Production line and factory setup overview
A small dry line for cleaning and grading apricot stones, adjustable-gap cracking, air and gravity shell separation, inspection and kernel packing.
Recommended lowest-entry line configuration For the lowest credible entry, select a 300-500 kg/h stone line with cleaner, three-size grader, adjustable-gap cracker, shell-kernel separator, inspection table and semi-manual packing.
Production process and implementation sequence
- Dry-stone receiving, sampling and traceability
- Cleaning, magnetic protection and dust removal
- Three-size grading of apricot stones
- Gap setting and staged cracking by size fraction
- Air separation of light shell
- Gravity or screen separation of kernel and heavy shell
- Manual inspection and recovery of uncracked stones
- Kernel testing, packing and dry controlled storage
Products, capacity and market fit
- Apricot pits from drying and puree plants become a separate value stream rather than waste.
- Compact cracking and separation equipment suits seasonal cooperative or processor operation.
- Intact-kernel recovery is worth more than mixed crushed shell and kernel.
- Shell can be evaluated for approved fuel or other industrial use, while kernels require strict buyer and safety control.
- Whole apricot kernels - Buyer-approved variety, integrity, moisture and safety test - Qualified oil, cosmetic or permitted food processors
- Broken kernels - Clean separated fraction with controlled shell content - Qualified oil-extraction buyers
- Apricot shell - Dry shell fraction free from unacceptable kernel carryover - Approved fuel or industrial users
Core production machinery and line specifications
| Machine / stage | Function / value | Production note |
|---|---|---|
| Stone cleaner and magnet | Removes dust, stalks, metal and loose debris | Enclosed aspiration at transfer points |
| Three-size stone grader | Creates fractions suitable for separate cracking gaps | Interchangeable screens matched to local stones |
| Adjustable-gap stone cracker | Breaks shell while limiting kernel damage | 300-500 kg/h supplier reference |
| Shell-kernel air separator | Removes light shell by suspension velocity | Variable airflow and feed rate |
| Gravity or screen separator | Separates heavy shell, kernels and uncracked stones | Return path for re-cracking |
| Inspection conveyor | Removes shell fragments and defective kernels | Good lighting and food-grade belt |
| Dust collector | Controls shell dust at cracking and aspiration | Earthing and safe housekeeping |
| Weigher and bag closer | Packs tested kernel lots | Buyer-approved bulk pack |
Raw materials, utilities and factory requirements
- Dry traceable Afghan apricot stones
- Food-grade bulk bags or lined cartons
- Labels and lot records
- Laboratory sampling materials
- Stable three-phase electricity
- Dust extraction and ventilation
- Dry weather-protected receiving area
- Clean dry kernel inspection and packing room
- Pest-controlled segregated storage
Indicative low-entry investment and implementation plan
These planning ranges prioritize economical machinery, local labor and local civil works. Final pricing follows confirmed capacity, product specification, delivery terms and site conditions.
| Scope | Indicative range | Entry-plan note |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning, aspiration and three-size grading | US$4k-10k | Compact dry preparation |
| Adjustable cracker and elevators | US$3k-8k | One staged cracking route |
| Shell-kernel and gravity separation | US$5k-12k | Variable airflow included |
| Inspection, dust control and packing | US$3k-7k | Semi-manual launch scope |
| Freight, installation and spares | US$3k-8k | Confirm nested conveyors |
| Indicative low-entry total | US$18k-45k | Building, stones, laboratory and working capital excluded |
Detailed proposal and next step
The proposal contains the complete line flow, machinery scope, raw-material and utility requirements, implementation stages and indicative entry planning. Final configuration follows confirmed products, capacity, site and budget.