CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/234,237 filed on August 17, 2021, entitled “PALM NUT PROCESSING SYSTEM,” which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to foodstuff processing, and more particularly to the processing of palm nuts.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Palm nuts can be used in a variety of ways, such as in food, livestock feed, and a wide variety of palm oil uses. Various oil palms, such as Dura and Tenera palms, can produce more oil per unit of land than most all other oil producing plants. Traditional palm nut farming has involved substantial amounts of manual labor and time, however, as farmers typically manually dried harvested palm nuts in the sun and then manually separated palm nut shells from kernels.

[0004] Palm nut production has recently improved in some ways, such as through the use of mechanized systems that can crack polished palm nuts and separate them into palm kernels and palm shells. Unfortunately, this still requires palm nut farmers to dry and polish the palm nuts manually, which takes substantial amounts of manual labor and time. To date there has been no technology designed to accelerate dirt removal, moisture removal, polishing, and other significant steps in the palm nut farming and production process. [0005] Although traditional ways of processing harvested palm nuts have worked well in the past, improvements are always helpful. In particular, what is desired are palm nut processing systems and methods that require less manual labor and time to turn wet, muddy, and chaff filled palm nuts into premium factory grade palm kernels and palm shells.

SUMMARY

[0006] It is an advantage of the present disclosure to provide palm nut processing systems and methods that require less manual labor and time to turn wet muddy, and chaff filled palm nuts into premium factory grade palm kernels and palm shells. The disclosed features, apparatuses, systems, and methods provide improved palm nut processing solutions that involve the use of various novel and improved mechanized systems and subsystems. These advantages can be accomplished in multiple ways, such as by involving novel and improved mechanized components and subsystems in an overall palm nut processing system.

[0007] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a palm nut processing system can include a rinsing conveyor subsystem, a palm nut heating subsystem, a polishing subsystem, a cracker assembly, a pneumatic cyclone, a claybath, and a palm kernel heating subsystem. The rinsing conveyor subsystem can be configured to remove dirt from recently harvested dirty or muddy palm nuts. The palm nut heating subsystem can be configured to remove moisture from the palm nuts that have been processed through the rinsing conveyor subsystem, and can include a heating chamber, a furnace, a fan, and heating ducts and inlets. The heating ducts and inlets can be arranged to distribute hot air from the furnace throughout the heating chamber while the palm nuts are within the heating chamber. The polishing subsystem can be configured to remove debris from the palm nuts that have been processed through the palm nut heating subsystem.

The cracker assembly can be configured to crack open the shells of the palm nuts that have been processed through the polishing subsystem. The pneumatic cyclone can be configured to separate chaff and light shells from kernels of the palm nuts that have been processed through the cracker assembly. The claybath can be configured to separate remaining shells from the kernels. The palm kernel heating subsystem can be configured to remove moisture from the palm kernels that have been processed through the claybath.

[0008] In various detailed embodiments, the rinsing conveyor subsystem can include one or more conveyors that transport the palm nuts and one or more rinsing components that rinse the dirt from the palm nuts as the palm nuts are being transported along the one or more conveyors. The polishing subsystem can include a polishing drum, a separating column, a pneumatic cyclone, and a fan. The pneumatic cyclone can provide an upwards draft of air through the separating column as the palm nuts fall through the separating column, and the upwards draft of air can be sufficient to blow away debris from the palm nuts but not blow away the palm nuts. The cracker assembly can include a blower, at least one airlock, multiple bucket elevators, and multiple separating columns. Light shells and chaff can be blown away from the palm nuts in each of the multiple separating columns. The claybath can include a medium having a density that results in palm kernels floating in the medium and palm shells sinking in the medium. In various arrangements, the palm nut heating subsystem can include a silo, a sloping base toaster, or a rotary roaster.

[0009] In further detailed embodiments, the palm nut processing system can also include one or more flatbed conveyors and one or more infrared lamps. The flatbed conveyors can be configured to transport wet palm nuts from the rinsing conveyor subsystem to the palm nut heating subsystem. The one or more infrared lamps can be positioned along the one or more flatbed conveyors and can be configured to remove moisture from the wet palm nuts as the wet palm nuts are transported along the one or more flatbed conveyors.

[0010] In further embodiments of the present disclosure, various methods of processing palm nuts are provided. Pertinent process steps can include rinsing dirt from harvested palm nuts, the rinsing resulting in wet palm nuts, removing moisture from the wet palm nuts, the removing resulting in dry palm nuts, polishing the dry palm nuts, the polishing resulting in polished palm nuts, cracking open the polished palm nuts, the cracking open resulting in a mixture of palm kernels, light palm shell pieces, and heavy palm shells, separating the palm kernels from the palm shells, the separating resulting in wet palm kernels; and drying moisture from the palm kernels, the drying resulting in dry palm kernels that are ready for packaging or use. Moisture can be removed from the whole palm nuts using a palm nut heating subsystem including a heating chamber, a furnace, a fan, and heating ducts and inlets. The heating ducts and inlets can be arranged to distribute hot air from the furnace throughout the heating chamber while the wet whole palm nuts are within the heating chamber.

[0011] In various detailed embodiments of the disclosed methods, the rinsing can be performed by an automated rinsing conveyor subsystem. The cracking open can be performed by an automated cracker assembly. The separating can be performed by an automated pneumatic cyclone and separating column and/or an automated claybath. The claybath can include a medium having a density that results in palm kernels floating in the medium and palm shells sinking in the medium. The drying can be performed by an automated palm kernel heating subsystem. Additional method steps can include transporting wet palm nuts to the palm nut heating subsystem, and also pre-drying the wet palm nuts while the wet palm nuts are transported. The transporting can be performed by one or more automated flatbed conveyors, and the pre-drying can be performed by one or more automated infrared lamps positioned along the one or more flatbed conveyors.

[0012] In still further embodiments of the present disclosure, various methods of automatically removing moisture from wet palm nuts are provided. Pertinent method steps can include turning on a furnace of a palm nut heating subsystem, heating the furnace to a sufficient temperature, turning on a fan of the palm nut heating subsystem, the fan coupled to an outlet of the furnace, regulating automatically hot air between the furnace and the fan, directing automatically the hot air from the fan through ducting and inlets into a heating chamber of the palm nut heating subsystem, and circulating the hot air throughout the heating chamber to remove the moisture from the wet palm nuts, wherein the hot air is directed into and circulated throughout the heating chamber while the wet palm nuts are within the heating chamber.

[0013] The palm nut heating subsystem can include a heating chamber, a furnace, a fan, and heating ducts and inlets. In various embodiments, the palm nut heating subsystem can include a silo, a sloping base toaster, or a rotary roaster.

[0014] Other apparatuses, methods, features, and advantages of the disclosure will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional apparatuses, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only to provide examples of possible structures and arrangements for the disclosed apparatuses, systems and methods for processing palm nuts. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the disclosure by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates in schematic view an example overall palm nut processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of an example method of processing palm nuts according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 3 A illustrates in side perspective view an example rinsing conveyor subsystem according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 3B illustrates in front perspective view the example rinsing conveyor subsystem of FIG. 3 A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3C illustrates in side perspective view the example rinsing conveyor subsystem of FIG. 3 A at an output region according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 3D illustrates in top plan view a portion of the overall palm nut processing system of FIG. 1 including a rinsing conveyor subsystem, a palm nut heating subsystem, and a series of flatbed conveyors therebetween according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of an example method of operating a rinsing conveyor subsystem according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 5 A illustrates in front perspective view example empty flatbed conveyors according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [0024] FIG. 5B illustrates in front perspective view an example flatbed conveyor of FIG. 5 A with infrared lamps conveying palm nuts according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [0025] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of an example method of operating pre-heating subsystem infrared drying conveyors according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [0026] FIG. 7A illustrates in bottom front perspective view an example palm nut heating subsystem having a silo according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 7B illustrates in side elevation view the palm nut heating subsystem of FIG. 7A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 7C illustrates in obverse side perspective view an example ducting arrangement with dovetailed inlets for the palm nut heating subsystem of FIG. 7A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 7D illustrates in partial cutaway view an example entry region of a dovetailed inlet of FIG. 7C according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 7E illustrates in side cross-section view an example exit region of a dovetailed inlet of FIG. 7C according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 7F illustrates in perspective schematic view an example hot air distribution pattern through the heating chamber of the palm nut heating subsystem of FIG. 7A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of an example method of operating a palm nut heating subsystem according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 9A illustrates in bottom side perspective view an example polishing subsystem according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [0034] FIG. 9B illustrates in front perspective view an example polishing drum of the polishing subsystem of FIG. 9A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart of an example method of operating a polishing subsystem according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 11 A illustrates in front perspective view an example cracker assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 1 IB illustrates in side perspective view the cracker assembly of FIG. 11 A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 11C illustrates in side elevation view the cracker assembly of FIG. 11 A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart of an example method of operating a cracker assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 13 A illustrates in side perspective view an example feed for a claybath according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 13B illustrates in front perspective view an example claybath according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 13C illustrates in side perspective view the claybath of FIG. 13B according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 13D illustrates in top plan view the claybath of FIG. 13B according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 13E illustrates in side elevation view the claybath of FIG. 13B according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [0045] FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart of an example method of operating a claybath according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 15A illustrates in front perspective view an example palm kernel heating subsystem having a silo according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 15B illustrates in side perspective view the palm kernel heating subsystem of FIG. 15A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 15C illustrates in alternative front elevation view the palm kernel heating subsystem of FIG. 15A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart of an example method of operating a palm kernel heating subsystem according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 17A illustrates in front perspective view an example alternative palm nut/kemel heating subsystem having a sloping base toaster according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 17B illustrates in side perspective view an example sloping base with heating inlets for an alternative palm nut/kernel heating subsystem according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 17C illustrates in side perspective view an example alternative palm nut/kemel heating subsystem having a sloping base toaster with an attached lid according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 18A illustrates in front perspective view an example alternative palm nut/kemel heating subsystem having a rotary roaster according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [0054] FIG. 18B illustrates in side cross-section view an example alternative palm nut/kernel heating subsystem having a rotary roaster according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 18C illustrates in side partial cutaway view an example alternative palm nut/kernel heating subsystem having a rotary roaster according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG. 19 illustrates a flowchart of an example method of operating a palm nut/kernel heating subsystem according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Exemplary applications of apparatuses, systems, and methods according to the present disclosure are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the disclosure. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of these specific details provided herein. In some instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments of the present disclosure. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it is understood that these examples are not limiting, such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0058] The present disclosure relates in various embodiments to features, apparatuses, systems, and methods for processing palm nuts. The disclosed embodiments can utilize palm nut processing systems and methods that require less manual labor and time to turn wet, muddy, and chaff filled palm nuts into premium factory grade palm kernels and palm kernels shells. In particular, the disclosed embodiments can use a variety of mechanical devices and subsystems at various stages of an overall palm nut processing system to take harvested palm nuts and reduce them into desirable palm kernels ready for packaging, distribution, and sale.

