For decades, dust has been a major concern at Potato Trader Jan Tuinstra BV, located in Herkingen in the South Holland. What’s clean, can’t be spread anymore’ is the credo of the family business. Tuinstra is satisfied with the use of the extraction system by Jongejans Luchttechniek. During the move the employees set up everything exactly as it was in the old situation and at the same time they doubled the capacity. New is a seal smoke fan, which immediately shows its value. Jongejans Luchttechniek contributed ideas and took care of all the pipe and installation work. “It has been a real collaboration.

Potatoes from the wide area have been processed at Jan Tuinstra BV in Herkingen for decades. Thousands of tons of potatoes are processed every year, which are sorted and packed in five kilo bags, big bags and bulk. This is done automatically, whereby it is remarkable that all machines are of Dutch manufacture. When processing such quantities of agricultural products, dust is unavoidable. “Good cleaning has always been a high priority for us. We dislike a mess and try to keep clean. Sweeping every day. As long as it is clean, dust can’t spread anymore,” says Wim Tuinstra.

Since the extraction has been connected, the result has improved considerably. The filters of the lint collector are cleaned every day. The dust container is also emptied regularly. “All the dust that normally creeps onto the floor or up your nose,” Wim Tuinstra points out. “That’s kind of a crazy thought.”

All installations have basically just been moved to the new processing hall. This also applies to the filter installation, which was purchased from Jongejans some fifteen years ago, but can still be used for many years to come. Jongejans Luchttechniek took care of the piping and installation work. “We drew everything out so that we could move the machines ourselves. We did keep in contact with the machine manufacturers. Getting everything to fit was a difficult puzzle. But we succeeded, so that the lines could be taken over almost one-to-one. Every detail is correct and we are particularly proud of that.” The layout is spacious, making it easy to scale up capacity. “We even have the possibility of doubling the capacity on the line, without or with only a small rebuilding. We have also talked to Jongejans Luchttechniek about the future, and for example have already built the sorting room high enough so that we have the possibility of applying overpressure.”

A ‘move’ was a conscious decision. “In doing so, we took the opportunity to improve down to the smallest detail where possible, with input from within, because our expert guys work with the lines every day and also know exactly what can and cannot be done.” The machines are still relatively young and in good condition. “We have always done the regular maintenance in-house, which makes a huge difference. This is where the knowledge and expertise lies,” Wim Tuinstra analyzes.
What is new, however, is the fan and extraction system for the smoke produced during the sealing process. “Seal smoke, which is released during the burning through of polyplastic, gives a very unpleasant odor. In terms of comfort, the seal smoke fans therefore have immediate added value.” If seal smoke is extracted at the same time as dust, the pipes quickly become clogged. That is why a separate extraction was chosen and a specially developed fan by Jongejans Luchttechniek, which does not block.

Years of cooperation

Jan Tuinstra BV has been a customer of Jongejans Luchttechniek from the very beginning. “Dust is a bit of a thing,” explains Vincent Tuinstra. “An investment in an extraction system does not pay for itself overnight. Above all, you have to keep in mind the longer-term perspective, and the consequences for the people who have to work in dust or seal smoke.”
The oldest barn dates from 1979 this was expanded in three parts in the following years. Six years ago a new hall was built. Last year the new processing hall was filled with the (largely) existing machines, which were rearranged. Logistically, the layout of our halls is logical.

Vincent Tuinstra explains that the set-up of the new building was mainly aimed at increasing the capacity. He is satisfied with the result. The same applies to the extraction systems. “It is difficult to indicate what such an installation gives you. In any case, it is a lot more pleasant to work with and you notice it immediately if the system is not on. We also think that by extracting the dust there is less wear and tear and downtime is avoided.