Greetings, dear colleagues. Today's article will largely focus on beekeepers. Today I will tell you how to convert a mechanical drive of a honey extractor to an electric one.
In beekeeping, the most physically difficult task is pumping out honey after a honey bee. You have to carry carrying boxes with frames full of honey, open the bar, and pump out the honey using a centrifugal honey extractor. It's good if there are helpers. In a large apiary you simply cannot do without them. But if you have a small amateur apiary, then you have to do everything alone. To somehow make the work easier, the apiary has to be electrified. The simplest thing is to equip the honey extractor with a 12-volt electric drive.
Since my apiary is small, I use a small-sized three-frame non-revolving honey extractor. Its diameter is 500 mm. The cassettes are arranged chordally. Most beekeepers use nomadic beekeeping. Throughout the summer honey collection, the apiary constantly moves from one place to another. Therefore, the main condition was that the honey extractor be powered from a twelve-volt car battery.
Of course, the easiest way would be to buy a ready-made electric drive that is commercially available. But, after looking at the prices of factory copies, as well as their technical characteristics, I decided to try to make my own. The fact is that factory electric drives use a high-speed engine, which is used in the car as a cabin heater. Since my honey extractor has a small tank diameter, and the driven pulley of factory analogues reaches a diameter of 300 mm, it would be extremely difficult to work with the frames. I think the belt would be constantly stained with honey. Therefore, I firmly decided to make an electric drive for the honey extractor with my own hands.
There are a sufficient number of ready-made electric drive circuits on the Internet. They can be very different: from simple ones, which use a switch from a washing machine as control, to complex ones - with microcontroller control. I decided to do something of average complexity. As the main ones, I bought ready-made boards on AliExpress.
For my honey extractor I need to use a low-speed engine. The G 108 generator is suitable for this. You just need to modify it a little. I additionally made the output of the exciting winding through an insulator to the generator housing:
Thanks to this, it became possible to reverse the electric motor. If you use a radial honey extractor, then you do not need reverse, and there is no need to redo the generator. At the end of the article I will post a video in which you can see how I experimented with the G 108 generator.
Technology and features of manufacturing a honey extractor
To make an electric honey extractor, you will need a diagram and special drawings that will greatly facilitate the task. The beekeeper must take a barrel and make 2 holes at the bottom. Thanks to these holes, the honey will be drained. A wooden board is attached to the center of the barrel, which will serve as the basis for the future centrifuge. It is important to install it in such a way that it does not block the holes.
To do this you will need a good rotating element, such as parts from an old bicycle. Before connecting all components, it is necessary to prepare a U-shaped frame. This can be done using the edges of the barrel, as they will be able to support it reliably.
Next, holders for the honeycombs are designed. You can take a rectangular frame and then attach shelves from an old refrigerator to it. Fastening is carried out on different sides so that they are parallel. To make the frame move, the beekeeper attaches pedals that need to be rotated.
The result will be a high-quality and reliable electric honey extractor, made by yourself. The last step is to create an electric drive. It is important to remember that this homemade equipment is not suitable for a large apiary.
Killing cockroaches with fog
When cockroaches appear in an apartment, people immediately buy crayons, aerosols, traps and other drugs against them in stores. Unfortunately, over the years insects have developed resistance to the products; they are useless and only accelerate their reproduction. The right decision would be to call a pest control service that uses fog to kill cockroaches. Can be used hot or cold. The process is not complicated, but quite effective. After treating the room in this way, the cockroaches will disappear immediately.
How to make an electric drive for a honey extractor
Making an electric honey extractor with your own hands is not a difficult process, and the main thing that may be useful to you is the presence of such personal qualities as attentiveness and determination. First of all, novice beekeepers are recommended to familiarize themselves with the technical characteristics of the operating units, shown in photographs abundantly posted on the Internet, and, based on their principle, recreate for themselves an electric honey extractor with their own hands.
