{"id":2556,"date":"2022-02-24T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-24T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/?p=2556"},"modified":"2023-05-18T12:01:22","modified_gmt":"2023-05-18T16:01:22","slug":"washing-machine-greens-spinner-conversion-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/cwcallah\/2022\/02\/24\/washing-machine-greens-spinner-conversion-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Washing Machine\/Greens Spinner Conversion Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"\"
A Speed Queen Greens Spinner Conversion, with side panels in place for added protection.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Greens spinners play a vital role making greens production profitable for the small farm. Some farms find themselves stuck in the middle, where inexpensive, small-scale spinners cause a bottleneck, but it is hard to justify a more expensive industrial, stainless steel, restaurant-style machine. If you are just getting started, we have a full overview of Greens Spinners for Farm Use<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have decided to go with a washing machine conversion, then this post is for you. If you have the budget, we recommend that you start with a new machine. Starting with a new clean machine is best. If you are in the market for a washing machine we have a guide explaining the features that you should look for in our Shopping Tips<\/a> post. Once you have chosen your machine use this post to walk you through the conversion process. We have developed standard operating procedures for washing machine conversions of three specific models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Machine Specific Conversion SOPs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Speed Queen TC5<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whirlpool WTW500DW<\/a> (Older model, hard to find)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whirlpool WTW5010LW0<\/a> (Newer model that replaces the WTW5000DW)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hotpoint HTW240ASKWS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Converting a washer we don\u2019t have an SOP for? Here are some steps to help guide the way. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Key Points to Conversion<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

In this guide we cover three main objectives to the washing machine greens spinner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Improving Hygienic design <\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"
An example of a stainless table with good hygienic design featuring and smooth seams. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

When you are modifying a machine for food production you should keep in mind the five key principles of hygienic design<\/a> which are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Visible and Reachable Surfaces<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Smooth and Cleanable Surfaces<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. No Collection Points<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Compatible Materials<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Preventing Contamination<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Adapting to fit basket inserts<\/h2>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"\"<\/a>
    Using the basket as a scoop to drop right into a spinner.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    We recommend the use of baskets for holding the greens inside of your spinner. These are used both for labor efficiency and ease of cleaning. By using a basket, it becomes the primary food contact surface, not the drum of the machine. Some modification may be necessary to fit baskets into some machines (including bumpers<\/a>). Users who adopt the use of baskets find it efficient to \u201cscoop\u201d and drain their greens with them requiring less handling of the product. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Baskets are available from: Brookdale<\/a>, Martins Produce Supply<\/a>, Rainflow Irrigation<\/a>, or Nolts Produce Supply<\/a>. For a additional retailers visit our blog post on harvest containers<\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Installation of a timer switch <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The third key point to a conversion is installing a timer switch. This upgrade is the ticket to automating the machine to spin only, set a consistent cycle time between batches, and automatically shut off after a set amount of time.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"\"
    Installing a timer switch inline with the power cord allows you to easily control the cycle time. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Have the right mindset going into this project <\/h2>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
    \n

    Keep your produce safety glasses on during this procedure. This is a conversion from a household appliance to a machine used for handling food. If completed with appropriate attention to detail, a washing machine can be successfully converted into an appropriate machine for this use. If executed poorly by adding incompatible materials, increased harborage points, or resulting in insufficient cleaning, this may increase the risk of foodborne pathogens in your food. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Remember – The greens in this machine are likely to be eaten raw, so your primary food contact surfaces should be clean enough that you would want to eat off of them. With that in mind, let\u2019s get started! <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    General Greens Spinner Conversion Procedures<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    Topics Covered: <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Accessing and Stripping down the machine
    <\/a>    Reading an Electrical Diagram
    <\/a>    Electrical Conversion in General
    <\/a>    Wiring the Timer Switch
    <\/a>    Draining the Machine
    <\/a>    Flitting the Basket<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    \n

    Tools <\/h2>\n\n\n\n