Seed destoner

Types of seed destoners

As a crucial initial processing stage, seed destoners are fundamental for separating valuable seeds from unwholesome foreign materials such as stones, dirt clumps, or other non-seed parts. In the agricultural business, ensuring a pure, high-quality yield is paramount, making the operation of seed destoners indispensable.

Generally, seed destoners can be categorized according to the stone-removing mechanism, structure, and processing capacity.

• The most common way to classify seed destoners is according to the separating mechanism. Gravity destoners are the most typical kind of seed destoner, which separates materials of different densities using air currents and vibrating screens. Airflow destoners, on the other hand, separate objects of different weights and sizes by using a combination of air pressure and vibrating screens. Optical destoners are relatively modern inventions that utilize image processing technology to identify and separate seeds and stones based on their size and shape.
• According to its structure and design, seed destoners can be divided into horizontal seed destoners and vertical seed destoners. Generally, horizontal seed destoners are more commonly used because they are easier to operate and maintain. Vertical seed destoners, on the other hand, are more space-saving.
• Seed destoners of different scopes are also available for selection according to the processing capacity. Industrial-scale seed destoners are suitable for commercial use, while small-scale seed destoners are more suited to the use of family farms or small-scale workshops.

Since different seeds have their particular properties, a wide variety of seed destoners are available for selection.

• Corn seed destoner: Corn, known as maize in some regions, is a significant staple crop grown worldwide. The corn seed destoner is engineered specifically to sort and purify maize. The machine's primary purpose is to eliminate extraneous matter like stones, soil clumps, and other non-seed items while retaining the valuable corn seeds. This corn seed destoner effectively separates various corn types.
• Rice seed destoner: The rice seed destoner is designed to handle rice grains. After harvesting, the rice usually contains many foreign objects such as stones and soil clods requiring removal to prepare the rice for further processing and consumption. The rice seed destoner performs this task quite well.
• Wheat seed destoner: Similarly, wheat grain also tends to have its share of stones and dirt, requiring removal to obtain clean wheat ready for milling. The wheat seed destoner is specially made to handle wheat. It separates the stones and soil clods from the pure wheat seed—no matter how small the foreign matter—ready for milling to produce flour and other wheat products.
• Sunflower seed destoner: Sunflower seeds are tiny seeds requiring a delicate approach during processing. However, they are also susceptible to contamination from stones and soil clods, which need to be removed before further processing. The sunflower seed destoner achieves the desired results, obtaining clean and uncontaminated sunflower seeds for further processing.

Specification and maintenance of seed destoners

Specifications for seed destoner machine will vary depending upon the model being used and how much capacity is needed.

• Typical capacities: For example, a smaller machine that is suitable for a 1- 2 ton per hour capacity is the Seed Clean 8000 Destoner and its weight is 1500kg. A more industrial-scale machine would be the Seed Clean 70000 Destoner which has a capacity of 5-10 tons per hour with a transportation weight of 3000kg.
• Separation method: Pneumatic Seed Destoners use air to separate stones and seeds with the aid of a shaker and a hopper whereas Gravity Seed Destoners are fitted with a deck where the seeds and stones are separated based on different weights. The specifications will vary according to the method of separation used.
• Number of screens: Depending on the type of grain, the number of screens can range from 1 to 4. Each screen will have a distinct function in destoning and grading the seed.
• Motor: A motor of about 3-5 HP is usually used to operate the seed destoner machines, but this will vary depending upon the model and the size of the machine.

It is important to maintain a seed destoner so that it can function well and separate seeds from stones accurately and efficiently. The following seed destoner maintenance tips will help:

• Regular cleaning: After use, it is important to clean the machine thoroughly to remove seeds, dust, and stones. Doing this will help to prevent any blockage and the build-up of impurities.
• Check for damage: The seed destoner should be inspected regularly for any damage such as screen holes, belts, fan blades, or hopper cracks. Any damage should be repaired or replaced to ensure that there is effective grain destoning and separation.
• Lubrication: It is important to apply lubrication to the moving parts of the seed destoner to minimize wear and tear and to allow smooth movement.
• Air filter maintenance: If the seed destoner has an air extraction mechanism then the filters should be cleaned or replaced periodically to ensure that the air flow is not impeded.

