To operate the device, the nut flow control device is
closed completely. The hopper is then filled with a known
number and mass of nuts. The main switch is then switched
on to actuate the electric motor which runs the impeller in the
cracking chamber. As the impeller reaches its operating
speed, the nut flow control device is opened to allow nuts to
flow into the impeller eye. The incoming nuts slide and roll
on the inner surface of the rectangular pipe, the centrifugal
force developed as a result of the rotation of impeller throws
the nuts against the cracking surface and causes the nuts to
crack. The seeds and the shelled pods flow down through the
clearance between the impeller and the cylindrical shell and
fall on an inclined transition channel that leads to the
separating compartment. Here the shells, which are lower in
density than the seeds, are lifted up by the air stream from the
axial fan and blown out through the shells outlet. The denser
seeds fall through the air stream into the inner wire mesh
funnel to the seed collection chute. Figure 4 shows the
impeller mounted in the operational position.