[0059] In various embodiments, the disclosed palm nut processing systems provide end to end automated process lines from palm nut harvest to palm kernel distribution. The disclosed systems can include various subsystems and components, each of which serve different purposes during different phases of palm nut processing. Such subsystems can include, but are not limited to, for example, a rinsing conveyor subsystem, a palm nut heating subsystem, a polishing subsystem, a cracker assembly, pneumatic cyclone(s), a claybath, and a palm kernel heating subsystem, among other possible subsystems and components.

[0060] Although various embodiments disclosed herein discuss the automated processing of palm nuts, it will be readily appreciated that the disclosed features, apparatuses, systems, and methods can similarly be used for any relevant nut or other harvested crop. For example, the disclosed processing systems and various subsystems and components thereof can be used to process, walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, and other kinds of nuts and crops. It will be readily appreciated that the disclosed processing system and/or various subsystems and components thereof can be used directly or with appropriate modifications for the automated processing of such other nuts and crops. Other applications, arrangements, and extrapolations beyond the illustrated embodiments are also contemplated.

OVERVIEW

[0061] FIG. 1 illustrates in schematic view an example palm nut processing system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. It will be readily appreciated that other arrangements can be used to process palm nuts, that not every stage, subsystem, and component of the disclosed palm nut processing system is necessary, and that other variations of the disclosed palm nut processing system can be used. In various arrangements, palm nut processing system can include a rinsing conveyor subsystem 110, a palm nut heating subsystem 120, a polishing subsystem 130, a cracker assembly 140, at least one pneumatic cyclone 150, a claybath 160, and a palm kernel heating subsystem 170, among various other subsystems and components.

[0062] Each of these foregoing subsystems can represent a different stage of the overall palm nut processing system 100, and each can have its own separate components. For example, palm nut heating subsystem 120 can include a heating chamber 122 and a furnace 123, among other subsystem components. Polishing subsystem 130 can include a polishing drum 131, a separating column 132, and a polishing pneumatic cyclone 133, among other subsystem components. Cracker assembly 140 can include at least one pneumatic cyclone 150, among other subsystem components. Palm kernel heating subsystem 170 can include a furnace 171, a palm kernel entry region 172, and a palm kernel bucket elevator 173, among other subsystem components.

[0063] Various palm nut moving components can be used to move palm nuts from one processing system stage to another, such as, for example, one or more conveyors 180 and/or one or more bucket elevators 190. It will be understood that one or more other types of palm nut moving components can also be used.

[0064] Moving next to FIG. 2, a flowchart of an example overview method 200 of processing palm nuts is provided. Each of steps 204-216 in method 200 can represent various stages or phases of an overall method of processing palm nuts. After a start step 202, dirt can be removed from palm nuts at process step 204. This can include dirt, mud, and other debris, as the palm nuts can be recently harvested and placed into a palm nut processing system in a muddy state. Dirt can be removed by way of a rinsing conveyor subsystem that can include one or more rinsing conveyors, one or more pressurized showerheads, and various other components, details of which are provided below, such as at FIGS. 3A through 4 and the accompanying written description. This can result in cleaner but wet whole palm nuts. [0065] At a subsequent process step 206, moisture can be removed from the wet whole palm nuts. This can take place shortly after the palm nuts have been rinsed in process step 204 and can involve heating the palm nuts in a palm nut heating subsystem, for example. Large quantities of palm nuts can remain stationary in one or more large heating silos or other heating chambers with heated air being flowed through the one or more heating chambers in an arranged airflow pattern, further details of which are provided below, such as at FIGS. 5A through 6 and FIGS. 7A through 8 and the accompanying written descriptions. This can result in dry but somewhat sandy whole palm nuts.

[0066] At a next process step 208, the dry sandy whole palm nuts can be polished. This can remove chaff, sand, and other fine debris from the outer surfaces of the palm nuts to put them in better condition to be cracked. Polishing can take place using a separating column, pneumatic cyclone, separating column, and/or other polishing subsystem components, details of which are provided below, such as at FIGS. 9A through 10 and the accompanying written description. This can result in polished, dry, clean, whole, and uncracked palm nuts.

[0067] At a following process step 210, the polished palm nuts can be cracked open. This can crack the palm nuts a sufficient amount for the kernels to be removed and separated from the shells. Cracking can take place in a cracker assembly that may include a cyclone blower, a cyclone airlock, one or more separating columns, one or more bucket elevators, and a cracker, details of which are provided below, such as at FIGS. 11 A through 12 and the accompanying written description. This can result in a mixture of cracked palm nuts, loose palm kernels, heavy palm shells and light palm shell fragments.

[0068] At the next process step 212, chaff and light shell pieces can be removed from the mixture provided by the cracker. This can take place in a pneumatic cyclone system, which can include a cyclone blower, one or more pneumatic cyclones, and one or more bucket elevators, details of which are provided below. This can result in a mixture of cracked palm nuts, loose palm kernels, and heavy palm shells.

[0069] At a subsequent process step 214, the palm kernels can be separated from the heavy palm shells. Such separation can take place in a claybath, which can include a pump, a claybath conveyance, and a fluid material having a density that is optimized for separating kernels from shell materials, further details of which are provided below, such as at FIGS. 13A through 14 and the accompanying written description. This can result in isolated but wet palm kernels.

[0070] At the next process step 216, moisture can be removed from the palm kernels. This can involve the use of a palm kernel heating chamber. The palm kernel heating chamber can be separate from the palm nut heating chamber and can include its own separate heating and air blowing system, details of which are provided below, such as at FIGS. 15A through 16 and the accompanying written description. This can dry out the palm kernels to put them in condition for packaging and shipping. The method then ends at end step 218.

[0071] It will be readily appreciated that the foregoing method 200 can be a summary overview, and the additional details and steps may be applied. For example, additional process steps can include moving palm nuts between phases or subsystems, such as by way of flatbed conveyors, bucket elevators, and/or other palm nut moving devices. In some arrangements, one or more of the given steps or phases can be divided into further steps or subphases. For example, step 212 can be divided into multiple steps of removing chaff and light shells using a separate fan, cyclone blower, and separating column for each step or subphase. Furthermore, not all steps are necessary for a given method of processing palm nuts, and the order of steps can be altered as may be desirable for a given processing system. Each of the foregoing phases or steps will now be discussed in detail in separate sections. Additional sections and portions that follow will also provide details regarding various palm nut moving components, such as conveyors and bucket elevators, as well as pneumatic cyclones, which can be used in multiple different phases or steps.

RINSING CONVEYOR SUBSYSTEM

[0072] The first phase of an overall palm nut processing process can include an initial reception point where palm nuts are received from farmers, which palm nuts are typically dirty, muddy, and full of chaff. The objective of this first phase is to rinse all or most of the dirt, mud, and chaff from the recently harvested palm nuts, as this tends to reduce the amount of time that it takes to dry out the whole palm nuts at the next phase of the overall process.

[0073] Turning now to FIG. 3 A, an example rinsing conveyor subsystem is shown in side perspective view. Rinsing conveyor subsystem 110 can include a loading area 111, one or more screw conveyors 112, one or more pressurized shower heads 113, and an unloading area 114. Loading area 111 can be configured to accept recently harvested palm nuts, which can be manually loaded into the loading area or placed there by other automated preloading means. One or more screw conveyors 112 can move the input palm nuts along in automated fashion toward unloading area 114, which can be the entry of a palm nut heating subsystem, for example. One or more pressurized shower heads 113 can spray water or any other suitable cleaning fluid or medium onto the palm nuts as they are being transported along the one or more screw conveyors 112.