There are few specific design features of the electric drive. To make a honey extractor yourself, you may need the most primitive tools and materials that almost any real owner has in the house:
- grinder and drill;
- a medium-sized barrel, the choice of material from which the barrel will be made is individual for each craftsman and depends on personal preferences;
- small wooden board;
- metal shelves from an old refrigerator;
- chisel;
- paint for metal.
Previously, when choosing the material from which the main container for a honey extractor would consist, many craftsmen chose wood, considering it more environmentally friendly and not capable of robbing honey of its basic taste qualities and beneficial microelements. However, modern beekeepers do not disdain more practical materials, such as stainless steel and aluminum, which are easier to clean after the work has been done, which allows them to comply with the necessary sanitary standards.
Next, two holes are made in the base of the selected container, from which honey will subsequently flow out. Outside, in the central part, a board is attached as a base, and it should not overlap the previously prepared holes.
In addition, a cassette drum must be present. The number of cassettes mainly depends on the size of the frame with honeycombs. For production, a dense metal mesh equipped with large cells is used.
How to make bee layering
When the engine rotates, honey is separated from the honeycomb frames. Rotation can be carried out in two ways, either electrically or manually. Additionally, for mechanization purposes, honeycomb holders and bicycle pedals can be used as a rotational element (when working manually).
Refrigerator frames are often used as honeycomb holders, which are attached to a previously prepared rectangular frame. The resulting structure is connected to a rotational element (pedals) or an electric drive.
It is noteworthy that the described option is not entirely convenient for working in large apiaries, especially if we are talking about industrial production volumes, since it requires enormous physical exertion, which is why it can only be used by amateur beekeepers in small apiaries.
Most often, the electric drive operates from the network, despite this, you can assemble it yourself with your own hands (which is very difficult to do even for an experienced engineer), or it can be purchased at a specialized store, which requires significant financial costs.
conclusions
Advantages
: perfectly kills insects on the fly, has a compact size, independent power supply from rechargeable batteries, high efficiency in insect control, no chemicals or odors.
Flaws
: the probability of receiving an electric shock by accidentally touching a metal mesh.
Electric fly swatter
- a worthy replacement for outdated fly swatters, which will bring pleasure when hunting for harmful flying insects.
How to make your own noisemaker to neutralize loud noise from bad neighbors? The proposed jammer is designed for local suppression of TV and FM radio signals. I would like to immediately remind you that for creating artificial interference the fine is 20-70 minimum wages, with confiscation of technical equipment, Art. 139-3 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.
Selection of raw materials for honey extractor
The following materials can be used to make a honey extractor:
- the beekeeper must prepare a tool that has a rotating tip, namely a drill or grinder;
- you need to take a special vessel, for example a barrel. An old metal barrel, but not rusty, is ideal;
- to create electrical equipment, you can use old and unnecessary shelves from the refrigerator;
- to make holes, prepare a special chisel;
- all parts will be painted, for this take paint for metal products;
- Wooden boards will also come in handy.
Reviews
If a cold mist from cockroaches is used, an amazing effect is observed, as evidenced by the reviews of many apartment owners.
Katya, Moscow After arthropods appeared in the apartment, I couldn’t get them out for a long time. I used methods that did not bring success. I decided to contact a specialized company; the exterminators responded to the request quickly. After 2 days they arrived, treated with cold fog, after which insects no longer appeared in the apartment.
Victoria, Peter As soon as we noticed cockroaches in the apartment, without hesitation, we contacted the epidemiological service. For processing we chose cold fog, the active substance is cyfluthrin. Specialists carried out work even in the most inaccessible places, insects disappeared from the house forever.
The appearance of cockroaches in an apartment is an unpleasant problem that needs to be solved quickly. To achieve results after the first treatment, you should use powerful preparations in the form of a fog, the particles of which kill arthropods instantly.
