Even-feeding hopper & belt conveyor
Takes potatoes from the truck, bin or store and meters them onto the line.
Potato line front end
Potato Receiving, Destoning and Washing
The first metres of a potato line decide how well the rest of it runs. Bigtem builds the front end as part of the line: even feeding, stone removal, washing and sorting, sized to the same output as the peeler and cutter.
- Even-feeding hopper and belt so the line sees a steady flow
- Stone and sand removal before the peeler
- Drum washing with water re-circulation
- Inspection, plus an optional optical sorter integrated from a partner manufacturer
Front-end process flow
Pallet box dumper
Lifts and tips bins gently for plants that receive in pallet boxes.
Accumulation & even-feeding hopper
Buffers product between receiving and processing so short stops upstream do not starve the peeler.
Part of one line
Bigtem sizes the receiving section to the same output target as the peeler, cutter, blanchers and fryer. That is the main difference between a line and a collection of machines.
See the full French fry line, the potato chips line or the washer range.
Receiving and washing questions
Why does the front end matter so much?
Stones and soil damage peeler vessels, cutter knives and pumps, and uneven feeding makes every downstream machine run below its design output. A steady, clean flow is the basis of line capacity.
Can you feed from bulk storage as well as bins?
Yes. Receiving can start from a truck hopper, a bulk store conveyor or a bin or pallet box dumper, depending on how potatoes arrive at your plant.
Is optical sorting available?
Yes. Bigtem does not build optical sorters; where a line needs one, an optical sorter integrated from a partner manufacturer, selected to fit your line, is placed after washing and before the peeler, and Bigtem integrates it into the line.
Is this only for French fry lines?
No. The same front end is used for chips, fresh-cut, dehydrated potato and root crop lines.
Tell us your crop, capacity and timeline
A Bigtem USA engineer will review your project and follow up with a recommended configuration and a utilities outline.