Infeeders are automated machines that orient and feed fish into processing equipment. They’re a way to streamline operations, increase efficiency, and reduce the need for manual labor.
For modern fish processing plants, infeeders are vital. Automation improves how much fish can be processed and ensures consistency. They also address the need for efficiently handling large amounts of fish.
How do infeeders work?
Infeeders make sure fish are positioned properly before processing. Typically, the fish is oriented head-first with its belly turned to the correct side for the next steps, such as heading, gutting, or filleting.
The infeeders move the fish to processing machines with a pocket conveyor. The conveyor’s speed and model don’t affect the infeeder’s operation, so there’s no need for mechanical synchronization.
Infeeders are mainly used for herring and other fish that live in the open sea, like mackerel, sardines, and anchovies. With a few tweaks, they can be used for other types of fish, too.
Capacity and Efficiency
An infeeder’s capacity depends on the fish themselves. You’ll get the highest throughput when the fish are all about the same size and quality. This makes sense, because the machine doesn’t have to make adjustments for different weights and sizes.
Under ideal conditions, an infeeder can process up to 450 fish per minute. Plus, it reduces the amount of manual labor needed. Instead of several people feeding the processing line, you’ll only need one person to supervise the infeeder and clear any jams or other issues.
Infeeder Models and Compatibility
Infeeders come in a variety of models, each designed with specific features and optimized for processing different fish sizes and integrating into various processing lines. Common models include the AP12, AP14, AP31, AP20, and AP30.
The AP12, for example, can be equipped with a mid-conveyor, which makes it easier to feed fish into pocket conveyors that are otherwise difficult to load. This enhances the reliability of the feeding process in challenging setups.
Happily, infeeders are compatible with almost any brand of fish processing machine that uses a moving pocket conveyor. This makes it simple to integrate an infeeder into your existing processing line.
Infeeders connect easily with processing machines from Arenco CIS, Baader, Cabinplant, VMK, and Stinson, to name just a few.
Conclusion
Infeeders can make fish processing faster and more efficient, while also reducing labor costs and increasing the amount of fish you can process in a given amount of time. To get the most out of an infeeder, it’s important to choose one that is right for the type of fish you process, how your processing line is set up, and how much throughput you need. Companies like Swedefish can help you choose the right infeeder for your business.