What Is a Honey Extractor?
A honey extractor is a mechanical device used to extract honey from honeycombs. Extractors both have a manual and electric type, which in size form 2-frame units equipped with either a hand crank or a small motor drive, up to radial units and holding 24 frames. Models of varying capacity exist in between, and the selection is usually dictated by cost and the volume of honey to process each year.
This 16-frame radial electric extractor has a capacity of 16 frames per load. Radial extractors are the quickest, easiest, and most efficient way to extract honey from the comb. Frames are placed in the reel like spokes of a wheel. The reel spins, creating a centrifugal force, and honey is thrown from both sides of the comb.
After bee frames have been filled with honey and ultimately capped with wax, they are removed from the hive and taken to an area screened from bees. An uncapping knife is used to slice a thin layer of wax, protecting the combs and exposing the honey beneath. These are placed in the extractor of varying sizes and whirled. The honey is thrown free of the cells to the side of the tank, drips down, and accumulates in the bottom. Hence it is removed for storage or processing.
The extractor accelerates slow enough that combs are not destroyed by the force of the centrifuge in the early state when the honey is in the comb. Mechanical devices permit the larger units to increase their speed gradually, and electronic devices are now available to simplify that function even further. Machines are now available in which the axis of the unit is horizontal rather than perpendicular, and the movement of the centrifuge is vertical rather than horizontal.
What Accessories Do Honey Extractors Have?
- Honey gates
Honey gate is a part of the honey extractor. Several metal seated gates and newer plastic units are available for attaching to tanks for siphoning honey.
Are you tired of the drip from your honey gate and the lack of control when filling containers? The gate allows for superior flow control and a tight seal when closed.
This durable honey gate works excellent when attached to the bottom of a honey extractor or honey drum. You will find that freshly harvested or slightly warmed honey will effortlessly flow from this gate.
- Gears
Gear is a part of the manual honey extractor, and its function is used to connect the honey extractor. When you turn the handle, the force will be transmitted through the gear from the horizontal to the vertical.
The above is some knowledge about the honey extractor. If you have questions about beekeeping, you can contact us for help.