Scenarios of seed destoners

• Agricultural seeds cleaning factories

  Seed cleaning factories typically receive a large quantity of seeds, such as millet destoning machines, every day. Farmer cooperatives, importers, or exporters are the main buyers. The aim is to provide quality seeds for local farmers and export countries. As a result, industrial seed cleaning systems are commonly used. In addition to destoners, other machines such as seed graders and seed cleaners are integrated into the system.

• Mill processing plants

  Processing plants often choose wheat destoning machines with a high capacity and efficiency because a large quantity of grains is processed each day. The primary goal of these plants is to produce flour for many bakeries and other customers. Furthermore, sorting and grading are essential after the grains have been processed.

• Large-scale farms and ranches

  Livestock ranches and large-scale farms also need seed destoners to process grains for animal feed. Common grains, such as maize and millet, need to be processed every day. It is very helpful to have a seed destoner as part of the feed processing system.

• Food processing factories

  Food processing companies may use seed destoners in their factories to remove stones from various seeds such as sesame, flax, and chia. These seeds are then used for the production of some food items such as bakery goods, cooking oils, and granola bars.

• Seed production and research companies

  When agricultural tech companies need to purify and classify seeds, they may choose to purchase premium seed destoners. These premium quality seed destoners offer a more precise and gentle handling approach. They are essential for high-value and sensitive seed varieties.

How to choose seed destoners

• Consider the grain types

  Different seed destoners are designed to handle specific types of grains. For example, some models may be suitable for handling paddy, while others are designed for millet, wheat, rye, or barley. It is important to choose a grain destoner that matches the seed investor's grain type to ensure effective separation.

• Examine the air pressure

  When selecting a seed destoner, it is important to consider the required air pressure for the effective separation of stones and seeds. The optimal air pressure may vary depending on the grain type and the specific seed destoner being used. Higher air pressures may be necessary for separating heavier stones from lighter seeds or grains.

• Check the capacity and dimensions

  When choosing a seed destoner, it is important to consider its capacity and dimensions. The capacity of a seed destoner refers to the amount of grain it can process in a given period, typically measured in tons per hour or similar units. The dimensions of the seed destoner, including its size and weight, are also important to ensure that it can be easily integrated into the existing grain processing setup.

• Consider water percentage

  When selecting a seed destoner, it is important to consider the water percentage or moisture content of the grains that will be processed. Some seed destoners are equipped with specific features, such as air blowers or dryers, to handle grains with higher moisture content effectively.

• Assess the separation efficiency

  It is important to consider the separation efficiency of the stone/seed separator while choosing one for the desired application. Different models may vary in their ability to effectively separate impurities such as stones, dirt, and other non-grain materials from valuable grains.

• Think about the dew point

  When choosing a seed destoner, it is important to consider the dew point, which refers to the temperature at which moisture in the air begins to condense. The dew point is a critical factor in grain processing, as it affects the formation of condensation and moisture buildup.

Seed Destoner Q & A

Q1. How can business buyers tell if the seed destoner will work with their existing production line?

A1. Check the details of the material used to construct the feeding hopper and outlet. If these parts have adjustable interfaces, they can be modified to fit the existing production line.

Q2. Can the seed destoner separate foreign seeds from crop seeds, such as mustard and mustard seeds?

A2. Yes, there are seed destoners configured specifically for separating foreign seeds from crop seeds. The configuration will depend on the size, shape, and weight of the crop and foreign seed. The experts at the machinery supply store can help choose the right machine for this task.

Q3. Can upgrading the seed destoner improve the profitability of a food processing business?

A3. Yes, an efficient grain cleaning system like a seed destoner can improve product quality, reduce manual sorting, increase capacity, lower operating costs, and improve the overall profitability of the business.

Q4. What are some features of modern industrial seed destoners?

A4. Modern industrial seed destoners have many useful features. Some include adjustable air flow and vibration settings, a built-in fan and dust collection hood, multiple screening decks, electronic control systems, inspect doors, and weighing and sorting systems.

Q5. Is there research to show the impact of seed destoners on the agricultural economy?

A5. Yes, studies show that seed destoners increased cleaning rates by up to 70% compared to manual methods. The widespread use of seed destoners improved crop quality and reduced the cleaning cost to less than $0.05 per kg of seeds.