Video about cold fog treatment
Source
Features of the electric drive
The honey extractor can operate on electricity. Mechanical pumping of honey takes a lot of effort and time. Making a drive with your own hands is difficult. It will require fasteners, 21G, 108G generators, as well as pulleys. Taking into account all the dimensions, it is necessary to make a hole in the drive. Spread the pin bushing and attach it to the hardware plate. The generator on which the pulley is placed plays an important role.
Using a pin, the generator is attached, and a voltage of 12 W is connected. Use a thin file to make a small groove on the shoulder of the pulley. As a result, it is desirable to obtain a wedge-shaped shape, attach a belt and a spring, which should be tensioned. You may also be interested in an article about creating a solar wax melter with your own hands with detailed drawings.
With the help of an electric drive, a huge amount of complex work can be accomplished. A mechanical honey extractor can be converted into an electric one. For this purpose, it is necessary to perform a number of works:
- leave the lid located on the tank;
- grind the body to make a removable cover, about two bearings will be used;
- Make a special groove on the side of the bearing to get a driven pulley. Make the carving;
- equip the other end with a bushing, connect it to the cassette rotor;
- make the stand required for the bearing housing;
- to quickly pump out honey products, use a three-phase electric motor with a power of at least 250 W;
- make a double clamp to attach the motor to the tank;
- Equip the honey extractor with a special stand to drain the honey. It must have at least two wooden crosses connected by four posts. At the intersection of the crosses, you need to make a triangle-shaped fastening using glue and nails.
An electric centrifuge can be assembled even at 100 watts using a gearbox or a car glass cleaner.
Many beekeepers claim that this power is too weak, but for most apiaries with small dimensions, it is enough. Using adapters and brackets, all parts must be fastened together. Professional beekeepers attach a timer to the device to know when the process of pumping out honey will end.
Instructions for the electric fly swatter
- Turn on the device by pressing the button located on the handle. The indicator light will light up to indicate that the electric fly swatter is ready for use.
- If you hunt annoying “guests” in the dark, use the built-in flashlight (some models have several modes).
- In order for an insect to fall into a trap, it is not necessary to deliver “precision strikes”: one swing of the “racket” and the enemy is defeated. The troublemaker dies immediately when he comes into contact with the metal mesh through which electricity passes. Large individuals, for example, hornets or bumblebees, are simply stunned by the current discharge.
- After use, turn off the device. Remove insects remaining on the surface of the grill with a regular brush.
There is no need to strike, just “drive” the insect into the work area
Types of motors for driving a honey extractor
Manual labor is replaced by the following types of engines
- low power electric motors;
- electric drill;
- electric current generator.
It is important that the mechanism produces torque; For these purposes, the motor of a washing machine, an electric bicycle, or the gear motor of a car windshield wiper can be useful. They also use devices with reverse (reverse motion), which allows you to pump out honey from both sides without rearranging the frame.
DIY electric drive option for honey extractor
- You need to take an electric motor, which has a power of 172 W, a voltage of 110 volts.
- To reduce the speed, you can use a spur or spur gear.
- The electric motor and gearbox are connected using a special board, it is attached to the top of the gearbox, and then the racks are attached.
- You need to take coupling halves to connect the gear axis to the electric motor. They are flanged bushings, they contain up to four pins, and they must fit into specially designed holes.
- The coupling half is attached to the electric motor on the output axis. Please note that the width of the crossbar of the device may differ from the width of the gearbox; in this situation, you need to prepare a special design that will contain two duralumin corners.
- It is necessary to mill strips; the vertical strips should be no more than 20 mm, and the horizontal strips should be no more than 5 mm.
- The crossbar should be shaped like a trough.
- A gearbox, which has a motor, is attached to the angle.
- Using a connecting sleeve, you can connect the gear axles and the rotor of the device. The fastening here is unique - one side is attached to the gear axis, the other should be put on the axis of the honey extractor.
- In order for the engine to fully operate from a 220 volt network, you need to use a special converter based on a semiconductor diode.
