Automation-Assisted Recovery and Dispensing of Micro-Particle Salt in Industrial Food Production Lines: System Development and Experimental Analysis

Abstract

Salt and seasoning application plays a critical role in flavor and product consistency in industrial food manufacturing; however, manual recovery of excess salt limits both hygiene and process efficiency. In this study, a closed-loop salt dispensing machine capable of operating between 120–700 kg/h was developed to automatically recover salt that does not adhere to the product surface during processing. The required motor power and torque for achieving the maximum discharge rate of 700 kg/h were analytically calculated and experimentally validated. Homogeneity tests performed on a 1.2-m conveyor indicated maximum and minimum deviations of 5.3% and 7%, respectively. Overall, the system eliminates material waste, enhances hygiene, and provides more controlled salt distribution compared to conventional manual methods.