[0074] Continuing with FIG. 3B, the example rinsing conveyor subsystem of FIG. 3 A is shown in front perspective view. Again, rinsing conveyor subsystem 110 can include at least one screw conveyor 112 that can rotate to move palm nuts along the conveyor. Pressurized shower heads 113 can spray water or other fluid or media onto the moving palm nuts to rinse them, with the fluid being fed by way of one or more fluid feed pipes 115. A trough 116 can hold the palm nuts as they are moved along by each screw conveyor 112. A mesh 117 or other suitable porous material can line the bottom of the trough 116 to allow the water or other rinsing fluid to escape at the bottom of the trough, which fluid can then be recycled for further rinsing. [0075] FIG. 3C illustrates in side perspective view the example rinsing conveyor subsystem of FIG. 3A at a mouth or output region. The screw conveyor(s) 112 and pressurized shower heads 113 can move palm nuts and rinse them throughout the rinsing conveyor subsystem, whereupon the clean but wet whole palm nuts exit the screw conveyor and are deposited at an mouth or output region 118. A motor 119 can drive the screw convey or(s), and such a motor can have a splash guard or other protective components to keep the motor dry during processing. [0076] In various embodiments, the mouth of the rinsing conveyor subsystem can include a perforated platform that allows for water or other rinsing fluid or media to fall away so that wet and clean palm nuts can then be ready for conveyance after the rinsing conveyor subsystem.

Such conveyance can be toward, for example, a palm nut heating subsystem, and the conveyance can be in the form of any suitable conveyor, such as a pre-heating subsystem infrared heating belt, for example.

[0077] In a specific non-limiting embodiment provided by way of example, the length of one or more of the screw conveyors can be about 3 meters and the diameter can be about 0.5 meters, for example, although other dimensions and pitches can also be used. The trough can be about 3 meters long, 1.5 meters wide, and 1.5 meters in height, although other dimensions may also be suitable. One or more screw conveyors can be suspended within a rinsing bath within the trough, such that the palm nuts are pushed through a bath of water or other cleaning fluid or media. The screw conveyor can be submerged a certain film distance within the water of fluid bath, such as about 100 mm in some arrangements.

[0078] In various arrangements, the driving motor for the screw conveyor(s) can be a gear motor having a power of about 2 kW and can be driven at about 1415 rpm at a 1 : 10 ratio, although other values may also be used. An anti-splash cage can shield at least some portions of the motor to keep it relatively dry during operation. Such a cage can be formed from a mild steel sheet metal or other suitable shielding material. The mesh through which the dirty water or other fluid can drain can be formed of 3 mm steel rods, although other materials and dimensions are also possible. The piping for the showerheads can be formed from 50 mm PVC material, although other materials are also possible, and showerheads can be located at the ends of piping in a T-shaped formation along the screw conveyor and trough. Each showerhead can have a diameter of about 150 mm, and two showerheads can be located along every 0.5 meter of the conveyor and trough for a total of about 12 showerheads. All of the various components in the rinsing conveyor subsystem can be coated with an anti-rust paint or coating.

[0079] FIG. 3D illustrates in top plan view a portion of the overall palm nut processing system of FIG. 1 including a rinsing conveyor subsystem, a palm nut heating subsystem, and a series of flatbed conveyors therebetween. As will be readily appreciated, various conveyances can be used to move palm nuts being processed by the overall system from one stage to another. As shown, flatbed conveyors 180 can transport palm nuts from the mouth or output region of the rinsing conveyor subsystem 110 to an input region of the palm nut heating subsystem 120. As shown, flatbed conveyors can be arranged in a U-shape or any other convenient shape to move the wet palm nuts along. In some arrangements, flatbed conveyors 180 can also raise the elevation of the palm nuts as they are being conveyed, such as by being arranged in a gradual upward slope. Flatbed conveyors 180 can simply move the wet palm nuts to the heating subsystem, or additional features can be used with the flatbed conveyors, as detailed below.

[0080] Moving next to FIG. 4, a flowchart of an example method 400 of operating a rinsing conveyor subsystem is provided. After a start step 402, pressurized shower heads can be turned on at process step 404. At process step 406, the screw conveyor(s) can be turned on. The speed of the screw conveyor(s) can vary as desired.

[0081] At process step 408, palm nuts can be loaded into the screw conveyor(s), such as at an input loading region. Palm nuts can be loaded manually, or by an additional automated loading process. Loading rates can vary as desired, and a suitable loading rate can be about five tons of palm nuts per hour, for example. At the following process step 410, mud and dirty water can be removed from the palm nuts, such as by spraying the palm nuts with water and letting the water drain through a mesh at the bottom of a conveyor trough. From there, the dirty water can be directed into a soakaway tank, such as for filtering and recycling.

[0082] At process step 412, the conveyor can be suspended within the rinsing water, such that a film of water can overlap with the base of the conveyor. This overlap or “soaking” distance for the film of water can be adjusted as may be desired, and a distance of about 100 mm can be suitable for this purpose. At process step 414, wet and mud free palm nuts can be deposited at the mouth or outlet of the rinsing conveyor subsystem. The wet and mud free palm nuts can then be ready for conveyance toward the next phase of the overall process. The method then ends at end step 416.

[0083] While method 400 has been set forth sufficiently, it will be readily appreciated that additional details and steps may be applied. For example, additional process steps can include adjusting the conveyor speeds or performing maintenance to various components. In some arrangements, one or more of the given steps or phases can be divided into further steps or subphases. Furthermore, not all steps are necessary for a given method of operating a rinsing conveyor subsystem, and the order of steps can be altered as may be desirable for a given processing system. For example, step 408 may be performed before steps 404 and 406. In addition, steps 404 and 406 may be performed simultaneously, and steps 408 through 414 may also be performed simultaneously. Other arrangements are also possible.

[0084] Turning next to FIGS. 5A-5B various example flatbed conveyors 180 according are depicted in front perspective views. As will be readily appreciated, palm nuts exiting the rinsing conveyor subsystem can be soaked, which is a poor condition for sanding, cracking, separating, and other overall process steps. While drying the palm nuts can take place in a palm nut heating subsystem, as detailed below, an initial pre-drying process can take place on one or more flatbed conveyors used to transport the palm nuts.

[0085] Flatbed conveyors 180 can be used to transport palm nuts during processing, such as from a mouth or outlet of a rinsing conveyor subsystem to a palm nut heating subsystem, for example. Flatbed conveyors 180 in FIG. 5 A can be empty, as shown, and can include moving belts 181 and one or more stationary sidewalls 182. The moving belts 181 can be formed of a porous or mesh material, such that water, fluid, and small debris can filter therethrough while palm nuts being transported do not fall through. For example, moving belts 181 can be formed from a perforated modular plastic material, with the perforations being shaped and sized to hold and move individual palm nuts along without letting the palm nuts fall therethrough.

[0086] Flatbed conveyor 180 in FIG. 5B can be loaded with wet palm nuts 10 that are being conveyed along between sidewalls 182 on a moving belt therebeneath. One or more infrared

(“IR”) lamps 183 can be placed in stationary positions along the flatbed conveyor 180 and can be used to blast intense IR rays to at least partially dry the palm nuts 10 as they are being conveyed. In some arrangements, the majority of surface moisture can be removed from wet palm nuts 10 before they enter the palm nut heating subsystem for full drying. Alternatively, the palm nuts 10 can at least be partially dried before reaching the palm nut heating subsystem at the next stage. [0087] In a specific non-limiting embodiment provided by way of example, each IR lamp 183 can be about 1 meter long and 0.5 meters wide. Each IR lamp 183 can have a power of about 2 kW, and IR lamps can be placed about 0.2 meters above the moving belt 181. One or more flatbed conveyors 180 can be hoisted to a height of about 9 meters above the ground, although other distances are also possible. In some arrangements, such as the arrangement shown in FIG. 3D above, three flatbed conveyors 180 can be arranged into a U-shape. Two of the flatbed conveyors can have a length of about 10 meters, while the third flatbed conveyor can have a length of about 5 meters, for a total length of about 25 meters. Of course, other lengths and distances are also possible.

[0088] Continuing with FIG. 6, a flowchart of an example method 600 of operating preheating subsystem infrared drying conveyors is provided. After a start step 602, IR lamps can be turned on at process step 604. The IR lamps can be set at 120 degrees C, for example, although other temperatures may also be used. At process step 606, the flatbed conveyor(s) can be turned on. The speed of the flatbed conveyor(s) can vary as desired, and a suitable speed can result in conveying about 5 tons of wet palm nuts per hour.

[0089] At process step 608, a bucket elevator at the end of the flatbed conveyors can be turned on. Such a bucket elevator can be arranged to elevate the partially dry palm nuts from the end of the last flatbed conveyor up to the top of the palm nut heating subsystem. The speed of the bucket elevator can vary as desired, and a suitable speed can result in elevating about 8 tons of partially dried palm nuts per hour.