Types and drawings of pavilions for bees
Then two blocks are installed at the top of the converter. One will serve to connect to the network, the other will be a 220 volt voltage converter, so there will be a constant effect on the electric motor.
It is recommended to use a special transformer, so the rotor will work gradually, with its help it will be possible to regulate the speed.
It will also help where the converter is located, not abruptly, but gradually change the alternating voltages. This way you can keep under control the voltage, which is constant, it is connected to the electric motor up to 110 volts, after which, as required, it drops to zero.
Below you can get acquainted in detail with a variant of the drawing of an electric drive for a honey extractor; based on it, you can make a device with your own hands.
Drawing “Electric drive option”
Scheme "Design of an electric drive"
Application Guide
- Set the switch to the “work” position;
- Press the button on the handle of the racket (the indicator will glow red) and, while holding the button, swing the racket so that the insect hits the surface and touches the net. Falling between the racket nets, charged with different potentials, the insect burns. After killing an insect, release the button and shake it off;
- If necessary, turn the switch to the “flashlight” position and use the fly swatter as a flashlight;
- Set the switch to the “charging” position and plug the cable into a 220 V electrical network - the green LED indicator will light up.
Gear selection and speed control for honey extractor
The V-belt type of transmission includes pulleys that are adjustable, a belt, a pin, driven and driven types of shafts, a transmission that helps the device speed up or slow down.
Based on the principle of circular speed, the type of transmission is selected, it can increase significantly when the tank used in the machine is large. If the tank has a diameter of 80 cm, small revolutions are needed so that when the beekeeper pumps out honey, the honeycombs are not damaged.
It is convenient to electrically regulate the speed; for this you will need an electric motor, it has a voltage of 220 volts. The manual drive is first dismantled.
Please note that the axle clearance must be placed between the chucks or the shaft and be of optimal dimensions. The bearing below must not be reloaded.
Some people use a battery from a car for electric drive; there is no need to remove it, you can take one side of the cable, on which the generator switch is, and the other side is inserted into a plug socket. So the honey extractor will have two speeds.
Most often, an electric drive is used, which has alternating and direct current, a voltage of 220 volts.
The speed can be adjusted either manually or automatically. Using the automatic mode, you can configure the device for different work, adjust the time and completely adjust the pumping of honey.
So, an electric drive is necessary for the mechanized process of pumping out large amounts of honey. Power most often comes from a 220 volt network; power supplies are used for this. It is better when the rotor speed can be adjusted and the rotation can also be controlled. The electric drive includes a belt, gearbox, block, and rotor. Despite the fact that it is quite difficult to construct a device with your own hands, you can try to do it. You will need a special drawing, a diagram that you will focus on. An electric honey extractor works much faster than a manual device.
Principle of operation
The electric drive has a simple operating principle. The prepared frames are placed in a drum with cassettes. Next, the drum is given rotation. The process is carried out using a handle or a motor with a voltage of 12 volts, which has a gearbox and has a couple of hundred watts.
To organize complete flow, the drum should be rotated for at least twelve minutes, and the frames should be turned over cyclically. When an apiary has about ten hives, the work can be done manually. If the quantity is larger, you will need to install an electric drive on the honey extractor, which has a special gearbox of 220 volts. The motor itself has lower pressure, so it is recommended to equip the entire mechanism with an inverter.
The honey extractor drive can have several operating modes. The automation itself will slow down when the process is completely finished. The life of a beekeeper is greatly simplified. After all, you no longer need to monitor the process all the time. Making this device yourself will help you save a lot of money.
How to make the device yourself
A do-it-yourself electric honey extractor is quite simple to do if you have basic knowledge of electricity and technology. To do this, just look at the photos of existing devices and, based on their principle, create something for yourself. Fortunately, today there are many detailed instructions with photos and videos on how to make a device for pumping out honey yourself. Let's consider the simplest option.
