Eliminating the outer hull or husk of raw paddy is crucial to obtaining edible rice kernels for subsequent packaging and sale. And that is exactly what a rice huller machine does. Crafted especially for the task mentioned above, it is also known as a rice sheller. There was a time when raw rice was husked or hulled using a stone mill or a mortar and pestle. However, this manual process was not only extremely time-consuming but also inefficient, expensive in terms of labour charges, and often led to broken and poor-quality rice kernels. Hence, a premium-grade rice huller is the need of the hour whether you already operate a rice mill or are planning to set up one.
But first, let’s learn more about a rice huller, its integral role in rice mill machines, and how it functions.
What is a Rice Huller?
As mentioned already, a rice huller is a type of machine that separates rice grains from their outer protective layer or shell for marketing and consumption purposes. The efficiency, speed, and ease of your rice de-husking process will depend on the kind of huller you choose. Listed below are the common types:
- Paddy Husker: As the name indicates, these machines are built specifically to remove the hull or husk from unprocessed or paddy rice. Based on your needs and scale of operations, you can pick from manual, automated, or electric versions.
- Electric Rice Huller: Powered by electricity, these machines are comparatively more efficient than conventional models that require human intervention. The throughput is also better, which means increased profitability.
- Automatic Rice Huller: These hullers are completely automated and apt for large-scale operations and barely require the intervention of human labourers.
- Modern Rice Huller: This rice husker machine is equipped with the latest in technological advancements and is extremely durable too. Modern rice huskers use up less energy as well, which translates to lower operational costs.
Now, let’s look at why a huller is so important in a rice mill.
Importance of Rice Huller in Rice Mill Machines
The very concept of a rice mill revolves around processing raw paddy into clean grains that can be sold for direct cooking and consumption. And for that, removing the husk or hull (composed of lignin, silica, etc.) is a non-negotiable step. In other words, you need a rice huller machine. The following points illustrate its importance in mill operations.
1.  Time-SavingÂ
Unlike a mortar and pestle or stone mill, a modern huller leverages automation to separate rice kernels from husks. This speeds up the process, saves valuable time, and allows you to focus on other core areas of the business. In other words, the overall efficiency of your business shoots up.
2.  Minimal Human Error
Technologically advanced rice hullers hardly require human intervention, meaning there is minimal scope for human errors or biases. Moreover, you can save on labour costs or channel your workforce towards more sophisticated processes.
3.  More and Better Output
With a huller machine, you can de-husk way more paddy grains than if you are using something conventional or manual. The more automated the machine, the greater will be your output every day. Plus, the de-hulled grain quality will be superior, too, and you can avoid broken pieces to a large extent. The quality of the grains in every batch will be consistent as well.
4.  Greater Profitability
Since a rice husker machine saves time and labour costs while increasing output and boosting quality, you can expect to improve your profit margin. It will only get better if you invest in a machine that is long-lasting and energy-efficient too. Your revenue will improve, and you can keep your maintenance costs low as well, thereby profiting further in the long run.
5.  Improved Business
To stay competitive, you must always supply superior quality rice in the market. And a rice huller can help you accomplish that without any hassle. You can increase your supply, too, without compromising the quality of the grains, and thereby build a strong reputation for your mill. Demand for your rice will grow gradually, and you will be able to scale your business easily. In fact, if you have a small-scale mill at the moment, buying a huller can take your venture to new heights.
Working Principle of a Rice Huller
Rice huller machines can be of different types to suit varied requirements, operational scales, types of rice, and budgets. However, it typically involves the steps listed below:
- You need to feed the unprocessed paddy rice into that part of the machine known as a hopper. In top-grade machines, this feeding mechanism is usually uniform and continuous.
- The raw grains will then pass through abrasive rollers or discs and the resultant friction will get rid of the husk.
- Once the rice grains separate from the husks, the latter goes straight to a designated bin and can be recycled or reused to manufacture other products.
- The next step involves polishing the brown, de-husked rice and eliminating its bran layer to produce white rice. This step is optional though, based on what the end product is supposed to be.
Now that you know how a rice huller functions, consider the size of your mill, your business objectives, and your budget before investing in one. Take into account the type of rice you will hull as well. For instance, a model that works for short grains might not be effective for long varieties. And always request a demo before paying for a rice huller apart from understanding its exact workings.
Conclusion
So, are you all set to invest in a rice huller machine for your mill and enjoy lower costs, better efficiencies, and higher profitability? Then take out time to research multiple manufacturers and their offerings and conduct a thorough comparison based on specifications, features, and prices. Go through the reviews of past customers and find out if a particular manufacturer offers adequate warranty and after-sales support. You can also enquire about training for your staff and find out if the parts of the machine are readily available in case you need to replace them in the future. Last but not least, make sure the rice husker machine comes with the degree of automation you need and is easy to maintain. After all, you intend to use it for the long haul.
