Modernization of the Technical Equipment of the Sections of Separation of the Birch Bark Layer from the Bast

Introduction. Depending on the purpose, a distinction is made between "pure" birch bark and that with an admixture of bast. With an increase in the bast proportion in the birch bark composition, not only the grade of the bark but also its quality decreases. The necessity to separate the outer layer of birch bark from its inner layer is quite a complicated task that requires special devices. The conducted patent search and literature review revealed practical interest in the need to increase the volumes of harvesting high-quality birch bark. The purpose of the research is to modernize devices for separating birch bark layers in order to ensure high quality characteristics of the finished product. Objects and methods. The objects of the study are devices for separating birch bark from bast. The methods of literature survey and patent search for studying similar devices were employed. The advantages and disadvantages of existing design solutions were identified. Results and discussion. Analogs of the equipment, their advantages and disadvantages were determined. New design options were developed and proposals were made to modernize the existing technical solutions for separating bark layers. The authors used the principles of bark layer separation based on the interaction of impact mechanisms, electromagnetic vibrators, contacting vibrating plates and other mechanisms facilitating the deformation of the bark, destruction of the bast layer under the action of impact mechanisms and vibration loads and its separation. It is noted that changing the number of sequentially installed working units of the modernized equipment makes it possible to achieve the required quality of the separation of bark layers. Schematic diagrams of the equipment are presented, a brief description of its main units and their operation principle are given. Conclusion. Specialists and researchers of scientific and industrial organizations are invited to consider the proposed modernized design solutions for separating birch bark layers that allow for high quality characteristics of the finished products. This provides an opportunity to expand the range of existing equipment options available to production facility sections engaged in processing wood raw materials while increasing the efficiency of technological processes. The described technical solutions can contribute to the technical and economic development of the industry.