To complete it you will need the following materials:
- drill, grinder;
- medium sized barrel type container;
- chisel;
- refrigerator shelves;
- metal paint;
- small wooden board.
In this case, it is forbidden to use, for example, a galvanized bucket, since zinc degrades the quality of honey.
When choosing a container for a honey extractor, you can familiarize yourself with the photo, what materials and forms are used for this. Two holes are made in the bottom of the container through which the honey will be removed. A wooden board is attached to the center outside as the base of the honey extractor. It is installed in such a way that it does not overlap previously made holes.
Any honey extractor works like a centrifuge. Rotating, it separates the honey from the honeycomb frames. Rotation can be done either manually or using a drive (examples of various products are shown in the photo). You can either buy it, which is expensive, or make it yourself using photo or video tutorials. In addition to the drive, a rotational element such as bicycle pedals is used, as well as honeycomb holders.
Honeycomb holders are made from refrigerator frames, attaching them to a previously made rectangular frame. This structure is connected to pedals (manual version) or drive. Of course, an electric drive for a honey extractor is the best and most practical solution. You can see how to connect individual parts in photos and videos from the Internet. It should also be taken into account that reviews from beekeepers indicate the inconvenience of using homemade units in large apiaries, that is, this option is suitable only for amateur beekeepers.
Rules for organizing and placing an apiary
Electric honey extractor option, which must be equipped with:
- 1 – tank;
- 2 – lid, which is placed on top of the tank;
- 3 – a special plate is placed down the bearing housing;
- 4 – housings;
- 5 – covers, which must be removed;
- 6 – driving pulley;
- 7 – driven pulley;
- 8 – nut for fixing;
- 9 – clamp;
- 10 – axis;
- 11 – a bolt with which the axles will be connected;
- 12 – bolts that secure the engine to the clamps;
- 13 – motor shoe;
- 14 – L-shaped plate;
- 15 – bearings;
- 16 – axis;
- 17 – bolts with which you can secure the plate;
- 18 – screws suitable for removable covers;
- 19 – belt;
- 20 – engine;
- 21 – protrusions;
- 22 – ties;
- 23 – cross stand;
- 24 – racks;
- 25 – racks in the form of a triangle;
- 26 – tank slots;
- 27 – hole for honey drainage.
This device must be equipped with a centrifuge and cassette drum. As for the number of cassettes, their number can be any, depending on the dimensions of the device. During the construction process, a metal mesh with large cells is suitable. It’s easy to make a device with your own hands; you will need the necessary materials and drawings.
Centrifuge manufacturing process
Make 2 holes in the prepared barrel to completely drain the product. Attach a wooden board in the central part of the container; this will serve as the basis for the future device. Position it so that it cannot block the hole.
When the device rotates, the honey product flies out from the frames. It is important to think of a good rotary tool; old bicycle pedals will come in handy. Before you fasten the pieces together, consider having the right frame. Use the edges of the barrel, which will provide reliable support for a strong frame.
Make special mounts for honeycombs using a special rectangular frame. You need to connect the shelves from the refrigerator to it. They can be screwed in parallel. Then attach the pedals; when they rotate, the frame will move. Firmly fasten all the parts to make the electric honey extractor reliable and strong.
Features of the design of an electric drive for a honey extractor
The device is based on a generator, you definitely need to stock up on pulleys, a strap, you can take it from a washing machine, and also installation fasteners.
To make an electric drive with your own hands:
- We need to get rid of the standard drive; it is removed from the honey extractor.
- Afterwards, taking into account the diameter, the shaft is drilled, a large pulley should be formed, then it is installed at the top.
- Prepare an M8 size pin, attach it to the honey extractor plate, please note that it is important to take into account the condition of the sleeve, it must be open.
Manufacturing a generator for an electric honey extractor
- A small pulley is installed.
- The pulley must be drilled out; to do this, the diameter must be taken into account.