[0090] At process step 610, wet palm nuts can be transported along the flatbed convey or(s), and at process step 612, the IR lamps can be used to eliminate at least some of the moisture from the wet palm nuts being transported. Again, the wet palm nuts may not be fully dried by the IR lamps, but the majority of water or rinsing fluid can be eliminated at this point in the process, such that the palm nuts are partially dried or damp. At process step 614, the partially dried or damp palm nuts can be elevated to the top of the palm nut heating subsystem using the bucket elevator. The method then ends at end step 616.

[0091] While method 600 has been set forth sufficiently, it will be readily appreciated that additional details and steps may be applied. For example, additional process steps can include adjusting the flatbed conveyor speeds or performing maintenance to various components. In some arrangements, one or more of the given steps or phases can be divided into further steps or subphases. For example, step 606 can be divided into separate steps for each separate flatbed conveyor. Furthermore, not all steps are necessary for a given method of operating a rinsing conveyor subsystem, and the order of steps can be altered as may be desirable for a given processing system. For example, step 608 may be performed before steps 604 and 606. In addition, some steps can be performed simultaneously, such as steps 610 through 614.

PALM NUT HEATING SUBSYSTEM

[0092] The next phase of the overall process can dry out the damp and relatively clean palm nuts from the rinsing conveyor phase. This can involve the use of a palm nut heating subsystem, for example, which can include a palm nut heating silo in some embodiments. While the following example of a palm nut heating subsystem having a silo is provided for purposes of illustration and discussion, it will be readily appreciated that other types of palm nut heating subsystems may alternatively be used.

[0093] Transitioning now to FIGS. 7A-7B an example palm nut heating subsystem 120 having a silo is shown in bottom front and side elevation views respectively. Pre-dried palm nuts from the rinsing conveyor subsystem and IR flatbed conveyors can be loaded to the top of the palm nut heating subsystem 120 by way of a bucket elevator 121. From there, the palm nuts can be dropped into a heating chamber 122, which can be a large chamber designed to hold substantial amounts of palm nuts in a stationary state during a heating process. For example, heating chamber 122 can be a relatively square or rectangular shaped silo having a width of about 3 meters, a breadth of about 3 meters, and a height of about 9 meters, although other shapes and dimensions are also possible. In various arrangements, the entire heating chamber 122 can be a silo full of damp palm nuts during typical drying operations.

[0094] Palm nut heating subsystem 120 can also include a furnace 123, an induced draft fan 124, ducting 125, and various air inlets gates 126 configured to direct heated air from the furnace into and throughout the heating silo. In some arrangements, furnace 123 can be a biomass furnace that produces hot flue gas that is directed toward the heating chamber 122 by way of the induced draft fan 124. A ducting arrangement can include various ducts and air passages 125 that can direct hot air strategically into the heating chamber 122 at various inlets or gates 126, whereupon the hot air can be circulated through the heating chamber 122 based upon the locations of the gates 126, the velocity of the hot air, and the shape of the heating chamber.

After the palm nuts have been sufficiently dried, one or more exit chutes 127 at the bottom or base of the palm nut heating subsystem 120 can be opened to release the dry palm nuts. [0095] In various embodiments, hot air can be distributed evenly throughout the heating chamber 122 so as to evenly heat and dry the damp palm nuts while not resulting in a fire or undue burning or overheating the palm nuts in any localized spots therewithin. It will be readily appreciated that the shape of the heating chamber 122, the design of the ducting 125 and inlets or gates 126, and the operations of the furnace 123 and fan 124 can be carefully balanced so as to achieve such results.

[0096] Ducting 125 can be arranged into a dovetail design with multiple dispersed gates 126 or other inlet points into the heating chamber 122. In some arrangements, the ducting tubes can be hexagonal in shape, although circular and other shapes are also possible. Each inlet or gate 126 can disperse hot air into the heating chamber 122 at a specific mass flow rate, which can be controlled by way of a variable opening at the gate 126. In some arrangements, the variable opening at each gate 126 or inlet can be a valve configured to regulate the flow of hot air through the gate or inlet.

[0097] In a specific non-limiting embodiment provided by way of example, furnace 123 can be a biomass furnace that can release hot air at temperatures of about 80 to 100 degrees C, although other temperatures are also possible. The biomass furnace can be configured to burn palm nut shells at a specific mass over a sufficient amount of time as may be desired. The furnace 123 can include a specialized grating with openings configured to bum the fuel mass at an appropriate rate. Such openings can have a diameter of, for example, 5 mm, although other opening sizes are also possible. The furnace can be fortified with fire bricks and can have furnace piping at a diameter of about 0.35 meters, for example. A thermocouple can be placed at the furnace to detect and monitor the furnace temperature, with hot air from the furnace being allowed to enter the fan only when the furnace temperature is appropriate. [0098] Fan 124 can be a 75 horsepower induced draft fan configured to blow air from the furnace 123. At the head of the fan, various subvalves can be used to direct hot air to various subchambers or portions of the heating chamber 122. Each of these subvalves can have an associated thermocouple to measure the temperature of the hot air flowing therethrough, and hot air can be allowed to pass through only when it is within an appropriate temperature range. For example, the subvalves can be configured to close automatically when the hot air passing therethrough rises to above about 105 degrees C, can be configured to remain partially open when the hot air is between about 90 to 105 degrees C, and can be configured to be fully open when the hot air is below about 90 degrees C.

[0099] FIG. 7C depicts in obverse side perspective view an example ducting arrangement with dovetailed inlets for the palm nut heating subsystem of FIG. 7A. In the obverse angle shown in FIG. 7C, it can be seen that ducting 125 can be arranged to deliver hot air to various inlets at different levels of the heating chamber 122 within palm nut heating subsystem 120. For example, three different dovetailed inlets 126 can be arranged to disperse hot air at three different levels or regions of the heating chamber 122. Each dovetailed inlet arrangement 126 can be fed hot air from a common ducting arrangement 125, which can be arranged vertically from the fan and furnace below (not shown). In addition, each dovetailed inlet arrangement 126 can be separately and independently operated automatically to regulate the flow of hot air therethrough and into its respective level or region of the heating chamber 122.

[00100] FIG. 7D illustrates in partial cutaway view an example entry region of a dovetailed inlet of FIG. 7C, while FIG. 7E illustrates in side cross-section view an example exit region of the dovetailed inlet. Inlet 126 can be a dovetailed inlet where hot air is introduced into a heating chamber 122 of a palm nut heating subsystem 120, and as shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, there can be three such inlets 126 for the palm nut heating subsystem 120, with each inlet 126 providing hot air to a different section or region of the heating chamber 122. In some embodiments, more or fewer inlets 126 can be used as may be desired. The dovetail shape of inlet 126 can start at a width of about 1 meter at an entry region 128a upstream and then fan outward to end at a width of about 3 meters at an exit region 128b downstream of the inlet 126.

[00101] Multiple tubes 128c carrying heated air can extend through this dovetailed region of inlet 126. Tubes 128c can be hexagonal in cross-section, although circular, oval, or other crosssection shapes may also be used. In some arrangements, five tubes 128c can be spread apart to carry hot air through the length of inlet 126, although fewer or greater tubes can alternatively be used. One or more of tubes 128c can have a slit at the bottom thereof to facilitate distribution of the hot air, and such slits can have a width of about 30 mm.

[00102] Each inlet 126 can be regulated by a butterfly valve to allow hot air through only when the hot air is within a desired temperature range. Again, such a temperature range can be from about 90 to 105 degrees C, or lower. Each butterfly valve can have a diameter of about 0.35 meters, for example. Each inlet 126 can also have a gate arrangement to facilitate the regulation of hot air into the heating chamber or a section thereof. Each gate can include squares having dimensions of about 0.3 x 0.3 meters, for example. In addition, each inlet 126 can also have its own separate thermocouple to monitor the temperature of the hot air passing therethrough. Depending upon the detected temperature of the hot air, the valve and/or the gate can be controlled to restrict or close off the flow of hot air accordingly.

[00103] FIG. 7F illustrates in perspective schematic view an example hot air distribution pattern through the palm nut heating subsystem of FIG. 7A. As shown, hot air distribution pattern 129 can reflect the passage of hot air through the ducting, dovetail inlets, and within and about the heating chamber. Hot air distribution pattern can be affected by a number of factors, such as the size and shape of the heating chamber, the size and shape of the various dovetailed inlets, the temperature of the hot air, and the flow rates of the hot air as regulated through the ducting and dovetailed inlets, among other factors, as will be readily appreciated. Again, the foregoing specific example of a palm nut heating subsystem having a silo is provided for purposes of illustration and discussion only, and it will be readily appreciated that other types of palm nut heating subsystems may alternatively be used, as set forth in greater detail below. [00104] Continuing with FIG. 8, a flowchart of an example method 800 of operating a palm nut heating subsystem is provided. While example method 800 can apply to the operation of palm nut heating subsystem 120 above, it is specifically contemplated that this method can also apply generally to the operation of alternative or other types of palm nut heating subsystems. Such alternative subsystems can include the sloping base toaster of FIGS. 17A-17C below and the rotary roaster of FIGS. 18A-18C below, for example. Other alternatives are also possible. [00105] After a start step 802, a palm nut heating subsystem furnace can be turned on at process step 804. At process step 806, the furnace can be heated to a sufficient temperature, such as 130 degrees C, for example, although other temperatures may also be used. In running the furnace, a mixture of wood, palm shells, and/or other fuel can be used. In various arrangements, it can take about three minutes of running the furnace to raise the temperature to a sufficient level, although other amounts of time are also possible.

