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Seed Science Center
Seed Conditioning Technology(Part 1 of 2)
Alan GaulSeed Conditioning [email protected]
Agronomy / Horticulture 338Seed Science and Technology
Fall 2017
© Copyright ISU Seed Science Center, duplication or distribution without written permission is prohibited
Seed Science Center
Conditioning Applications Harvest & Storage Issues Material Handling Basics Separation Methods Pre-cleaning / Preparation Cleaning & Sizing Upgrading Equipment*
Treating & Packaging* Definitions & Quality Tests Pending Lab Discussions
Review Topics
* more detail in 2nd presentation
Seed Science Center
Why Condition Seed?
Seed Corn
Adzuki BeansSoybeans• Threshing & Moisture Removal• Weed Seed & Foreign Material• Diseased & Immature Seed• Improve Appearance, Uniformity• Add Protective Coatings
Seed Science Center
Additional Conditioning Issues• Harvest
• Seed Extraction
• Threshing
• Drying
• Specialized Treatments
• Images Courtesy of Prairie Habitat and Seed Processing Holland
Seed Science Center
Production Facilities
Midwestern seed plants are gradually becoming larger, more
complex industrial facilitiesSeed Science Center
General Conditioning Flow Diagram
Bulk Storage
Harvest
Pre-Cleaning Cleaning Separating
& Upgrading
Grower
Treating & Bagging
Storage Shipping
Receiving
Objectives:
• Remove All Contamination
• Minimize Seed Loss
• Remove Low Quality Seed
• Maximize Capacity
• Minimize Labor Required
2
Seed Science Center
Basic Soybean Flow Diagram
Pre-Cleaner
BulkStorage
Spiral/BeltSeparator
Bagging Line
Color Sorter
Seed Treater
Harvest
Finished Seed
Air ScreenCleaner
GravitySeparatortrash
oblong
LightDark
light
Seed Science Center
Typical Flow for Seed Corn
Ear Corn Plant
BulkStorage
Bagging Line
Color Sorter
Seed Treater
Harvest
Finished Seed
Width Sizer
Air ScreenCleaner
GravitySeparator(s)
trash
light
light/dark
Pre-CleanerThickness
SizerThickness
Sizer
broken
Indent Cylinder Sizers
Sized Corn Bins
short
Seed Science Center
Harvest & Storage Concerns
Limit Mechanical Damage• Reduce cylinder or rotor speed• Avoid running at partial capacity
Avoid Varietal Contamination• Extensive cleaning is required
Maintain Quality in Storage• Limit incoming moisture• Pre-clean seed if possible• Level bin and aerate properly• Careful drying may be needed
to reach safe moisture levels
Seed Science Center
Ear Corn Harvest & Receiving
Picking
Husking
Receiving
Sorting Drying
Shelling
• Wet ear corn is harvested & transported to plant• Husks are removed and “off types” sorted manually• Husked corn is then dried prior to shelling
Seed Science Center
Ear Corn Harvest IssuesADVANTAGES– Early Harvest of High Moisture Corn– Field Loss Reduction (Fungi, Insects, Weather)– Potential for Double Crop in Warm Climates– Additional Time for Post Season Operations– Visual Inspection for Quality Control
DISADVANTAGES– High Initial Investment for Ear Corn Facilities– High Labor Costs for Sorting & Handling– High Fuel Cost for Drying
Seed Science Center
Husk & Sort Facilities
Distribution Conveyor
Feeder
Husker
SortingBelt(s)
Feeder
Husker
SortingBelt(s)
SortingBelt(s)
Ear Corn Dryer
Husk & Discard
Husker
Feeder
Truck Unloading
Sorted CornRerun
DiscardRogue
Husks
Shelled Corn
3
Seed Science Center
Ear Corn Dryer Type Diagrams
Based on Airflow Pattern• Bin Qty for Series Airflow• Airflow Direction Changes
Key Differences:• Management Complexity• Airflow Volume Required• Energy Efficiency
Single Pass Double Pass
Single Pass Reversing
Seed Science Center
Ear Corn Dryer Types
Single Pass• Lowest cost per bushel• Small lots – shallow depth limits
Single Pass Reversing• Modular independent bins• Relatively simple management
Double Pass• Energy Efficiency• More difficult to manage
Single Pass Double Pass
