Grading of shelled peanuts

After the shelling process, where the peanut kernels are separated from their shells, the next critical step in peanut processing is grading. Grading involves sorting the peanuts into different sizes to ensure uniformity and quality in the final product. This process is essential for meeting market standards and customer expectations, as well as for optimizing further processing steps, such as roasting or packaging. The grading of peanuts is typically carried out using specialized equipment like grading tables and gravity tables, such as those manufactured by LMC Manufacturing.

1. Importance of Grading in Peanut Processing

Grading is a crucial step in peanut processing because it directly influences the quality and consistency of the final product. Uniformly sized peanuts are essential for several reasons:

• Quality Control: Grading ensures that peanuts meet specific size standards, which is important for both quality control and marketability. Consistent sizing also allows for uniform roasting, which is essential for achieving the desired flavor and texture.
• Product Uniformity: Customers expect a consistent product, whether it's whole peanuts for snacks or peanuts destined for further processing into peanut butter or oil. Grading helps ensure that the peanuts are uniform in size, which enhances the overall appearance and quality of the product.
• Efficiency in Further Processing: Properly graded peanuts facilitate more efficient processing in subsequent stages, such as roasting, blanching, or packaging. For example, evenly sized peanuts roast more consistently, reducing the risk of under- or over-roasting.

2. The Grading Process: An Overview

Grading peanuts into different sizes is typically accomplished through a combination of grading tables and gravity tables. These tables work together to sort peanuts based on size and weight, ensuring that each batch is uniform and meets the required specifications.

2.1. Grading Tables

Grading tables are designed to separate peanuts based on their size. This is achieved through a series of screens or perforated plates with different-sized openings. As the peanuts move across the grading table, smaller peanuts fall through the openings, while larger ones continue along the table. This process allows peanuts to be sorted into different size categories, which can then be further processed or packaged according to their grade.

LMC Manufacturing offers a range of grading tables that are specifically designed for peanut processing. These tables are built to handle large volumes of peanuts while maintaining accuracy in size separation. The design of LMC grading tables ensures that peanuts are evenly distributed across the table, preventing clogging and ensuring consistent grading results.

2.2. Gravity Tables

After initial grading based on size, peanuts are often further sorted using gravity tables. Gravity tables separate peanuts based on their density or weight. This step is particularly useful for removing immature or damaged peanuts that may be lighter than fully developed, high-quality kernels.

Gravity tables work by creating a fluidized bed of peanuts, where the lighter peanuts rise to the top and the heavier, denser peanuts settle to the bottom. The peanuts are then sorted based on their position in the fluidized bed, with lighter peanuts being directed to one side and heavier peanuts to the other. This process helps ensure that only the best quality peanuts move on to the final stages of processing or packaging.

LMC Manufacturing's gravity tables are engineered for precision and efficiency. They are designed to handle varying levels of peanut density, allowing processors to achieve the desired level of separation with minimal waste. LMC gravity tables are also equipped with adjustable settings, enabling operators to fine-tune the process to meet specific quality standards.

3. General Sizes for Peanut Grading

Peanuts are graded into different sizes based on market standards and the intended use of the product. The general sizes that peanuts are graded into include:

• Jumbo: These are the largest peanuts, often used for premium snack products or whole roasted peanuts. Jumbo peanuts are typically more than 21/64 inches in size.
• Medium: Medium-sized peanuts are commonly used in a variety of peanut-based products, including peanut butter and candy. These peanuts usually range from 19/64 to 21/64 inches.
• No. 1: This grade includes peanuts that are slightly smaller than medium-sized peanuts, typically ranging from 17/64 to 19/64 inches. No. 1 peanuts are often used in processed products like peanut butter or crushed for peanut oil extraction.
• No. 2: These are smaller peanuts, usually between 15/64 and 17/64 inches. No. 2 peanuts are often used in confectionery products or for peanut meal.
• Splits: Split peanuts are those that have been broken during the shelling or grading process. While they may not be suitable for whole-snack products, they are often used in peanut butter, peanut flour, or other processed products.
• Runners: Runners are a specific variety of peanut that is commonly grown in the United States. They are generally medium-sized and are prized for their uniformity, making them ideal for peanut butter production.
• Spanish Peanuts: Spanish peanuts are smaller and rounder compared to other varieties. They are often used in candy production and have a higher oil content, making them ideal for peanut oil extraction.
• Virginia Peanuts: Virginia peanuts are larger and typically used for gourmet snacks and roasted peanuts. They are also graded based on size, with the largest Virginias often labeled as "Super Jumbo."

4. The Role of LMC Equipment in Peanut Grading

LMC Manufacturing provides a comprehensive range of equipment that plays a critical role in the grading process. Their grading tables and gravity tables are specifically designed to meet the needs of peanut processors, offering high precision, efficiency, and reliability.

4.1. LMC Grading Tables

LMC grading tables are built to handle large volumes of peanuts with accuracy and consistency. The design of these tables ensures that peanuts are evenly distributed, allowing for precise size separation. LMC grading tables are also customizable, enabling processors to adjust the settings based on the specific needs of their operation. This flexibility ensures that peanuts are graded to the desired size specifications, meeting market standards and customer expectations.

4.2. LMC Gravity Tables

LMC gravity tables are engineered to provide efficient and accurate separation based on peanut density. These tables are ideal for removing immature or damaged peanuts that may not meet quality standards. The ability to adjust the settings on LMC gravity tables allows processors to achieve the desired level of separation, ensuring that only high-quality peanuts move forward in the production process.

5. Conclusion

The grading of peanuts into different sizes is a crucial step in the peanut processing industry. This process ensures that peanuts meet specific size and quality standards, which are essential for marketability and further processing. By using specialized equipment like grading tables and gravity tables, peanut processors can achieve consistent, high-quality results.

LMC Manufacturing’s equipment plays a pivotal role in this process. Their grading tables and gravity tables are designed to handle large volumes of peanuts with precision and efficiency, ensuring that peanuts are sorted into the appropriate size categories. This not only enhances product quality but also improves the overall efficiency of the processing operation.

By investing in high-quality grading equipment from LMC Manufacturing, peanut processors can ensure that their products meet the highest standards of quality and uniformity, ultimately leading to greater customer satisfaction and market success.