Inverted Dressing Solo Rigs

Realcold Millers Mechanical have developed special systems to efficiently and effectively process single sheep, cattle and deer in the inverted position at one station.

These systems called "solo rigs" enable easy pelt or hide removal in a manner that reduces work input and carcass contamination from processing.

The systems were developed after full research and evaluation.

The chain system presents the animal to the process person in an ergonomic manner.  The chain system eliminates the need for Stands, and other floor mounted equipment as the process person stands directly on the slaughterfloor and the carcass is presented to the worker in a manner to suit the worker’s task.

Realcold Millers Mechanical Engineers undertook an analytical study of the tasks and process called for in the chain system, and concentrated the work into a single floor station.

Product Description:

The Inverted Dressing Solo Rig comprises two main sections, the hindleg section - used to attach the hindlegs of the carcass to the rig, and the foreleg section - used to attach the forelegs to the rig.  The two sections are independent of each other, allowing flexibility in the positioning of the carcass.

The manoeuvrability of the carcass is brought about by the ability of each section to move up and down two metal columns that are suspended from the ceiling.  For example, the carcass can be positioned horizontally at any height desired, or raised at either end of the carcass.  The positioning of the carcass is dependent on the tasks to be performed on the carcass at any one time, and the height of the carcass as desired by the operator or worker.  When fully raised, the hindleg section of the rig forms the link in the main rail that passes from the preparation area by the stunning box, through to the evisceration station and final storage area (Chillers).

The attachments on both sections that are used to affix the legs to the rig are adjustable, so as to be able to alter the setting (width apart), for varying sizes of carcasses.  Once the legs are attached to the machine, the legs may be moved apart by the machine to allow for ease of preparing the hide for pelting.

Advantages of the Inverted Dressing Solo Rig:

There are numerous advantages to the Inverted Dressing Rig over traditional methods of dressing carcases.

1. Speed of Processing
   Processing using an Inverted Dressing Solo Rig is fast. Three carcases may be worked on at once; one at the stunning and preparation area, one on the rig itself and one at the evisceration and inspection station.  Only one operator is required to carry out knife work on the carcass during dressing on the rig.  Four workers can process up to 16 animals per hour, or approximately 120 per day (7.5hrs).  This is exactly twice as many animals as are currently being processed by the same number of people in other sheep / deer slaughtering Plants in New Zealand.
2. Hygiene
   The level of hygiene associated with the slaughtering and processing of the animal is greatly improved by the Solo Rig.  Measurements indicate a negligible bacterial count on the rump, legs and loin of the carcass, and lower counts on the brisket and forequarter than was previously possible under traditional dressing methods.
3. Decreased Handling
   Minimal physical contact is made with the carcass throughout the operation. The hindquarters and saddle, two of the prime parts of the carcass, are not touched at all throughout the process. The inverted approach to dressing means there is little danger of pelt hair contamination of the carcass and hosing or washing of the carcass is unnecessary.
4. Flexibility
   The nature and design of the dressing rig allows for flexibility in the size of carcasses the rig is capable of handling.
5. Reduced Processing Area
   The area required to house the equipment is relatively small and compact.  The reduction in the area required for slaughtering and processing has a marked affect on decreasing building costs.
6. Reduced Labour Input
   The dressing rig requires less labour input than traditional methods as the carcase can be positioned to meet the requirements of the workers.  Little effort is required by workers, as no lifting or struggling with the carcass is needed.
7. Extended Shelf Life
   Decreased contamination of the carcass by inverted dressing helps extend the product shelf life.

If required, more than one dressing rig can be installed at any one Plant.  The main rail feeding the rigs can be designed so that the proximity sensors distribute the carcasses to the appropriate rig that had just completed dressing a carcass.  Once dressed, the carcasses from all the rigs can then be fed onto a central gravity fed rail which takes the carcasses on to further processing.

Pin stops can be inserted along the main rail to the evisceration station to control the carcasses entering the station, and to avoid carcasses coming into contact with each other, thus reducing the possibility of cross contamination between carcases, should this be a requirement.