Single Pass Reversing
Seed Science Center
Production Ear Corn Shellers• Axial Flow Configurations• Round Bar or Perforated Cage• Rotor Speed affects Seed Damage• MUST maintain Product in Hopper
Round Bar Cage Perforated Cage, Integral Cob Blower
Conical Cage
Seed Science Center
Automated Shelling Lines
• Automated batch operation• Pneumatic seed transfer• Typically 12-20 ears per batch
Typically Found at Larger Seed Research Operations Sorting
Sheller
Cleaner
ColorSorter
Treater
Packeting
Seed Science Center
Material Handling Systems• Elevator Legs
• Belt Conveyors
• Drag Flight Conveyors
• Vibratory Conveyors
• Pneumatic Conveyors
• Gravity Spouts and Letdowns
Seed Science Center
Mechanical Damage during Conditioning
Germination vs Sequence for 2 Moisture Levels
Auger Damage
Moisture Effect
4
Seed Science Center
Mobile Conveying Equipment
Screw Conveyor
Portable Belt Conveyor
Pneumatic Conveyor
Seed Science Center
• High Capacity • Compact• Easily Enclosed• Lower Cost
• Flexible Layout• Multiple Discharge• Minimal Damage• Self Cleaning
• Vertical Lift Only• Some Damage• Boot Cleanout
• Limited Capacity• Maintenance• Higher Cost
Conventional & Continuous Cup Legs
Conventional Continuous Cup
• Trend for continuous cup leg designs for high value or fragile seeds
• Typically for stationary vertical lift applications
Seed Science Center
Vibratory Feeders & Conveyors
Transfer ConveyorReceiving Conveyor
Variable Feeder
• Self Cleaning• Multiple Outlets• Moderate Cost
• Horizontal Only• Limited Distance• Vibration Issues
Seed Science Center
Letdown DevicesSpiral LetdownLetdown Ladder Letdown Ladder
• Commonly Used• Easily Fabricated• Modular Design• Relatively Compact• Can be Rubber Lined• Multiple Small ImpactsSpiral Letdown• Less Common• Eliminates Impacts• More Difficult to Build• Harder to Rubber Line• Need to Match Spiral
Slope to Seed Type
Seed Science Center
Mechanical Damage Detection
Screen ShakerPercent Broken Seed
• Soybean - % Splits (10/64” Slot)• Corn - % BCFM (12/64” Round)
Seed Coat Damage• Soybean – Soak Test• Corn – Fast Green Dye
Unloading
Receiving Leg
Belt Conveyor
Air ScreenCleaner
Cleaner Leg
Inclined Spout
Leg 1
Belt 1
Leg 2
Spout 1
Cleaner
Seed Science Center
Minimizing Mechanical Seed DamageReduce seed velocity
• Minimize drop height in spouts or transfer points• Use lowest RPM needed to provide required capacity• Use a larger conveyor running at lower speed• Use the lowest possible incline angle
Reduce impact, abrasion, crushing or shearing actions• Eliminate pinch points and sharp edges• “Run in” conveyor to polish rough surfaces prior to use• Run most conveyors at (or near) Full Capacity• Consider rubber or plastic product contact surfaces• Modify conveyors if needed to avoid crushing seed
Take extra precautions at cold operating temperatures
5
Seed Science Center
Separation based on Differences in various Physical Properties
Common principles used: Aerodynamics/Terminal Velocity Approximate Seed Size Seed Dimensions (L-W-T) Seed Shape (Rolling Resistance) Product Density Color Differential Most “real world” applications
require multiple techniques
Dry Granular Separation Principles
Seed Science Center
Seed Cleaning - Physical Properties– Aerodynamic Properties (terminal velocity): Aspirator– Seed Size & Shape: Air Screen Cleaner– Dimensional Separation: Length, Width, & Thickness Sizers– Rolling Resistance: Spiral and Belt Separators– Specific Gravity (Density): Gravity Separator & Destoner– Color (UV, visible spectrum, NIR): Color Separator– Surface Texture: Velvet Roll, Vibratory, Magnetic Separator– Affinity for Liquids: Buckhorn Separator– Electrical Characteristics: Electrostatic Separator
Seed Science Center
• Foreign Material - Plant parts, stones, dirt, bugs, etc.
