by Abhirup Mitra, Global Product Manager for Rice Solutions, Bühler Group
One of the main challenges facing rice millers is managing their production costs – something that’s more and more vital in such an increasingly competitive industry. Lower capacity, manually controlled machines, mean higher energy costs, higher rubber consumption and inconsistent performance, along with a larger footprint, while the lack of real-time data makes it much harder for operators to take the decisions that can optimise processes.
Dual efficiency
The goal is to maximise efficiency without sacrificing quality standards, something that Bühler’s Automatic SuperHusk is able to achieve with its dual drive system.
This hullers use of two synchronized VFD (Variable-frequency drive) motors means reductions of energy consumption of up to ten percent. The machine’s slower roller acts as a ‘break’ that allows for power to be regenerated and then reused by this huller. The automatic speed changeover between the faster and slower rubber rollers also reduces abrasion, slashing rubber consumption by as much as 40 percent.
Operators are able to oversee these actions via the SuperHusk’s highly intuitive smart control unit, with all the settings and vital data – including alarms and error overviews – available at a glance. This means no need for shutdown when adjustments are made, while the product distribution can also be observed at any time without needing to open the access door.
High precision
The SuperHusk’s automatic hulling pressure control offers sensor-based ultra-high-precision measurement of roller diameter to ensure consistent hulling quality and reduce broken rates. It is also equipped with a highly efficient aspiration system that helps cool the rubber rollers, minimising both dust levels and the need for regular maintenance. What’s more, customers with an existing SuperHusk Manual can upgrade to the Automatic version via a simple retrofit.
With this Automatic huller, the operator simply selects the recipe and parameters depending on the paddy variety, then starts the machine. The machine will automatically adjust if there are deviations from the pre-set parameters and balance between the faster and slower rubber roller diameters by automatic speed changeover at fixed intervals. It also dynamically adjusts the differential speed based on roller abrasion, maintaining a constant linear speed and automatically controlling the hulling pressure.
Minimal wear
The SuperHusk’s precision feeding unit ensures optimised grain flow and consistent output quality, and – unlike with conventional methods – the wear on the rubber rollers is always uniform, which means no adverse impact on hulling efficiency. Its compact design means it can easily be incorporated in any modern rice mill, and customers can also combine it with Bühler’s TopHusk hull separator to help further ensure optimum product quality and minimal brokens.
Published in the October 2024 issue of Milling and Grain.
