A fish bone separator machine, also known as a fish meat-bone separator or deboner, is specialized equipment designed to efficiently extract fish meat from bones and skin, producing minced fish (surimi base) or fish paste.

Operating Principle

The fundamental working principle involves mechanical separation through extrusion and pressure. Fish, either whole (small fish) or pieces (larger fish after heading, gutting, and scaling), are fed into the machine. Inside, the fish material is pressed between a rotating perforated drum and a tensioned belt (or by other squeezing mechanisms). The softer fish flesh is forced through the small holes of the drum, while bones, skin, and fins, being larger and harder, remain on the outer surface of the drum and are scraped off and discharged separately.

• Feeding: Raw fish material is introduced into the machine’s feeding hopper.
• Squeezing & Extrusion: The fish is conveyed and squeezed against a perforated drum by a flexible belt or rollers.
• Separation: Soft fish meat passes through the perforations.
• Discharge: Bones, skin, and other hard impurities are carried over the drum and ejected through a separate outlet. Minced fish meat is collected from another outlet.

Key Components

• Feeding Hopper: The inlet for raw fish.
• Perforated Drum: A cylindrical drum with numerous small holes (typically 3-5mm diameter) made of food-grade stainless steel. This is the core separating element.
• Pressure Belt/Rollers: A food-grade rubber or synthetic belt, or a system of rollers, that presses the fish against the perforated drum.
• Drive Motor: Powers the rotation of the drum and movement of the belt/rollers.
• Scraper: A blade or mechanism to remove bones and skin from the drum surface.
• Meat Outlet: Chute or port for collecting the separated fish mince.
• Waste Outlet: Chute or port for discharging bones and other residues.
• Frame and Housing: Typically constructed from stainless steel for hygiene and durability.

Advantages and Benefits

• High Meat Yield: Significantly increases the amount of usable fish meat recovered compared to manual deboning, often achieving yields of 70-90% depending on fish type and machine settings.
• Labor Saving: Automates a labor-intensive process, reducing manual effort and associated costs.
• Improved Efficiency: Processes large quantities of fish quickly, enhancing overall production throughput.
• Versatility: Can handle various types and sizes of fresh or thawed fish (marine and freshwater).
• Consistent Product Quality: Produces finely minced fish meat, ideal for further processing into products like fish balls, fish cakes, fish sausages, and surimi.
• Value Addition: Allows utilization of fish species or parts that might otherwise have lower commercial value.
• Hygienic Operation: Made from food-grade materials, typically stainless steel, facilitating easy cleaning and meeting food safety standards.

Applications

Fish bone separator machines are widely utilized in:

• Commercial fish processing plants.
• Surimi manufacturing facilities.
• Producers of value-added fish products (e.g., fish balls, patties, dumplings, sausages).
• Pet food manufacturing.
• Large-scale catering and food service operations.

Considerations for Selection

• Capacity: Processing capability (kg/hour or lbs/hour) should align with production requirements.
• Material of Construction: Prioritize food-grade stainless steel (e.g., SUS304 or SUS316) for all contact parts.
• Drum Perforation Size: Different hole sizes may be optimal for different fish types and desired mince texture.
• Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance: Design should allow for quick disassembly, thorough cleaning, and simple maintenance.
• Separation Efficiency: Consider the expected meat yield rate and the cleanliness of the separated meat (minimal bone content).
• Power Requirements and Motor Quality: Ensure compatibility with local power supply and reliable motor performance.
• Manufacturer Reputation and Support: Availability of spare parts and technical support.