[00106] At process step 808, a fan such as an induced draft fan can be turned on. The induced draft fan can be configured only to run when the furnace temperature is sufficiently heated. For example, the fan can be turned on when the furnace temperature reaches 130 degrees C but can be turned off when the furnace temperature becomes too cool or too hot. A lower limit can be about 120 degrees C, while an upper limit can be low enough so that bum does not occur. One or more thermocouples can be used to detect and monitor the furnace temperature for this purpose.

[00107] At process step 810, hot air (e.g., flue gas) from the furnace can be regulated toward the induced draft fan. A valve between the furnace and fan can be used for this purpose. Such a valve can be electronically regulated to allow hot air to pass through to the fan only when the hot air is within an appropriate temperature range. One or more additional thermocouples can detect and monitor the temperature of the hot air for this purpose. For example, the valve can be used to allow hot air to reach the fan only when the hot air is at least 110 degrees C. In various arrangements, the induced draft fan can have a diameter of about 1.5 meters.

[00108] At process step 812, hot air can be directed from the fan through ducting and inlets of the palm nut heating subsystem. As noted above, various thermocouples can be used throughout the ducting and inlets to detect and monitor the temperature of the hot air passing therethrough, and the flow of the hot air can be regulated according to its temperature to ensure that air that is too hot is not allowed to enter the heating chamber and start a fire or burn the palm nuts.

[00109] At process step 814, hot air can be circulated through the heating chamber. After traveling through the ducting and inlets in a monitored and regulated fashion as set forth above, the hot air can then be circulated about within the heating chamber, such as in a hot air distribution pattern as shown in FIG. 7F. At process step 816, dried whole palm nuts can be emptied from the heating chamber. This can be by way of releasing the palm nuts through an exit chute at the bottom of the heating chamber, for example. The method ends at end step 818. [00110] While sufficient description has been given for the foregoing method 800 of operating a palm nut heating subsystem, additional details and steps may be applied. For example, additional process steps can include adjusting configuration parameters to raise or lower the acceptable temperature ranges. In some arrangements, one or more of the given steps or phases can be divided into further steps or subphases. For example, step 810 can be divided into multiple steps of regulating hot air flow at various points along the furnace, fan, ducting, and inlets. Furthermore, not all steps are necessary for a given method of operating a palm nut heating subsystem, and the order of steps can be altered as may be desirable for a given processing system. For example, steps 810 through 814 may be performed simultaneously in some arrangements.

POLISHING SUBSYSTEM

[00111] The next phase of the overall process can include polishing the whole palm nuts that have been dried in the palm nut heating subsystem. The palm nuts may be dry at the start of this phase, but they still contain chaff, dust, and other fine debris. Polishing can involve the use of a polishing subsystem, for example, which can remove this layer of chaff, dust, and fine debris from the outer surfaces of the palm nuts to prepare the palm nuts for further processing.

[00112] FIGS. 9A illustrates an example polishing subsystem in bottom side perspective view, while FIG. 9B shows a polishing drum of that polishing subsystem in front perspective view. Polishing subsystem 130 can include a polishing drum 131, a separating column 132, a polishing pneumatic cyclone 133 driven by an induced draft fan 134, and ducting 135 for air flow, among other possible components. Fully dried and whole palm nuts can be dropped from a specific height into a hollow separating column 132 where an upwards draft of air from the polishing pneumatic cyclone 133 can blow chaff and dust towards the fan 134 while the heavier palm nuts drop into the polishing drum 131 below the separating column 132. Ducting 135 can feed the air flow from the fan 134 to the polishing pneumatic cyclone 133 and the separating column 132. Alternatively, fan 134 can be a forced draft fan in some embodiments.

[00113] Polishing drum can have a rotating internal chamber that can be lined with one or more sanding or scraping components or features, such as rough surfaced flaps, sandpaper, and/or wire mesh, for example. While the palm nuts are in the polishing drum 131, the polishing drum can be rotated to remove additional dust and debris from the surface of the palm nuts, which dust and debris can also be pushed towards the fan 134. A destoner (not shown) can be added at an exit of the polishing drum to remove stones or other heavy items that are not palm nuts but that have made it to this point in the overall process. Removing stones at this stage can be desirable to protect the cracker at the next process phase. Clean, dry, and polished whole palm nuts can now be ejected from the drum and ready for cracking at the next phase of the overall process.

[00114] In some arrangements, separating column 132 can have a square or rectangular cross- sectional area through which air flows upward to blow chaff and dust away from falling palm nuts that can generally be too heavy to be blown away by the upwards draft. This cross- sectional area or “throat” can be adjustable in some arrangements, such that the area can be enlarged or reduced to alter the air pressure of the upwards air draft flowing therethrough. Altering the air pressure may be desirable depending upon the sizes and weights of a given harvest of palm nuts or other nuts, as well as the power capacity of the fan 134 creating the upwards draft in the separating column 132 by way of the polishing pneumatic cyclone 133. [00115] In a specific non-limiting embodiment provided by way of example, separating column 132 can have a height of about 4 meters, a width of about 1 meter, and a breadth of about 0.3 meters, although other dimensions are also possible. Ducting 135 can have an airflow cross- section of about 0.5 meters. Polishing pneumatic cyclone 133 can be conical in shape having a top diameter of about 1 meter, a bottom diameter of about 0.15 meters, and a height of about 2 meters. An airlock associated with the polishing pneumatic cyclone can have a diameter of about 0.3 meters. Forced draft fan 134 can have a diameter of about 1 meter and can be driven by a 15 kW electric motor with a 1 : 1 pulley ratio at about 8 inch pulley lengths. Polishing drum 131 can be cylindrical in shape and can have a length of about 8 meters and a diameter of about 1.5 meters. A wire mesh having a 10 mm x 10 mm grade can be placed across the exit of polishing drum 131 for additional dust removal. In some arrangements, polishing drum 131 can also have automatically lubricating rollers to ensure that the polishing drum stays greased during operation.

[00116] Continuing with FIG. 10, a flowchart of an example method 1000 of operating a polishing subsystem is provided. After a start step 1002, the induced draft fan can be turned on at process step 1004. Alternatively, a forced draft fan can be used. Turning on the fan can cause a suitable airflow through the polishing pneumatic cyclone, ducting, and separating column of the polishing subsystem. At process step 1006, exit chute(s) at the base of the palm nut heating subsystem can be opened to release the dried palm nuts contained therein.

[00117] At process step 1008, the dried palm nuts can be raised to the top of the separating column. This can be accomplished by way of a bucket elevator, for example. One or more conveyors may also be used to transport the dried palm nuts from the exit chute(s) at the base of the palm nut heating subsystem to the bucket elevator. Other automated palm nut conveyance mechanisms can alternatively or also be used to move the palm nuts from the palm nut heating subsystem to the polishing subsystem. At the following process step 1010, the palm nuts can be dropped into the separating column at the top of the column. [00118] At process step 1012, air can be blown through the separating column to separate the palm nuts from loose chaff, dust and debris. The separated palm nuts then fall into the polishing drum at the bottom of the separating column. At process step 1014, the palm nuts are then polished by rotating the polishing drum while the palm nuts are inside of it. Additional dust and fine debris are removed during this polishing step. The method then ends at end step 1016.

[00119] While method 1000 has been set forth sufficiently, it will be readily appreciated that additional details and steps may be applied. For example, additional process steps can include altering or regulating the speed of the polishing drum. In some arrangements, one or more of the given steps can be divided into further substeps. Furthermore, not all steps are necessary for a given method of operating a polishing subsystem, and the order of steps can be altered as may be desired. For example, step 1008 may be performed before steps 1004 and 1006. In addition, steps 1004 and 1006 may be performed simultaneously, and steps 1008 through 1014 may also be performed simultaneously. Other arrangements are also possible.

CRACKER ASSEMBLY

[00120] The next phase of the overall process can involve cracking the now clean, dry, and polished palm nuts. The objective of this phase is to crack open the outer shells of the palm nuts to create mixture of palm shells and palm kernels, or at least prepare the palm kernels to be removed from the cracked palm shells. This can be accomplished using a cracker assembly, for example. In various embodiments, this can include a cracker, a pneumatic cyclone arrangement, and a series of bucket elevators and a separating column similar to the foregoing ones.

[00121] Moving next to FIGS. 11 A and 1 IB, an example cracker assembly 140 is depicted in front perspective and side perspective views respectively. Cracker assembly can include, for example, a first cracker bucket elevator 141, a first cracker airlock 142, a cracker 143, a second cracker bucket elevator 144, a second cracker airlock 145, a cracker separating column 146, a cracker pneumatic cyclone 150, a pneumatic cyclone airlock 151, a cyclone blower 152, and a cracker inlet conveyor 148.