- After the generator is completely secured to the stud, you need to connect a voltage of 12 volts.
- Using a thin file, you need to prepare a special groove, it should be shallow to 10 mm, so it will be wedge-shaped.
- Adjust with a file.
- Then the belt is put on.
- Be sure to tighten the spring.
Below is a diagram of a 12 volt electric drive.
Scheme “Design of an electric drive for a honey extractor”
Varieties
There are 4 types of drives. Each of them has its own characteristics:
- A gear drive for a honey extractor is used to mechanize a procedure consisting of pumping out a sweet liquid. It can be replaced with a manual drive. Makes the beekeeper's work easier, while productivity increases. Power is supplied from batteries through a specific unit. The current of rotation is absolutely any.
- The worm drive for the honey extractor has touch control, the pumping process is completely mechanical, the body is made of aluminum. Power can be supplied from the mains or a battery. Provides the ability to perform different directions of rotation. The rotor produces speeds that can be adjusted.
- The belt drive is installed on all models that have a rotor shaft output through a crossbar. During prolonged use, the honey extractor control unit may overheat. Then a special emergency mode begins to turn on. It consists of a motor, a toothed belt, and the base is a sheet of steel three millimeters thick. All parts are mounted on ball bearings.
- The manual two-way rotation gearbox of the honey extractor is compatible with all types of models. The main role of the mechanism is to transmit the rotation of the handle to the axis of the product. Cassettes with special frames begin to move.
Precautionary measures
If the treatment is carried out by specialists, then precautions are limited to preparing the apartment, leaving it for the necessary time and general cleaning after the procedure.
If you decide to poison cockroaches with cold fog yourself, you need to take care of protection:
- clothing should cover the entire body - long trousers, a jacket with long sleeves;
- closed shoes;
- a hat or hood covering the hair;
- gloves;
- protective mask or respirator, goggles.
The main thing is to prevent the insecticide from getting on the skin, eyes, or respiratory tract.
Design
The good quality of honey also depends on the preservation of the honeycomb frames, which is why the choice and composition of its design should be considered one of the most important stages in the apiary. The main spare parts include:
- Tank or vat;
- A drum (rotor) into which honeycomb cells are inserted;
- Drive unit.
Thanks to rapid rotations, under the influence of centrifugal force, honey flies out of the honeycomb frames and flows into the vat. For convenience, they are divided into vertical and horizontal. Based on the number of hives and honey produced, you should choose a design that is more comfortable for you.
Vertical
The usual standard equipment, in which the cassettes and centrifuge are located vertically, which is where the name comes from. The rotation mechanism occurs in a vertical position.
Horizontal
This type is more effective, since it is simultaneously acted upon by centrifugal and gravitational forces, resulting in a strong suction result. It is possible to tilt the centrifuge.
Usage
The electric honey extractor is equipped with a toggle switch (control of revolutions), a timer (setting the required time), and revolutions (adjusting the speed of rotation of the cassettes). When you make a unit with an electric drive yourself, it is much easier to work with it.
Before use, the manual gearbox is removed from the structure. The shaft is inserted into the bracket with bearings. The drive is fixed using bolts. Then install the pulley and secure it with nuts. Instead of a drive, a drive is attached, the belt is put on a pulley.
What is the difference from hot fog?
Cold and hot fog are used to get rid of insects. The principle is the same - a working generator disperses microparticles of a chemical solution in the room. Main differences:
- with the hot spraying method, the insecticide is heated to 50 - 60⁰С;
- particles of hot fog are much smaller than cold fog, therefore, their penetrating ability is higher;
- vapors of cold fog are practically invisible, while hot fog is visible to the naked eye, which means the direction of the flow can be controlled;
- heated particles remain in the air for about 8-9 hours, while cold particles settle within 3-4 hours.
Hot fog, compared to cold fog, is more effective in killing cockroaches, but at the same time a number of restrictions are imposed on its use in enclosed spaces.
