processing, a rotating cylinder equipped with sharp blades is used. With each rotation of the cylinder, the blades strike the pistachios, separating their shells. This type of peeling is suitable for cracking the hard shell of pistachios.
Friction peeling (Rubber Roller):
In this method, the machine has two rubber rollers between which the pistachios are placed. The rollers move at a controllable speed, and the friction between them causes the pistachio skins to separate. This method is mainly used for the thin, soft skin of fresh pistachios.
Supplementary equipment in the pistachio peeling line
The skin separator machine is just one component of the industrial pistachio processing line. If you are planning to set up a complete pistachio production line, after learning how the pistachio peeling machine works, it is better to also get familiar with other highly practical equipment in the processing line:
Cleaning machine / Washer
This machine is used to remove foreign materials such as soil, stones, and leaves from raw pistachios. In other words, the first step in the processing line is to clean the pistachios of any foreign matter and contaminants, and this is made possible by the washing or cleaning machine.
Drying machine / Dryer
To reduce the moisture content of peeled pistachios, a drying machine is used. Due to the water usage in the pistachio peeling machine, the product may have residual moisture. Over time, this moisture can reduce the shelf life of the pistachio kernels and disrupt the performance of other equipment in the nuts and pistachio processing line. This washer and dryer machine carries out washing and drying after peeling and can significantly reduce the pistachio moisture content.
Pistachio Sorting Machine
پستهها باید در دستگاه سورتینگ از نظر سایز و ابعاد از هم تفکیک شوند تا برای مرحله بستهبندی آماده شوند. دستگاه سورتینگ خشکبار گروه صنعتی سیفی میتواند پسته را در چند درجه تفکیک کند. معمولا دستگاه سورتینگ پسته بعد از پوستگیری بین نیم تا ۳ تن در ساعت پسته را سورت میکند.
Packaging machine
After sorting and grading, at the final stage of the processing production line, the dry shelled pistachios are prepared for packaging and display to the market. This machine packages pistachios in various weights such as half a kilo, one kilo, 2, 5, 10, and 50 kilograms.
Conveyor Belt and Elevator
In the pistachio processing line, at each stage, conveyors and bucket elevators are used to transfer pistachios between machines. This equipment is adjustable to different heights for easy setup at the input or output points of the machines along the processing line.
Advantages of the pistachio skin/shell separator machine
Here, we want to take a realistic and unbiased look at the advantages of the pistachio skin/shell separator machine:
Increased speed and productivity
In any production line, what matters most is the speed of operation and output generation in the shortest possible time. This increases productivity and helps satisfy customers with urgent orders. The skin/shell separator machines peel approximately 100 to 200 kilograms per hour. This number is significantly higher compared to manual peeling.
Reduction in labor force
By using the pistachio peeling machine, the need for manual labor is reduced. Having labor in the processing line not only lowers productivity but also incurs additional costs.
Improved product quality
دستگاه پسته شکن صنعتی با دقت بالا پوست پسته را جدا میکند و از آسیب رسیدن به مغز پسته جلوگیری میکنند. میتوان ادعا کرد که دستگاه پسته شکن گروه صنعتی سیفی پستهها را با بیش از ۹۵ درصد سلامت مغز تحویل میدهد.
Reduction in waste
By using modern machines, the breakage rate of pistachios during peeling is reduced, minimizing waste. Minimal waste in the pistachio processing line means higher profit.
Product hygiene
Peeling pistachios with a machine is much more hygienic due to the lack of hand contact and human intervention. In addition, after every few uses, all internal parts of the machines are sanitized.
Price of the pistachio skin/shell separator machine and factors affecting it
By now, you have likely become well acquainted with the pistachio peeling machine, its popularity, and its advantages. It is also worth discussing the price of this machine and the factors that influence it, which are as follows:
● Machine type: Automatic machines are more expensive than semi-automatic and manual ones.
● Capacity of the pistachio peeling machine (kg/hour): Machines with higher capacity, meaning several tons per hour, are more expensive. The reason for this higher price is the more powerful motor system, greater output volume, and higher quality of internal components.
● Build quality: Machines manufactured using high-quality materials and superior components are more expensive. Among these, the abrasive plates in the Seifi Group’s peeling machine are made of steel and have very high durability.
● Manufacturer brand: Reputable brands usually have higher prices due to their machines’ greater durability and higher quality components. Of course, maintenance and servicing of pistachio peeling machines from reputable brands are more cost-effective.
● Technology used: Machines that incorporate advanced technologies are more expensive.
Final Word
Pistachio peeling machines play an important role in the pistachio industry, helping to increase productivity, improve product quality, and reduce costs. Choosing the right machine according to your needs and budget is very important.
If machine longevity, along with a fair price and high output quality, matters to you, the Seifi pistachio peeling machine is a satisfying and wise choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the pistachio peeling machine require three-phase electricity?
This depends on the type of machine. Some machines require single-phase electricity, while others need three-phase power.
What is the useful lifespan of the pistachio peeling machine?
With proper maintenance, the useful lifespan of the pistachio peeling machine can be up to 10 years or more.
Is it possible to receive training on how to operate the pistachio peeling machine?
Yes, most manufacturers provide training on how to operate the machine.