[00122] FIG. 11C illustrates in side elevation view the example cracker assembly 140 as shown in FIGS. 11 A-l IB. Various points 140A through MOE in the cracking process are also shown in FIG. 11C. In general, polished palm nuts can be transported to the cracker assembly by way of cracker inlet conveyer 148, where they can then be loaded into the first bucket elevator 141 to be raised and dropped into the cracker 143, which can be airtight by way of the first cracker airlock 142. The palm nuts are then cracked inside the cracker 143 at point 140A in the cracking process. This can result in mixture of palm kernels and palm shells.

[00123] This shell and kernel mixture can then be loaded into the second bucket 144 elevator to be elevated and dropped into the separating column 146 at point MOB in the cracking process. Separating column can be airtight by way of the second cracker airlock 145. At point 140C in the cracking process, cyclone blower 152 can generate airflow via the pneumatic cyclone 150 to provide air at a specifically controlled pressure and speed within the separating column 146.

This can blow up and away light palm shell pieces and dust out of the top of the separating column 146 at point MOD in the cracking process. This can also allow the heavy palm kernels and heavy palm shells to fall out of the bottom of the separating column 146 at point MOE in the cracking process.

[00124] Cracker pneumatic cyclone 150 can be similar to polishing pneumatic cyclone 133 above. Both pneumatic cyclones 133, 150, can use uses an electronic forced draft fan to control the draft or flow of air passing through an associated separating column. Both pneumatic cyclones can produce an air draft of a specific pressure that interacts with whole palm nuts (i.e., cyclone 133) or the cracked mixture of palm kernels and palm shells (i.e., cyclone 150). Light components, such as light shells, dust, and chaff, can be blown up the separating column and out of its top or another designated outlet, while the heavier components, such as whole palm nuts, palm kernels, and heavier palm shells, can fall down the separating column out of its bottom or another designated outlet prior to moving to the next overall process phase.

[00125] In various arrangements, the air speed and pressure of the cracker assembly can be specially calibrated and configured to deal with both Dura and Tenera species of palm nuts. For example, the air speed and pressure of the cracker assembly can be configured via multiple trials to ensure that not more than 10% of palm kernels are broken open in the cracking process, and that palm kernels are not lost in the light shell separating process. This calibrating and configuring process can be repeated for different types of nuts, and even for different harvests or batches of the same type of nut if there are sufficient variances in the nut sizes and weights.

[00126] In a specific non-limiting embodiment provided by way of example, cracker inlet conveyor 148 can be a screw conveyor having a length of about 5 meters and a diameter of about 0.5 meters. It can be driven by a 2.2 kW gear motor having a 1 : 10 gear ratio, for example, although other types of motor drives can also be used. Both cracker bucket elevators 141, 144 can have a height of about 6 meters and a width of about 0.25 meters, and both can be driven by separate 1.1 kW electric motors. Cracker 143 can have a diameter of about 1 meter and can be driven by a 15 kw cracker motor, for example. First cracker airlock 142 can be driven by a 1.5 kW electric motor, while second cracker airlock 145 can have a 0.3 meter diameter and be driven by a 2.2 kW electric motor, for example.

[00127] Further, separating column 146 can have a height of about 4.5 meters, a breadth of about 0.25 meters, and a width of about 0.25 meters. Cracker pneumatic cyclone 150 can have a top diameter of about 0.75 meters, a bottom diameter of about 0.15 meters, and a height of about 1.5 meters. Pneumatic cyclone airlock 151 can have a chain and sprocket connecting drive to a 2.2 kW electric motor. Cyclone blower 152 can be an electric induced draft fan having a diameter of about 0.5 meters that is powered by a 7.5 kW electric motor. Other variations, parameters, and values are also possible, as will be readily appreciated.

[00128] Continuing with FIG. 12, a flowchart of an example method 1000 of operating a cracker assembly is provided. After a start step 1202, a cracker assembly blower can be turned on at process step 1204. This can prepare the cracker assembly to have high pressure air sucked through the assembly to allow for removal of light shell pieces and dust particles through a series of separating columns. The cracker assembly blower can be run at about 35.5 Hz at a pressure of about 2287 Pa, for example, although other parameters may also be used.

[00129] At process step 1206, a second cracker bucket elevator can be turned on, which can be used to raise the cracked mixture of palm kernels and palm shells to the top of a separating column. At process step 1208 a second cracker airlock can be turned on, which airlock can be configured to consistently feed an airflow into the separating column that is configured to be airtight.

[00130] At the next process step 1210, a cracker and first cracker airlock can be turned on.

This can ensure a consistent feed of palm nuts for cracking into the cracker assembly. At process step 1212, a first cracker bucket elevator can be turned on. This can serve to raise polished palm nuts prior to entry into the cracker.

[00131] At subsequent process step 1214, a cracker inlet screw conveyor can be turned on. This can serve to move polished palm nuts from the polishing subsystem to the cracker assembly. Finally, at process step 1216 polished palm nuts can be loaded into the cracker and processed through the whole cracker assembly. This can result in the automated cracking of the palm nuts and separating the light shells, chaff, and dust from the cracked palm nuts through the entire cracker assembly. The method then ends at end step 1218.

[00132] While method 1200 has been set forth sufficiently, it will be readily appreciated that additional details and steps may be applied. For example, additional process steps can include adding and/or operating additional separating columns. In some arrangements, one or more of the given steps can be divided into further substeps. Furthermore, not all steps are necessary for a given method of operating a cracker assembly, and the order of steps can be altered as may be desirable for a given processing system. For example, step 1206 may be performed before step 1204. In addition, steps 1206 through 1214 may also be performed simultaneously. Other arrangements are also possible.

CLAYBATH

[00133] The next phase of the overall process can separate the palm kernels from the remaining palm shells. This can involve the use of a claybath, for example, which can use a bath or other immersion device containing a specific fluid or medium designed to leverage the different densities of palm kernels and palm shells to separate fully these two different materials. In particular, the claybath fluid can have a density such that the palm shells sink in the claybath while the palm kernels float. Accordingly, the claybath can be configured with the right separating fluid or medium having a proper viscosity and density for this arrangement to work for an extended period of time. A recycling pump associated with the claybath can reduce the amount of wasted claybath separating fluid.

[00134] Transitioning now to FIG. 13 A, an example input feed for a claybath is shown in side perspective view. Claybath cracked mixture conveyor 161 can be specifically configured to transport the cracked mixture of palm kernels and palm shells from the cracker 150 to the claybath 160. In particular, conveyor 161 can be a screw conveyor that moves the mixture from the bottom (i.e., output) of the cracker 150 to the top (i.e., input) of the claybath 160.

[00135] FIGS. 13B through 13E illustrate an example claybath for a palm nut processing system in front perspective, side perspective, top plan, and side elevation views respectively. As shown, claybath 160 can include a mixing cylinder 162, a valve 163, a separating cone 164, a butterfly pump 165, vibrating plates 166, showers 167, circulation pump 168, and lip 169. In general, a claybath medium can be formed in mixing cylinder 162, and when that is ready then valve 163 can be opened and the medium can be fed by butterfly pump 165 into the separating cone 164 where the shells and kernels are then separated. The palm shells sink and are dispersed by a sink outlet from the separating cone 164 onto one set of vibrating plates 166, while the palm kernels float and are dispersed by a float outlet onto a separate set of vibrating plates 166 for rinsing. The palm shells and kernels are then rinsed and fall over the lip 169 to an output region. [00136] In a specific non-limiting embodiment provided by way of example, the claybath can have a length of about 6 meters, a width of about 2.5 meters, and a height of about 5.5 meters. In addition, the claybath cracked mixture conveyor can be a screw conveyor having a length of about 8 meters and a diameter of about 0.5 meters. The conveyor can be driven by a 5 kW gear motor having a 1 :10 gear ratio, for example. Other arrangements are also possible.

[00137] Continuing with FIG. 14, a flowchart of an example method 1400 of operating a claybath is provided. After a start step 1402, a claybath medium can be prepared at process step 1404. In various embodiments, the claybath medium can be calcium carbonate or a fluid mixture containing calcium carbonate, for example. This can be accomplished by adding about 250 kg of calcium carbonate to a sufficient amount of water to form a claybath medium in the mixing cylinder. An optimal density for the claybath medium can range from about 1.12 to 1.17 grams per cubic centimeter of medium. In operation, this density can be monitored, such as by taking density readings about every 30 minutes. Adjustments to the claybath medium can then be made accordingly, such as by adding more calcium carbonate or more water to the existing medium. [00138] At process step 1406, a valve from the mixing cylinder to the separating cone can be opened. This can take place once the claybath medium has been prepared to an appropriate density. Opening the valve can then allow the prepared claybath to flow from the mixing cylinder into the separating cone for use.

[00139] At process step 1408, the butterfly pump can be opened. This can take place at some time after the valve has been opened in step 1406, so as not to damage the pump by running it dry. In some arrangements, about 10 seconds is a sufficient amount of time to wait between process steps 1406 and 1408, although such time can be longer if desired.

[00140] At process step 1410, the vibrating plates and showers can be turned on, and at process step 1412, the circulation pump can be turned on. This can put the claybath in full operation mode and ready to receive the product mixture of palm kernels and palm shells.