• Other Crop Seed – “Alternative” crops
• Weed Seed - Other undesirable non-crop seeds
• Mechanical Damage – Chipped or broken seed
• Varietal - Other varieties of the intended crop
• Physiological - Physical or biochemical issues
• Pathological - Seed diseases and/or insect damage
Types of Contamination
Seed Science Center
Aspirator Vertical or inclined air column Usage: Pre-cleaning or removal of
light contaminants
Air-Screen Cleaner One or two aspiration columns Multiple perforated screens Usage: Removal of light
contaminants, undersized, and oversized material
Tools of the Trade (1/4)
• LMC Corporation and Westrup USA
Seed Science Center
Aspirator Examples
Pneumatic Column
Cascade AspiratorMultiple Pass
• Images courtesy of LMC, Forsberg, Kice, and SeedTech Systems
Conical (Spout)
• Many different aspirator configurations are available• Primary difference include number of air passes
through seed, length and slope of aspiration column• Designs are typically adapted for specific applications
Seed Science Center
Scalping Aspirators
• Combined Scalping Reel and Aspiration in same machine
• Simultaneous oversize and light material removal
• Common for high capacity removal of trash from seed
Scalperator
Scalping Aspirator
Inlet
Outlets
Air
• Courtesy of Carter-Day Int’l & Westrup USA
Cross Sections
6
Seed Science Center
Size, Shape, & Aerodynamics - Air Screen Cleaner
• Air and Sieve Operations
• Removes FM, Light, Broken, Undersize, & Oversize Seed
Vaughn & DeLouche, 1968
Screen Example
Air-Screen Cleaner
Seed Science Center
Example - Air Screen Cleaner ResultsUpper Air Clean SeedLower AirUndersizeOversize
Soy
bean
sS
eed
Cor
nF
lax
Seed Science Center
Screen Perforations
Round
Wire Mesh
Triangular
Parallel Slot
Cross Slot
Herringbone Slot
• Hole geometry & size determined by application
• Layout affects capacity and screen efficiency
• Size specified in English or Metric
• Multiple screen sizes are typically used for most seed applications
Seed Science Center
Screen Selection• Achieves maximum removal of
foreign material and minimum removal of good product
• Removal of foreign material by cleaner improves effectiveness of other downstream processes
Mechanical screen shaking equipment can be used to provide more consistent results and permit shaking tall screen stacks
• CIMMYT Slide Archive
Seed Science Center
Screen Input
Oversize Material (“overs”)
Undersize Material (“thrus”)
Screening Terminology:• “Scalping” – Removal of Oversize Material from Product• “Sifting” – Removal of Undersize Material from Product• “Sizing” – Dividing the Product into two Size Ranges
•“Efficiency” is based on the desired operation type
Screening / Sizing Terminology
Seed Science Center
Screen Input
Oversize Material (“overs”)
Undersize Material (“thrus”)
Scalping Efficiency (oversize removal):• Percent of Total Oversize Material passing “over” the screen• Scalping Efficiency may be close to 100% for spherical seed
Sifting Efficiency (undersize removal)• Percent of Total Undersize Material passing “thru” the screen• Screen Capacity is limited by desired sifting efficiency
Screening / Sizing Efficiency
7
Seed Science Center
Indent Cylinder or Disc Separator Indented pockets sized for length
separation Usage: Separation of long from
short material (ex: wheat/oats)
Precision Sizer Rotary cylinders with Round or
Slotted perforated holes Usage: Sizing or removal of
contaminants based on Width or Thickness
Tools of the Trade (2/4)
• Carter-Day Int’l and Oliver Manufacturing Co.
Seed Science Center
Seed Size Definitions
Same thickness, different width
Same width, different thickness
Same width & thickness but
different length
Width
Length
Thickness
Seed Science Center
Length Grading – Indent & Disc Separator
Indent Cylinder Disc Separator
Removes Short or Long Seed from Primary Fraction
Seed Science Center
Laboratory Indent Cylinders
• Traditionally operated in “batch” mode• Newer machines capable of either batch or continuous flow• Used for Cylinder Selection and Cleaning Small Lots• Adjustments include Size, Speed, & Trough Position
• Images Courtesy of Westrup USA, Inc.
