Vacuum cutter: description, function. Equipment for meat processing industry

The use of productive and functional units at meat processing plants allows producing high-quality products and at the same time minimizing costs. The latest trends in the market of industrial equipment in this segment are due to the increased interest in functional and economical devices that more effectively cope with their tasks, but at the same time require less maintenance costs. These include a vacuum cutter, available on the market in different versions.

What equipment does the meat industry provide?

Before entering the processing line, meat can pass several stages of preparation, including a special vacuum massager. Further, depending on the final requirements for the preparation of the product, these or other aggregates are used. In particular, the equipment for the meat industry in the form of minced meat mixers, which facilitate mixing of the ingredients, has become widespread. Such equipment is provided not only to specialized sausage shops and meat processing plants, but also catering organizations with hypermarkets. The use of vacuum modifications makes it possible to improve the structure of the stirred mass, and also, if necessary, supplement its composition with coloring additives.

Distributed in this industry and a vacuum syringe, through which meat producers stuff sausages. This is an industrial equipment, which is used in plants also for the production of sausages and sausages as a result of twisting minced meat with a different consistency. As in the case of minced meat processors, and with the use of sausage syringes, the preparation of meat for further production is carried out by a vacuum cutter and its associated technological equipment.

What is the process for meat cutting?

The function of the cutter should not be confused with the preparation of minced meat. This is the next stage in the manufacture of the same sausages, sausages, ravioli, pates and various semi-finished products. It involves grinding the ready-made minced meat to a state of uniformity. In addition to grinding, at this stage, a thorough mixing of the mass is carried out, in which various spices, additives and fillers can also be added. At the output, the cutter for meat processing must provide a thoroughly mixed base, which will have optimal characteristics of water retention and viscosity. However, the specific properties of meat minced processed minced meat in the cutter depend on the requirements for the final product. By the way, such equipment is used not only for grinding and processing of meat products. It is also used by fish mills - but only for boneless meat.

Features of the vacuum cutter

In the classic version, the meat cutter is a bulky machine that is expensive and requires careful maintenance. And this is not to mention the complexities of controlling the unit. In place of such machines came a vacuum cutter, which is a small in size design of an elliptical shape. In many respects such units resemble closed-form mixers, in which knives are the main processing function. The advantages of cutters include a simplified process of kutting in vacuum conditions. This decision is beneficial both in terms of the convenience of the technological organization of processing, and in aesthetic respect, since outwardly modern cutters with an oval shape look more attractive and accurate.

How does the meat cutter work?

The main part of the unit is an oval bowl, which is fixed on a special frame. Technically, it is formed by two parts: the base and the lid. The latter is opened for loading and unloading minced meat. The convex upper part and the base have rubberized gaskets at the edges for sealing during operation. At the bottom of the structure, along the axis of the bowl, is a cutting mechanism of the cutter, represented by sickle-shaped knives. The electric motor drives them. As a rule, several operating modes are provided, differing in different speeds. From the chosen program will depend on the degree of grinding and homogenization of the mass in the volume of the bowl. Also, as the processing proceeds, the operator can add pieces of flake ice or spices to the mass through the technological opening. However, the principles of supplying additional ingredients may vary depending on the particular modification of the cutter.

Principle of operation of the unit

As noted above, cutters for grinding meat in many ways are similar to mixers, not only in appearance, but also in the principle of work. The process begins with the loading of meat into the bowl. You can use chilled or frozen minced meat - it depends on the power of the machine. Further, the lid is closed, and the immediate process of mechanical processing is activated, in which sickle-shaped knives come into play. It is important to take into account that the meat cutter overheats during work. The optimum temperature regime averages 12-15 degrees. Exceeding this indicator is dangerous for the equipment. In order to prevent undesirable situations, the operator cools the unit by means of the said flake ice. Here, too, it is worth noting the division of machines into models with automatic control and without it. In the first case, the unit will automatically shut off the engine when critical temperature values are reached. The model without automation should be controlled independently - guided by the built-in thermometer. When the process is completed, the cutter is turned off and the finished mass is removed from the bowl.

Additional security

The optional devices are for the most part subject to the safety requirements of the unit. In addition to temperature sensors, cutters can also be equipped with indicators of rotation of the knife shaft, water dosimeters, balancing systems, etc. A modern vacuum cutter is also provided with special devices that do not allow the mass to linger in corners. The fact is that due to structural features, the oval bowl can have zones that are inaccessible to cutting elements. In order to avoid the formation of stagnant places, the manufacturers provide for the construction of appropriate mechanical devices that also participate in the mixing process.

Basic characteristics of a vacuum cutter

The main characteristic that determines the commercial value of cutters is productivity. It is expressed in the ratio of the mass of the product and the time for which it is prepared. The average is 250-300 kg / h. This applies to meat products, but universal cutters, which can also process fruits and vegetables, provide 200 kg / h. The volume of the bowl is about 60-80 liters, but it is important to take into account that a maximum of 90% of this volume will be involved in the process of operation. As for the frequency at which the knives produce meat grinding, then in industrial versions it averages 3000-3600 rpm. Again, modern versions allow the use of several speed modes - respectively, and the number of revolutions may vary.

How much does the equipment cost?

Models differ in many technical and operational indicators, so the cost differs depending on the class. For example, in the initial segment you can find a cutter, the price of which will be about 100-150 thousand rubles. As a rule, these are units with small dimensions that are suitable for use in public catering establishments. They allow for a short period of time to prepare meat products in small quantities.

If a productive shredder is required to work in an industrial scale, then you should focus on a large-size cutter, the price of which will be at least 300 thousand rubles. If you add to the cost of another 50-70 thousand, the manufacturer will provide additional equipment in the form of modern control panels, display systems, etc.

Conclusion

Cutters of the vacuum type, of course, provide a lot of advantages over traditional plants for grinding minced meat. But when buying such equipment it is important to take into account the shortcomings. First, the meat cutter is a technically complex device, the repair of which must be handled by a specialist. And it's not just an electrotechnical drive "stuffing". A lot of problems, if used incorrectly, can be delivered with a design with cutting elements. Secondly, to this type of aggregate high demands are made from the point of view of ensuring safety.