[00141] At process step 1414, the cracked mixture conveyor can be turned on. This can result in the mixture of kernels and shells being input into the running claybath. Once input into the separating cone, the palm kernels will then float in the claybath medium while the palm shells will sink in the claybath medium.

[00142] At process step 1416, the mixed products can be rinsed on the vibrating plate. This can rinse the calcium carbonate mixture or other claybath medium from both the palm kernels and shells, after which these separated products can then be discharged at the lip of the claybath. [00143] At process step 1418, the claybath medium can be recycled. Here, lower potency claybath medium can be recycled in the circulating drum to maintain the proper density of the claybath medium. Due to usage, a reduced percentage of calcium carbonate may be needed for used and subsequently recycled claybath medium. For example, about 30% less calcium carbonate may be needed for recycled medium. The method then ends at end step 1420.

[00144] While method 1400 has been set forth sufficiently, it will be readily appreciated that additional details and steps may be applied. For example, additional process steps can include monitoring the claybath medium density and adjusting the claybath medium during operation of the claybath depending upon how well separation is occurring. In some arrangements, one or more of the given steps can be divided into further substeps. Furthermore, not all steps are necessary for a given method of operating a claybath, and the order of steps can be altered as may be desirable for a given processing system. For example, step 1412 may be performed before step 1410. In addition, steps 1416 and 1418 may be performed simultaneously. Other arrangements are also possible.

PALM KERNEL HEATING SUBSYSTEM

[00145] A final phase of the overall process can dry out the separated and wet palm kernels. This can involve the use of a palm kernel heating subsystem, for example, which can include a palm kernel heating silo in some embodiments. While the following example using a palm kernel heating silo is provided for purposes of illustration and discussion, it will be readily appreciated that other types of palm kernel heating subsystems may alternatively be used.

[00146] Palm kernel heating subsystem 170 can function similarly to the palm nut heating subsystem 120 above. Because only palm kernels are being heated, however, it is even more important to regulate the hot air so as not to burn or overheat the palm kernels. To this end, a similar biomass furnace and a similar dovetailed ducting hot air distribution system can be used.

In addition, a canopy design can better regulate the even distribution of hot air around the palm kernels.

[00147] FIGS. 15A through 15C illustrate an example palm kernel heating subsystem 170 having a silo in front perspective, side perspective, and alternative front elevation views respectively. Palm kernel heating subsystem 170 can include a kernel furnace 171, a kernel heating chamber 172, a palm kernel entry region 173, a kernel bucket elevator 174, a kernel induced draft fan 175, ducting 176, various air inlets or gates 177, and one or more exit gates or chutes 178 at the base of the palm kernel heating subsystem 170. In various arrangements, the kernel heating chamber 172 can be a silo. Similar to the palm nut heating subsystem 120 above, the air inlets or gates 177 can be dovetail shaped, so as to disperse hot air evenly throughout the kernel heating chamber 172 at various locations. In addition, one or more specialized canopies can be used to help evenly distribute and circulate air within the kernel heating chamber 172. [00148] Moving next to FIG. 16, a flowchart of an example method 1600 of operating a palm kernel heating subsystem is provided. While example method 1600 can apply to the operation of palm kernel heating subsystem 170 above, it is specifically contemplated that this method can also apply generally to the operation of alternative or other types of palm kernel heating subsystems. After a start step 1602, a palm kernel furnace can be turned on at process step 1604. At process step 1606, the palm kernel furnace can be heated to a sufficient temperature, such as 130 degrees C, for example, although other temperatures may also be used. In running the furnace, a mixture of wood, palm shells, and/or other fuel can be used. The furnace can be run for enough time to raise the temperature to a sufficient level. [00149] At process step 1608, an induced draft fan can be turned on. The induced draft fan can be configured only to run when the palm kernel furnace temperature is sufficiently heated. For example, the fan can be turned on when the furnace temperature reaches 130 degrees C but can be turned off when the furnace temperature becomes too cool or too hot. A lower limit can be about 120 degrees C, while an upper limit can be set to avoid bum. One or more thermocouples can be used to detect and monitor the furnace temperature for this purpose.

[00150] At process step 1610, hot air (e.g., flue gas) from the furnace can be regulated toward the induced draft fan. A valve between the furnace and fan can be used for this purpose. Such a valve can be electronically regulated to allow hot air to pass through to the fan only when the hot air is within an appropriate temperature range. One or more additional thermocouples can detect and monitor the temperature of the hot air for this purpose. For example, the valve can be used to allow hot air to reach the fan only when the hot air is at least 110 degrees C. In various arrangements, the induced draft fan can have a diameter of about 1.5 meters.

[00151] At process step 1612, hot air can be directed from the fan through ducting and inlets of the palm kernel heating subsystem. As noted above, various thermocouples can be used throughout the ducting and inlets to detect and monitor the temperature of the hot air passing therethrough, and the flow of the hot air can be regulated according to its temperature to ensure that air that is too hot is not allowed to enter the kernel heating chamber and start a fire or burn the kernels.

[00152] At process step 1614, hot air can be circulated through the kernel heating chamber. After traveling through the ducting and inlets in a monitored and regulated fashion as set forth above, the hot air can then be circulated within the kernel heating chamber. Specialized canopies can be used to help distribute the hot air evenly within the kernel heating chamber so as not to burn the kernels, as noted above. At process step 1616, dried palm kernels can be emptied from the kernel heating chamber. This can be by way of releasing the kernels through an exit chute at the bottom of the kernel heating chamber, for example. The method ends at end step 1618. [00153] While sufficient description has been given for the foregoing method 1600 of operating a palm nut heating subsystem, additional details and steps may be applied. For example, additional process steps can include adjusting configuration parameters to raise or lower the acceptable temperature ranges. In some arrangements, one or more of the given steps or phases can be divided into further steps or subphases. For example, step 1610 can be divided into multiple steps of regulating hot air flow at various points along the furnace, fan, ducting, and inlets. Furthermore, not all steps are necessary for a given method of operating a palm kernel heating subsystem, and the order of steps can be altered as may be desirable for a given processing system. For example, steps 1610 through 1614 may be performed simultaneously in some arrangements.

[00154] While method 1600 has been set forth sufficiently, it will be readily appreciated that additional details and steps may be applied. For example, additional process steps can include Adjusting the canopies or adding more canopies. In some arrangements, one or more of the given steps can be divided into further substeps. Furthermore, not all steps are necessary for a given method of operating a palm kernel heating silo or other subsystem, and the order of steps can be altered as may be desirable for a given processing system. For example, steps 1610 through 1614 may also be performed simultaneously. Other arrangements are also possible. ALTERNATIVE PALM NUT AND PALM KERNEL HEATING SUBSYSTEMS

[00155] In the foregoing specific illustrative examples, a palm nut heating subsystem having a silo is provided as one way to dry out damp and relatively clean palm nuts from the rinsing conveyor phase, while a palm kernel heating subsystem having a silo is provided as one way to dry out separated and wet palm kernels. It will be readily appreciated, however, that other types of suitable palm nut and palm kernel heating subsystems may alternatively be used in place of the specific heating subsystems having silos detailed above. Such alternative palm nut/kernel heating subsystems can include, for example, a sloping base toaster as detailed below and/or a rotary roaster as detailed below, among other possible alternatives. It will be understood that any of the silo, sloping base toaster, and/or rotary roaster heating subsystems detailed herein can be used to dry out palm nuts and/or palm kernels, that suitable adjustments or modifications can be made for nuts or kernels, and that other types of heating subsystems can also be used.

[00156] Moving next to FIG. 17A, an example alternative palm nut/kernel heating subsystem having a sloping base toaster is shown in front perspective view. Alternative palm nut/kernel heating subsystem 1700 can be configured to dry out or otherwise heat palm nuts or palm kernels by adjusting the various dimensions, materials, temperatures, and other features and operating conditions of the system depending upon whether palm nuts or palm kernels are being heated and may also be configured depending on the type of palm nuts being processed and heated.

[00157] Palm nut/kernel heating subsystem 1700 can include a frame 1710 with support items and legs configured to support a sloping base toaster 1720 that is in turn configured to hold large amounts of wet palm nuts or palm kernels therein. In some arrangements, sloping base toaster 1720 can combine with upper portions of frame 1710 to form a partially open heating chamber configured to heat the wet palm nuts or palm kernels. Furnace 1730, which can be a biomass furnace, for example, can generate hot air that can then be blown by a blower or fan 1740, which can be an induced draft fan, through one or more ducts 1750 and through one or more inlets 1752 into a hot air region or chamber 1760 located beneath sloping base toaster 1720. Multiple small openings or heating inlets through the floor of sloping base toaster 1720 can then allow hot air from hot air region or chamber 1760 to blow into the heating chamber where the wet palm nuts or kernels are held above the sloping base toaster. This hot air can be circulated about the heating chamber to heat and dry out the wet palm nuts or kernels.