Seed Science Center
Disc Separator
R Pockets (Cylindrical)
Square Pockets (Desticking)
V Pockets (Spherical)
• “V” (“Vetch”), “V”+Width (mm), V2.5 thru V6.5• “R” (“Rice”), “R”+Width (mm), R 3.5 thru R6• Square (desticking), Letter Designation
• K, L, M, AC, EE, J, A, MM, B, RR-SS, DD, AE-AD, SS-DD
Seed Science Center
De-Sticking Sunflowers
• Stems and sticks are hard to remove using conventional perforated screens
• Lifting sunflowers from sticks can be accomplished using either a disk or indent cylinder separator
8
Seed Science Center
Width and Thickness Sizer
Width – Round Hole Thickness - Slotted
Vaughn & DeLouche, 1968
• Oliver Manufacturing and Carter-Day InternationalSeed Science Center
19R
15R
12S 11.5S
Input From Cleaner
LF LR SRSF
Discard
• Typical sizing stack uses multiple machines to create desired sizes
• Cylinder quantity is based on flow rate at each machine location
• Cylinder capacity depends on % “thrus” and desired efficiency
Sizing Flow Diagram (4 Sizes + Discard)
Thru
Over
Over
Thru
Over Over
Thru Thru
Seed Science Center
Sizing Cylinder SelectionCylinder Selection Factors:
•Fractional quality evaluation•Percent breakout by fraction•Size range limits (plantability)•Marketing requirements
UndersizeDiscard
OversizeDiscard
SmallMediumLarge
Round Slotted
Lab Sizer
Seed Science Center
0 .01 0 .02 0 .03 0 .04 0 .05 0 .06 0 .07 0 .08 0 .09 0 .0
1 0 0 .0
0 2 0 4 0 6 0 8 0 1 0 0
P e r c e n t T h r u s
Ca
pa
cit
y (
BP
H)
1 VT-S
1 VT-R
• Adapted from Carter-Day Data (1995)
• Capacity is typically rated at 95% efficiency (or higher)• Cylinder capacity is higher for round hole configurations• Cylinder capacity increases with higher percentage of thrus
Sizing Cylinder Capacity
Round Hole
Slotted Hole
Seed Science Center
Flat Screen Sizing (modular cleaners)
• Image Courtesy of Westrup USA, Inc.
• Alternate to cylinder sizers on seed corn applications• Limited evidence of reduced mechanical damage, possibly greater
for round seed (Popp, 2003)• Sizing efficiency is typically lower than for cylinders• Capacity is less than equivalent air screen cleaner
Seed Science Center
Spiral Separator Inclined helical flights sloped to
match rolling speed Usage: Separation of spherical
from non-spherical products
Belt (roll) Separator Inclined moving belts Usage: More precise separation
based on differences in rolling speed of various products
Tools of the Trade (3/4)
• Profile Industries, Q-Sage, and Harada Sangyo
9
Seed Science Center
Shriveled or Oblong Seed Causes
• Immature Seed• Diseased Seed
• Frost Damage• Field Conditions
• Drought• Other Factors
Seed Science Center
Static Spiral Examples
• Images courtesy of Profile Industries
Seed Science Center
Rotary Spiral Examples
• Images courtesy of Profile Industries
Single Core Multiple (4) Cores Core Replacement
Seed Science Center
Belt Separator
• Original “Draper Belt” design – single slope• Later modified to use dual belt slope
• Provides multiple fractions, fewer collisions• Multiple belts stacked to provide more capacity
Seed Science Center
Belt Separator Samples
RoundShriveled
Flat Oblong
Single Belt
Flat
Round
Seed Science Center
Gravity Separator Reciprocating inclined fluidized
bed to “float” light from heavy Usage: Density separation of light
weight or heavy product
Color Sorter Optical separation based on
differences in color or intensity Usage: Removal of dark and/or
light discolored material
Tools of the Trade (4/4)
• Oliver Manufacturing and Satake USA
10
Seed Science Center
Fluidized Bed Density SeparationDestoner
• Two Density Fractions• Removes Heavy Material
Gravity Separator• Continuous Density Range• Multiple Fractions Possible• Removes Low Density Seed Destoner
Gravity Table
Seed Science Center
Optical Detection & Separation
Color Sorting Equipment• Provides Two Color Fractions• Removes Light or Dark Material
Accepts
Rejects
Seed Science Center
Treating & Coating
• Provide Pathogen Protection• Improve Planter Performance• Better Product Appearance• Increase Seed Size (Pelleting)
Seed Coating
Seed Pelleting
• Seed Images Courtesy of Seed Processing HollandSeed Science Center
Seed Treating Equipment
Automatic Batch
Continuous Flow
Used to Apply Treatment or Coatings:• Correct Proportion of Seed & Chemical• Acceptable Appearance & Product Flow• Proper Application Rate• Uniform Seed Coverage
