Digitization to improve the food sector

Digitalization has the potential to revolutionize almost every aspect of the food industry, comments Glen Koster, regional sales manager at Bühler Johannesburg. “Harnessing the potential of digital technology means we can address critical issues such as food safety, transparency in the value chain, energy savings and waste reduction more effectively than ever before.”

Thus, the completely new Arrakis MRRK roller mill from Bühler has many new features and improvements. In line with the trend of increased digitalization and automation, the mill is equipped with state-of-the-art hardware and software, ensuring smoother production and increased operational efficiency.

In terms of the latest innovations at Arrakis, the feed unit ensures a continuous flow of product and ensures that the product is evenly distributed across the grinding rollers. This is important because feeding is a key step in the grinding process. The design has been deliberately simplified and does not require an additional motor or frequency converter, as the constant speed feed roller is connected directly to the main roller drive.

“This simple system ensures less time is required for installation and maintenance,” says Koster. “The heart of Arrakis is the grinding unit, a real pillar that you can rely on for stable grinding performance.

“In addition, Arrakis uses a proven load cell to maintain a constant product level at the inlet and adjusts the feed gap to ensure stable product flow through the entire grinding roller gap. This increases operational reliability and minimizes the need for operator intervention.

When the machine is not running, the feed slot closes automatically, preventing product from accumulating between the rollers. This saves time and energy when restarting Arrakis. The quick release feature allows you to quickly open the feed module.

Thanks to the wide opening angle, the cleaning flap ensures quick removal of product residues remaining in the feeding module. These design features save time by greatly simplifying cleaning operations and streamlining all required steps.

A new, robust, synthetic scraper floats closely above the rollers, replacing bristle brushes. The scraper uses up to three times less and eliminates the risk of product accumulation. This results in improved food safety and reduced maintenance.

The flexible knife holder allows the knives to automatically adjust to the roller surfaces by continuously applying optimal pressure, eliminating the need for manual adjustments. The blade also undergoes even and therefore reduced wear.

The integrated grinding gap adjustment has been reduced to the most important parts, resulting in a simplified design that makes cleaning and maintenance easier. Patented grinding gap adjustment ensures stiffness and stability over time to maximize sanding efficiency.

When it comes to state-of-the-art controls, Arrakis features an intuitive interface that provides a quick and simple overview of key operating parameters. Available in English and Chinese, it makes controlling and monitoring Arrakis simple. The integrated touch screen is available as an accessory and is not necessary to control the roller mill.

“Safety is our top priority, and Arrakis integrates several protective features to ensure safety without compromising performance,” says Koster. Perforated side panels allow you to quickly and safely control the Arrakis while the machine is running. An additional advantage is improved cooling thanks to optimized air flow. Safety nets protect roller mill operators from moving parts while providing optimal access for product sampling.

Looking at the solid construction of Arrakis, the solid casting frame with supporting structure translates into high vibration absorption. This durability ensures reliability over a long period of use. Arrakis has the same design as MDDK, which allows for individual replacement.

Installation is quick and simple, without the need to adapt the technological scheme or expand the existing building.

The Arrakis MRRK is part of Bühler’s extensive portfolio of roller mills and integrated grinding systems. Includes Dolomit MDDP/Q, Diorit MDDY/Z, Antares MDDR/T and Arrius MRRA. “The Arrakis MRRK roller mill is the successor to the milling icon,” concludes Koster.