Eggshell processing methods and apparatus

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for the processing of eggshells, and more particularly to such methods and apparatus which are particularly adapted for effectively separating the eggshell membrane from the outer eggshell in a manner that the separated fractions can be used effectively in food products and possibly other uses. A method of processing eggshells to separate outer eggshell portions and the membrane portions. The eggshells are dried to remove moisture content and cause at least some separation of the membrane portions from the outer eggshell portions. A first amount of the membrane portions is separated by sieving from the eggshells. The remaining eggshell component is directed to a processing chamber with an impacting zone, where the remaining eggshell component is impacted to reduce the particle size of at least the outer eggshell material to form smaller particles. The outer eggshell particles are collected to a valve, and the membrane portion is pneumatically removed.