• Images courtesy of Gustafson Equipment (Bayer)
Seed Science Center
Packaging
Bulk Bag Filling
Conventional Bag Filling
Package Type Factors:• Market Requirements• Volumetric Issues• Desired Automation• Downstream Handling
Equipment Availability
Seed Science Center
Warehouse Considerations:• Space Requirements• Material Handling Facilities• Possible Climate Control• Traffic Control and Security
Storage and Shipment
11
Seed Science Center
Common Quality Control Measurements• Moisture Content (%)• Test Weight (lb/bu or kg/hectoliter)• Broken Seed (BCFM or Split %)• Seed Coat Damage (%)• Seed Count (seeds/lb, TKW)• Visual Defects (%)• Packaged Units (weight or count)• Flow Rate (lb/hr, bph or tons/hour)• Discard or Fraction Percentage (%)• Separation Efficiency (%)• Good Product Yield (%)• Defect Concentration (%, G:B ratio)• Measurement variability
Divider Test Weight
Screen Shaker
Seed Science Center
Moisture Measurement Technology
Brown-Duvel
Capacitive Meter
Single Kernel
Near Infrared (NIR)• Air oven dryer is the measurement
standard• Other meters are calibrated against oven• Electrical meters - resistance,
capacitance, or near infrared (NIR)• Brown-Duvel - high MC, frozen seed
Air Oven Dryer
Seed Science Center
Density DefinitionsBulk Density
• Typically called “Test Weight” for most seed applications• Weight of a given volume of seed, INCLUDING void spaces• Measured by weighing a container filled under controlled conditions• Very commonly used for both seed and grain applications
Particle Density• Sometimes also called “Kernel Density” or “Seed Density”• Weight of a seed volume EXCLUDING void spaces• Seed volume measured by liquid displacement or a gas pycnometer
Specific Gravity• Ratio of particle density to water (specific gravity of water = 1.0)
Seed Science Center
Test Weight Devices
• Bulk density measurement• Weight per unit volume• English – lbs per bushel• Metric – kg per hectoliter• Tends to correlate well with
seed quality parameters
• Image provided courtesy of Seedburo Equipment Company
Seed Science Center
Split and BCFM Percentages• Splits – Based on 10/64 Slotted Screen (%)• BCFM (Broken Corn & Foreign Material) – Based on
12/64” Round Screen• Screen Shaker to Minimize Variability (30 strokes)• Typically 500g or larger sample
Seed Science Center
Seed Coat Mechanical Damage Tests
• Dilute Bleach Solution (5:1)• 5 Minute Soaking Interval
Sodium Hypochlorite Soak
• Minimal Damage• Limited Swelling
• Slight Damage• Some Swelling• Wrinkled Coats
• Severe Damage• Rapid Swelling• Loose Seed Coats
Fast Green Dye Test
• Minimal Damage• Limited Staining• Good Quality
• Slight Damage• Minor Staining• Storage Concerns
• Severe Damage• Embryonic Staining• Poor Germination
• Commercial Dye Solution• Stains Exposed Starch
12
Seed Science Center
Visual Defect Percentages• Visual Observation (light & dark %)• Possible to partially automate using fast green
dye, image processing, or other methods• Tends to be very subjective – operator effects
BadGoodRatioDefectQty
GoodQtySortEfficiency
Reject_Defect_Qty
Total_Defect_Qty100
Typically tracked over time to monitor for possible process changes or optimize adjustments
Seed Science Center
Seed Count / Size Relationships• Seed is a biological product with
variable size, shape, and density• Seed Count provides an approximate
way to quantify average seed size• The result tends to vary based on
seed dimensions, shape, and weight• Units are typically expressed as
either seed count (seeds/lb) or TGW (grams per 1000 seeds)
• Conversion Equation:
Fewer “Seeds per Pound”
Typical Seed Mixture
Size
Shape
Density
Varia
tion
• Sample size is application dependent
Seed Science Center
Typical Seed Counter Applications• Rough estimate of seed size for a given variety or seed lot• Quantify differences between seed sizes within the same lot• Estimate seed size differences between multiple fractions
from gravity tables or other separation processes• Calibration of weight-based seed treaters for newer systemic
products using “per seed” application rates• Quantify blend proportions for integrated refuge products• Calibration of weight-based bagging scales for high volume
