The radial honey extractor has a number of design features. This type of honey pumping equipment has several advantages. It must be operated correctly, following the instructions. The unit can be made by hand from various materials.
Design features
The design of the honey extractor includes the following elements:
- Any type of honey extractor is a tank body with drum rotating cassettes... Opened honeycombs are placed in them.
- The rotation of the drum in the unit provides centrifugal force, under the action of which honey is scattered along the inner walls of the tank body. Below provided drain holethrough which the product enters a special container. The drain is usually supplied with a tap.
- The design feature of the radial unit is the location framework in the drum. Each of them is part of the radius of the tank body and radiates from its center, which is represented by a rotating mechanism. The number of frames to fit in the unit is limited only by its dimensions.
- Tank body bottom curved and tapered. Hoops are often provided on the outside, which make the structure more reliable.
- Inside the tank body is installed vertical axisthat fixes the metal cage. It is movable and equipped with an upper and lower crosspiece. The first is a support for the upper stop circle with projections that secure the frames. Three circles are held on the lower cross: the lower persistent (smooth and the most extreme) and two with cutouts for the sidewalls of the frames.
- The top of the vertical axis is a steel bar with a bevel gear at the end. Its rotation is provided ball bearing... It is located in a special plate, which is fixed to the cross member of the tank body.
- Also provided horizontal axis with handle, on which a vertical gear is mounted, which ensures the movement of the drive.
- The radial honey extractor can be equipped with manual or electric drive... The first option is attractive for its lower cost, but requires more time and effort.
Benefits
The radial honey extractor has certain advantages:
- the case accommodates an impressive number of frames - up to 48 pieces;
- strength and reliability of the structure - all parts, except for the rotating drum, are firmly fixed;
- centrifugal force acts on the bar, so the risk of bursting of the honeycomb is minimal;
- honeycombs are almost completely dried from honey, losses are minimized;
- high productivity - almost twice as high as compared to the chordial unit;
- the radial design does not require the frames to be turned upside down;
- no need to monitor the operation of the unit after starting it - if the structure is equipped with an electric drive, then the presence of a person during honey pumping is not required;
- at the end of the work, it is easier to remove the honeycomb from the tank body, since they do not stick to the drum.
Radial honey extractors are rather large and pump out honey longer than units of the chordial type, but all this is compensated by a large capacity and a high degree of drying. The beekeeper spends less time as he can load many frames at the same time.
User's manual
When using the factory unit, before the first use, it is imperative to study the operating instructions and adhere to it every time. Features of the use of equipment depend on its design features.
General operating conditions are as follows:
- Rinse parts with hot water before each use. You can resort to a pressure washer or use detergents that are designed for units in contact with food.
- The unit with power supply must have a current differential switch of rated starting current. Its serviceability must be regularly checked.
- The equipment may only be installed on dry floor (soil). The surface should be relatively flat.
- If the power supply or connecting wire is damaged, repair and replacement should be carried out by a master, guarantor or a special repair plant. Using the unit with a damaged cable is not allowed.
- The power cord should be away from sharp, cutting surfaces (edges), heat sources, open flames.
- Connect the unit to the network only with dry hands. It is imperative to make sure that the control is turned off (switch position "0"). Check that the rated voltage of the equipment matches the power supply.
- After closing the lid of the honey extractor, do not open it until the end of the cycle.
- During operation of the unit, it is forbidden to move it, carry out preventive work.
- The equipment engine and its controls must be protected from moisture during equipment operation, cleaning and storage.
- It is forbidden to allow the operation of the unit by persons with limited physical, mental and sensory abilities, lack of proper knowledge and experience.
- In the event of a malfunction or any danger during the operation of the unit, the emergency switch must be used. You can restart the equipment only after solving the problem.
- Storage of equipment at subzero temperatures is not allowed. You can turn it on at temperatures above 5 degrees. If the unit was moved to a room or from a room with a different temperature regime before operation, it must be left for a while to reach the ambient temperature.
- Store the honey extractor clean and in a well-lit room.
- The unit must be cleaned and dried after each operation (several cycles are allowed without cleaning during one honey collection).
When cleaning the product, do not wet electrical elements. Also, do not allow the bearing to come into contact with water.
The working cycle of the unit and preparation for it are carried out according to the following algorithm:
- Install the honey extractor.
- Install frames - they must be positioned correctly and fit into the cassette.
- Close the cover.
- Start equipment.
- Increase the rotation speed gradually. You cannot start right away at high speed.
- At the end of the cycle, disconnect the equipment from the power supply.
- Remove the unit cover.
- Take out the frames.
- If honey is no longer pumped out, then clean the equipment, dry it and send it to storage.
DIY radial honey extractor
A radial honey pumping unit can be made on your own. This option is especially attractive for small apiaries, when the purchase of ready-made equipment pays off for a very long time or can be absolutely unprofitable economically.
The manufacture of the unit involves the following steps:
- The tank body is best made of stainless steel. You can take as a basis a ready-made container of a suitable size or make a body of sheet material. In the absence of a welding machine, rivets and cold welding can be used. Recommended case diameter - from 88 cm, height - 69 cm.
- The bottom of the case should be concave. If a ready-made container is taken as a basis, then its bottom must be cut off and replaced with a homemade one.
- The main part of the internal structure is a cage supported by two crosspieces. Three circles must be fixed to the lower cross: the upper one with a diameter of 77 cm and a distance of 6.1 cm inside. The lower and upper circles must be equipped with metal projections for the frames.
- A steel rod must be screwed into the cage axis. Install a metal glass with a steel ball in the center of the cross - it is a support for the rod.
- Make a drain hole in the lower part of the body and install a tap. It is better to use stainless steel parts to collect the honey extractor.
- The hardware does not require a very powerful engine. Enough power up to 80-90 watts. Be sure to install a protective mesh through which insects cannot penetrate. To adjust the speed, you need to install a rheostat. The relay can be taken from the washing machine.
For processing small volumes of products, you can build a mini honey extractor. It is good to use the drum of the washing machine as a basis for it.
The radial honey extractor has several design features and a number of advantages over chordial equipment. The radial unit is considered more modern. You can buy a honey extractor or make it yourself - all materials are available, and the costs will be several times lower.