Vibrating tables - improving the production line

Researchers in Spain are currently working on a project to improve and optimise vibrating tables that are freqently used in the food industry. Based at the university of Navarre (Basque Country), the project was undertaken at the request of Spanish company Tecnologia Alimentaria Urtasun, a manufacturer of machinery for the food industry.

Tecnologia Alimentaria Urtasun focuses its activity on the design, production, commissioning and control of the whole production lines for the food industry - which includes the production line of vibrating tables. These tables are used to transport fruits and vegetables and get their name because they actually function by vibration, so that the product moves with small jumps across the table in order to reduce damage. In this way, operators located at both sides of the table can remove damaged parts, or a product can be selected or distributed.

According to Tecnologia Alimentaria Urtasun, the main problems associated with the tables are related to their vibrating character. These machines must vibrate, and the more they vibrate the better it is, because the product moves faster forward and they can transport higher amounts of load. However, this can cause greater deformations, and as a consequence, there can be problems of rupture or fatigue due to the presence of oscillating loads. This can cause damage - which is accumulated in the material.

The Spanish researchers​ have developed a theoretical model for the company Urtasun, based on the simulation of finite elements, which allows for the characterisation of the dynamic and structural behaviour of a model of a vibrating table to be used in the food industry.

According to Urtasun, the scientists are currently developing a knowledge tool that allows for the optimisation of the machine. In addition, the researchers look set to work on the introduction of new materials and new technologies, which would allow, among other objectives, the automation of maintenance tasks for this kind of machine. For example, providing the machine with devices that enable knowledge of their state by recording a series of parametres. If this were to happen, Urtasun claims that it would be able to learn about, via modem, the operating state of the machines it has supplied, regardless of where they are installed.

The research work was carried out in the test bench for fatigues and vibrations at Navarre university.