[00158] FIG. 17B illustrates in side perspective view an example sloping base with heating inlets for a sloping base toaster of a palm nut/kemel heating subsystem. As noted above, sloping base toaster 1720 can include multiple heating inlets 1722 therethrough to allow hot air to be blown from beneath the sloping base toaster through to above the sloping base toaster where large amounts of wet palm nuts or kernels can be loaded. Heating inlets 1722 can be arranged into a grid formation of 20 x 20 openings, for example, although other amounts and other patterns or arrangements of these heating inlets are also possible. Due to the sloping nature of the sloping base toaster 1720 itself, heating inlets 1722 can be arranged such that hot air is effectively blown in various different directions, which can result in a more effective distribution of hot air about the wet palm nuts or kernels in the heating chamber.

[00159] FIG. 17C illustrates in side perspective view an example alternative palm nut/kemel heating subsystem having a sloping base toaster with an attached lid. Palm nut/kernel heating subsystem 1701 can be substantially similar to palm nut/kernel heating subsystem 1700 above in that it can include a frame 1710 configured to support a sloping base toaster 1720 that is in turn configured to hold large amounts of wet palm nuts or palm kernels therein. Palm nut/kernel heating subsystem 1701 can also similarly include a furnace (not shown), fan (not shown), and one or more ducts (not shown) feeding one or more inlets 1752 to a hot air region 1760 beneath the sloping base toaster 1720. In some arrangements, an attached lid 1770 can be coupled to the top of frame 1710 such that it can be closed atop the frame and sloping base toaster 1720 to form a closed heating chamber configured to heat the wet palm nuts or palm kernels inside. Attached lid 1770 can be coupled to frame 1710 by a hinge, for example, such that it can be readily opened and closed as may be desired. Other components and features are also possible.

[00160] Continuing with FIGS. 18A-18C, various examples of alternative palm nut/kemel heating subsystems having rotary roasters are illustrated in front perspective, side cross-section, and side partial cutaway views respectively. As in the foregoing embodiments, these alternative palm nut/kemel heating subsystems having rotary roasters can be automatically operated and can be configured to dry out or otherwise heat palm nuts or palm kernels by adjusting the various dimensions, materials, temperatures, and other features and operating conditions of the systems depending upon whether palm nuts or palm kernels are being heated, and these heating subsystems may also be configured based on the type of palm nuts being processed and heated. [00161] Starting with FIG. 18 A, alternative palm nut/kernel heating subsystem 1800 can be automatically operated and can include at least a heating chamber 1810, a furnace 1820, a blower or fan 1830, and one or more heating ducts 1822 and inlets 1832. Furnace 1820 can be, for example, a biomass furnace and fan 1830 can be an induced draft fan. Palm nut/kemel heating subsystem 1800 can also include an inlet hopper 1840 configured to accept large amounts of wet palm nuts or palm kernels and an outlet hopper 1842 configured to discharge the palm nuts or palm kernels after they have been dried inside heating chamber 1810. A base frame 1850 can be configured to support heating chamber 1810, which can be an elongated chamber that can extend laterally at a slight decline from inlet hopper 1840 to outlet hopper 1842.

[00162] In various arrangements, one or more portions of heating chamber 1810 can include a rotary roaster component or section configured to rotate as wet palm nuts or palm kernels pass therethrough. Such rotation can be facilitated by one or more drive motors 1812 coupled to the rotational component or section of the heating chamber 1810. One or more sliding wheel 1814 and pillow block 1816 arrangements can support portions of each rotational component or section at locations that are not being directly driven by a drive motor 1812. In some arrangements, most or all of the entire length of heating chamber 1810 can be a single rotary roaster component. Hot air from furnace 1820 can then be blown upwards from the bottom of heating chamber 1810 and distributed through the heating chamber toward inlet hopper 1840 as wet palm nuts or kernels tumble downward through the heating chamber due to the rotating rotary roaster component.

[00163] Moving next to FIG. 18B, alternative palm nut/kernel heating subsystem 1801 can be identical or substantially similar to palm nut/kernel heating subsystem 1800 above in that it can include a base frame 1850 configured to support a heating chamber 1810, as well as a furnace 1820 that can generate hot air to be delivered into the heating chamber using a fan 1830. Wet palm nuts or kernels can be fed into the top of heating chamber 1810 using inlet hopper 1840 and can exit the heating chamber at a bottom end at outlet hopper 1842. Hot air from the furnace 1820 and blower or fan 1830 can enter at the bottom of heating chamber 1810 and travel up the heating chamber to exit at hot air vent 1834. Heating chamber 1810 can also have one or more rotary roaster components that rotate as the wet palm nuts or kernels travel through the length of the heating chamber, and in some arrangements most or all of the entire length of the heating chamber can be a single rotary roaster component.

[00164] Continuing with FIG. 18C, alternative palm nut/kernel heating subsystem 1802 can be identical or substantially similar to palm nut/kernel heating subsystems 1800 and 1801 above in that it can include a base frame 1850 configured to support a heating chamber 1810, as well as a furnace (not shown) that can generate hot air to be delivered into the heating chamber using a blower or fan 1830. Again, hot air 1831 from the fan 1830 can be blown from a bottom end of the heating chamber up through the heating chamber to a top end, while the palm nuts or kernels travel through the heating chamber in the opposite direction. As in the foregoing embodiments, heating chamber 1810 can have one or more rotary roaster components that rotate as the wet palm nuts or kernels travel through the length of the heating chamber, and in some arrangements most or all of the entire length of the heating chamber can be a single rotary roaster component. One or more internal surfaces of the rotary roaster component(s) of heating chamber 1810 can include one or more features 1812 that facilitate transporting the palm nuts or kernels through the heating chamber, and such features 1812 can also help with distributing the hot air flowing therethrough. Such features 1812 can include, for example, one or more spiraling threads and/or one or more steps protruding from the inner surface of the heating chamber 1810. Other arrangements and features are also possible for a palm nut/kernel heating subsystem.

[00165] Lastly, FIG. 19 provides a flowchart of an example method 1900 of operating a palm nut/kernel heating subsystem. It will be appreciated that method 1900 can apply to the operation of a palm nut heating subsystem or a palm kernel heating subsystem, and it is contemplated that this method can apply generally to the operation of any of the foregoing heating subsystems or any suitable alternative type of palm nut or palm kernel heating subsystem.

[00166] After a start step 1902, a furnace can be turned on at process step 1904. This can be a biomass furnace or any other suitable furnace for the heating of palm nuts or kernels. At process step 1906, the furnace can be heated to a sufficient temperature, such as 130 degrees C, for example, although other temperatures may also be used. In running the furnace, a mixture of wood, palm shells, and/or other fuel can be used. The furnace can be run for enough time to raise the temperature to a sufficient level. [00167] At process step 1908, a fan can be turned on. This can be an induced draft fan or any other fan or blower suitable for moving air from the furnace to a heating chamber. The fan can be configured only to run when the furnace temperature is sufficiently heated. For example, the fan can be turned on when the furnace temperature reaches 130 degrees C but can be turned off when the furnace temperature becomes too cool or too hot. A lower limit can be about 120 degrees C, while an upper limit can be set to avoid bum to the palm nuts or kernels. One or more thermocouples can be used to detect and monitor the furnace temperature for this purpose. [00168] At process step 1910, wet palm nuts or palm kernels can be loaded into the heating chamber. This can be automated or manually performed, and can involve the use of a conveyor, inlet hopper, scooper, and/or any other suitable loading component(s).

[00169] At process step 1912, the heating chamber can be closed and/or rotated, as may be applicable. For example, a sloping base toaster type heating subsystem can be closed by way of moving a hinged lid from an open to a closed position atop the heating chamber. As another example, a rotary roaster type heating subsystem can be rotated by way of rotating one or more rotary roaster components of the heating chamber.

[00170] At process step 1914, hot air can be directed from the fan through ducting and one or more inlets into the heating chamber. The hot air can come from the furnace to the fan and exit the fan through any ducting and be directed into the heating chamber. At process step 1916, hot air can be circulated through the heating chamber. After traveling through any relevant ducting and inlets, the hot air can then be circulated within the heating chamber. Directional openings or holes, specialized canopies, internal threads, internal step features, and/or other subsystem features can be used to help distribute the hot air evenly within the heating chamber so as not to burn the palm nuts or kernels. [00171] At process step 1918, dried palm nuts or kernels can be then emptied from the heating chamber. This can be by way of releasing the palm nuts or kernels through an exit chute or hopper at the bottom of the heating chamber, for example. Alternatively, the dried palm nuts or kernels can be scooped out of the heating chamber, such as in the case of a sloping based toaster type of heating subsystem. The method ends at end step 1920.

[00172] While sufficient description has been given for the foregoing method 1900 of operating a palm nut/kemel heating subsystem, additional details and steps may be applied. For example, additional process steps can include adjusting configuration parameters to raise or lower the acceptable temperature ranges. In some arrangements, one or more of the given steps or phases can be divided into further steps or subphases. Furthermore, not all steps are necessary for a given method of operating a palm nut/kernel heating subsystem, and the order of steps can be altered as may be desirable for a given processing system. For example, steps 1910 through 1918 may be performed simultaneously. Other arrangements are also possible.

[00173] Although the foregoing disclosure has been described in detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be recognized that the above described disclosure may be embodied in numerous other specific variations and embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the disclosure. Certain changes and modifications may be practiced, and it is understood that the disclosure is not to be limited by the foregoing details, but rather is to be defined by the scope of the appended claims.