Designing a device to assist in tuning the clearance in shredder hammer-grid bars

The need was identified for a more efficient and safe method of adjusting the distance between the sweep of shredder hammers and stationary grid bars. The current method of adjusting the gap is inaccurate, time consuming and labour intensive. As a result, the tolerance is rarely optimised, which has the potential to affect sugar extraction. Two prototype devices are explored – one device is a “smart hammer tip” and the other magnetically connects between the disks of the shredder rotor. The devices use an infrared laser to measure the distance outwards as the shredder is turned slowly. The devices can measure the gap to all grid bars in under 2 minutes with an accuracy of ±2.5 mm. Both devices increased the accuracy of the adjustments while reducing labour and the risk of injury. The device will continue to be developed in order to be tested at all Willmar’s Australian mills for the 2022 crush.