Introduction: Automation Demand in Peanut Deep Processing
With increasing requirements for efficiency, quality consistency, and food safety, traditional manual-based peanut processing faces major limitations, and PLC control technology has become the core solution enabling automation, precision control, and intelligent upgrading across cleaning, grading, roasting, slicing, dicing, peeling, and grinding processes. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Fundamentals of PLC Control Technology and Suitability for Peanut Processing
Basic Principles of PLC Technology
Programmable Logic Controllers are industrial-grade digital control systems that store logic, timing, counting, and arithmetic instructions to control machinery via digital and analog I/O. They consist of a CPU, memory, power supply, I/O modules, communication interfaces, and programming units, all designed for harsh industrial environments.
Special Control Requirements in Peanut Processing
Peanut deep processing requires adaptive control for non-uniform raw materials, tight multi-process coordination, strict hygiene and safety compliance, energy consumption optimization, and rapid fault response, all of which align closely with the strengths of PLC systems.
Typical PLC System Configuration
A standard PLC configuration for peanut processing includes high-performance controllers such as Siemens S7-1500 or Mitsubishi FX5U series, digital and analog I/O modules, servo and motion control units, and industrial communication networks including PROFINET, Ethernet/IP, or CC-Link IE.
PLC Precision Control in Peanut Slicing Processes
Process Characteristics and Control Requirements
Peanut slicing quality directly affects product appearance and downstream processing, requiring uniform thickness, clean edges, and low breakage rates, which are difficult to achieve using purely mechanical adjustment methods.
PLC Hardware Architecture for Slicing Control
The slicing control system integrates PLC main units, servo drive systems, thickness and force sensors, HMI interfaces, and safety modules to achieve high-precision and stable slicing operations.
PLC Program Design for Slicing
Structured PLC programs incorporating main logic, thickness control function blocks, PID algorithms, and alarm handling achieve slice thickness control accuracy of ±0.1 mm.
Slicing Quality Monitoring and Optimization
By integrating machine vision and force sensing, PLC systems enable real-time monitoring and adaptive adjustment, achieving slice breakage rates ≤3%, qualified rates of 95–98%, and slicing speeds up to 1200 slices per minute.
Multi-Dimensional PLC Control in Peanut Dicing
Dicing Process Characteristics
Peanut dicing requires precise three-dimensional cutting to produce uniform cubes or cuboids with minimal debris, a task that conventional equipment struggles to maintain consistently.
Multi-Axis Synchronization Technology
PLC systems utilize high-speed counters and multi-axis motion control modules to implement electronic gearing, cam curve control, position synchronization, adaptive speed regulation, and tool wear compensation.
Intelligent Dicing Size Adjustment
PLC control allows rapid switching between multiple dicing specifications, such as fine dice, standard dice, coarse dice, and rectangular dice, to meet diverse product requirements.
Adaptive PLC Control in Peanut Peeling Processes
Challenges in Peanut Peeling
Traditional peeling methods suffer from low efficiency, high kernel damage, and high energy consumption, while PLC-based control enables precise parameter optimization.
PLC Control for Dry Friction Peeling
PLC systems precisely regulate rotational speed, friction pressure, temperature, peeling duration, and kernel protection to improve peeling efficiency and reduce damage.
PLC Control for Wet Peeling
Wet peeling processes are controlled by accurate management of soaking temperature, time, pH, water flow, and moisture balance to ensure kernel integrity.
Peeling Quality and Efficiency Optimization
PLC-controlled peeling systems achieve peeling rates ≥98%, kernel damage rates ≤1.5%, processing capacities of 500–1000 kg/h, and energy savings of 30–40%.
Closed-Loop PLC Control in Peanut Grinding Processes
Characteristics of Peanut Butter Grinding
Grinding roasted peanuts into paste requires precise control of particle size, viscosity, temperature, and flavor
