An apparatus for separating palm oil nuts from mesocarp fibres

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for separating palm oil nuts from mesocarp fibres, comprising: a tilted auger conveyor (2) comprising an elongated shaft (3) fitted with a plurality of helical paddles (4), the shaft (3) being rotated by a prime mover; an inlet feeder (5) mounted at the lower end of the auger conveyor (2) for introducing oil palm fruitlets into the conveyor (2); a rotating drum (6) connected to the auger conveyor (2), having a plurality of slotted holes (7) circumferentially distributed on its exterior wall surface, the drum (6) is driven by a prime mover; characterized in that: the rotating drum (6) and the auger conveyor (2) with its paddles (4) are configured to rotate in opposite directions simultaneously, inducing counter-rotational motion of the fruitlets within the conveyor (2), propelling them upward from the bottom to the top of the conveyor (2); a cleaning blade (8) positioned along the circumference of the drum (6), configured to continuously remove debris, fines, and mesocarp fibers from the drum (6) surface; and at least two reinforced paddles (9) attached to the shaft paddles (4), designed to apply varying impact forces, enhancing the counter-rotational motion of the fruitlets and friction against the drum (2) wall. Drawing accompanying abstract: Figure 1