METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE SEPARATION OF SEEDS FROM FRUIT PULP/SLURRY/POMACE

摘要

The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for separation of seeds from fruit pulp/skin/twigs, in general, coming out from juice producing industry as a waste and in particular from apple pomace. The method involves addition of apple pomace and water in a particular ratio to a vessel (1), mixing with an agitator (6, 8) at optimum rpm for sufficient period, allowed to stand followed by secondary agitation. Based on difference in bulk density, seeds were separated from pomace. The seedless pomace withdrawn from horizontal (13) or inclined (14) outlets and seeds collected in seed collection chamber were removed through bottom valve (11). The seed trap (15) provided at inclined outlet (14) helps in their retention in the vessel (1). The seedless pomace is recovered by filtration from water. This spent water can be recycled for few times and then purged. Easy to handle separation device is energy efficient, compactly designed and can be used to separate the seeds efficiently up to 97%.