INTEGRATED SYSTEM FOR EXTRACTION OF THE EPICARP, MESOCARP AND ENDOCARP OF THE COCONUT (COCOS NUCIFERA L.), AND EXTRACTION OF COCONUT WATER FROM IMMATURE FRUITS
The present patent relates to an "integrated system for removing the epicarp, mesocarp and endocarp from coconuts (Cocos nucifera L.), production of free copra from the membrane of mature fruit and removal of coconut water from immature fruit for the food industry". In accordance with the present invention, mature or semi-mature coconut fruits (Cocos nucifera L.) are supplied to the machine for removal of the epicarp and mesocarp from the fruit. The resulting endocarps, containing the ball of copra and water within are classified in accordance with the size thereof and pass via a cutting column where two or more saws containing limiters cut the endocarps into three or more sections. The endocarps are supplied to a machine which, by means of successive impacts between the walls and the fruit, releases the fragments of shell, allowing the copra spheres containing the coconut water from the endocarp to emerge intact. The copra spheres containing water and membranes on the surface thereof are placed in a machine that removes the membranes from the surface in a continuous manner. The resulting spheres are clean and ready for use by the coconut food industry, thereby allowing use of the water within. Immature coconut fruit are supplied to a machine, and the innovative form of the extraction needle and the movements thereof upon entry into and exit from the immature fruit, plus a high-pressure system, guarantees that the water and solid residues contained in the fruit are extracted continuously and automatically.
