Andrzej DOWGIAŁŁO
Sea Fisheries Institute, Kołłątaja 1, 81-332 Gdynia, Poland

Key words: sprat, mechanization, processing.

Abstract.
This paper presents the results of investigations of the spatial orientation of sprat positioning using passive and active elements which work together with the vibrating plate. It was revealed that the passive working elements orient well formed sprats in a prone position with a high degree of efficiency. When the sprats are clearly deformed it is useful to support the passive elements with active elements. Additionally, the quantitative influence of water, which moisturizes the vibrating plate, on the speed of sprat movement on the vibrating plate was determined. It was also confirmed that the absolute thickness of the water layer on the plate surface is the second most influential factor after the effects of amplitude, which are almost comparable. This information has yet to be included in the literature.