A fish meat bone separator machine, also known as a fish deboner or fish meat refiner, is specialized food processing equipment designed to efficiently extract fish flesh from bones, skin, and fins. Its primary function is to produce minced fish meat (surimi base) while separating out waste materials.

Operating Principle

The separation process typically involves several key stages:

• Feeding: Fish, either whole (small varieties) or pre-cut (larger varieties), are introduced into the machine’s inlet hopper.
• Extrusion and Separation: The fish are conveyed towards a perforated drum or belt system. A squeezing action, often by a flexible belt pressing against the perforated drum, forces the softer fish meat through the small holes.
• Discharge: The minced fish meat is collected from one outlet, while bones, skin, and fins, which are too large or rigid to pass through the perforations, are discharged from a separate outlet. The pressure applied is carefully calibrated to maximize meat yield without pulverizing bones into the meat.

Key Features and Advantages

• High Meat Yield: Optimizes the recovery of edible fish flesh, significantly reducing waste compared to manual deboning. Typical yield rates can range from 70% to 95% depending on fish type and machine settings.
• Efficiency and Labor Saving: Automates the deboning process, drastically increasing throughput and reducing the manual labor required.
• Consistent Product Quality: Produces finely minced fish meat with a consistent texture, suitable for further processing into products like fish balls, fish cakes, fish sausages, and surimi.
• Hygienic Construction: Predominantly manufactured from food-grade stainless steel (commonly SUS304 or SUS316) for durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of cleaning, ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
• Versatility: Capable of processing a wide range of fish species, including both marine and freshwater fish of various sizes.
• Adjustability: Many models offer adjustable belt tension or pressure to accommodate different fish textures and sizes, optimizing the separation process.

Primary Applications

Fish meat bone separators are integral in various sectors of the food industry:

• Large-scale Fish Processing Plants: For bulk production of deboned fish meat and surimi.
• Surimi Manufacturing: A core piece of equipment in surimi production lines.
• Value-added Fish Product Manufacturing: Used to prepare raw material for fish fingers, patties, and other reformed products.
• Commercial Kitchens and Catering: Smaller units can be used in large restaurants or institutional catering services.
• Aquaculture Industry: For processing harvested fish and adding value.
• Pet Food Production: To incorporate fish meat into animal feeds.

Selection Criteria

When selecting a fish meat bone separator, key factors to consider include:

• Processing Capacity (kg/hour): Must align with the required production volume.
• Fish Type and Input Condition: Ensure the machine is designed for the specific species and whether it handles whole or pre-cut fish.
• Material of Construction: Prioritize high-quality, food-grade stainless steel for all contact parts.
• Ease of Operation and Maintenance: Look for user-friendly controls, simple disassembly for cleaning, and readily available spare parts.
• Meat Yield Percentage: Verify the machine’s efficiency in meat recovery for the intended fish types.
• Motor Power and Power Consumption: Consider energy efficiency and compatibility with existing power supplies.
• Footprint and Dimensions: Ensure the machine fits within the available processing space.
• Manufacturer Reputation and Support: Consider after-sales service, warranty, and technical support.