bagging operations and seed quantity based labeling• Packet filling for research or high-value seed applications• Newer devices may provide additional sample analysis tools
Seed Science Center
Mechanical Seed Counter Examples
• Multiple feeder designs• Total vs Batch Operation
Vibratory Bowl
Rotary Disc
RollersVibratory Pan
• Images courtesy of the respective manufacturers
Seed Science Center
Counter Calibration• Calibration sample - ten sets of 100 seeds each• Combine the 10 sets and carefully pour 1,000
seed calibration samples into counter• Start the counter and run until all seeds have
been counted• Final count should be within +/- 2 seeds• Adjust counter and repeat test if required
Seed Science Center
Effect of Counting Speed on Seed Count
Reduced Accuracy
• Limit Speed for Accurate Counts • Compensate for Seed Size
13
Seed Science Center
New Optical Imaging Counter
• Loaned by Process Vision (Richmond, VA)• Rapid 2D counting and sample analysis• Evolving to include additional capabilities• Also using to analyze spiral testing results
Online Unit SSC Lab Unit
RIB Percent
Aspect Ratio
Seed Science Center
Basic Separation Efficiency Concepts• Defined by the intended process goals
– Recovery (removal) of contaminants (“removal efficiency”)– Recovery of good product (“good product yield”)– Separation efficiency (seed recovery adjusted for discard levels)
• Complete contaminant removal will typically also remove a small amount of good product
FeedProduct
Discard
Seed
Defects
Seed Science Center
Sample Flow Calculations (Defect Removal)Given weights of timed samples from each fraction
• Can estimate flow rate and fraction percentagesGrade samples to determine defect concentration
• Can also estimate defect removal rate• Similar calculations possible for most operations
Sample Description
Sample Weight
(lb)
Sample Time (sec)
FlowRate
(lb/hr)
Machine Fraction
(%)
Defect Conc.
(%)
Defect Flow Rate
(lb/hr)
DefectPercent
(%)
Accepts 40.0 20 7200 98.4 0.1 7.2 16.7Rejects 2.0 60 120 1.6 30.0 36.0 83.3
Total Result 7320 100.0 43.2 100.0Note: Calculations shown assume sample time base is not equal
Seed Science Center
Sample Flow Calculations (Yield)Given weights of timed samples from each fraction
• Can estimate flow rate and fraction percentagesGrade samples to determine defect concentration
• Can also estimate defect removal rate• Similar calculations possible for most operations
Sample Description
Sample Weight
(lb)
Sample Time (sec)
FlowRate
(lb/hr)
Machine Fraction
(%)
Seed Conc.
(%)
Seed Flow Rate
(lb/hr)
SeedPercent
(%)
Accepts 40.0 20 7200 98.4 99.9 7192.8 98.8Rejects 2.0 60 120 1.6 70.0 84.0 1.2
Total Result 7320 100.0 7276.8 100.0Note: Calculations shown assume sample time base is not equal
Seed Science Center
Hypothetical Separation Graph
Adjustment Level
Rate
/ E
ffic
ienc
y Le
vel
0
1
Operating Range?
Seed Science Center
Statistical Process Monitoring (SPC/SPM)“Process watching” for change detection
• Dr. Stephen Vardeman (IE 361)
Overall variation components:
• Random, Short Term Baseline
• Non-random, Long Term Variation (to be eliminated)
Shewhart Control Chart
Examples:• Xbar (average)
• Range (max-min)
• Standard Deviation (s)Process MeasurementSystem
Time
Lower Control Limit
Upper Control Limit
“Out of Control” Point
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Q
14
Seed Science Center
• Typical seed separation methods are based on physical differences
• Machine principles may involve size, shape, density, and/or color
• Multiple machines can improve results and minimize seed loss
• Process sequence can often be important for good results
• Understanding characteristics of various contaminants and related equipment capabilities can be useful for difficult separations
Review and Discussion
Seed Science Center
Seed Conditioning Lab Location
ISU Seed Science Center
Tower Lab
Seed Science Center
Pending Lab – Seed Corn Process
• Shelling & Aspiration• Air-Screen Cleaner• Color Sorter• Sizing• Gravity Table• Seed Treater• (Packaging)
Seed Science Center
Seed Conditioning Lab (Lower Level)
Dust FilterLMC Gravity
Scale
Stairs
Station 0E
Station 0B
Station 5
N
Station 1
Equipment Table
Equipment Table
Workbench
Cabi
net
Cabi
net
Cabi
net
Harada Belt Separator
Soybean Samples Cabinet
BMC
Batc
h Tr
eate
r
Tool
Bo
x
Hege Lab Treater
Fors
berg
D
esto
ner
Wes
trup
Belt
Sepa
rato
r
Screen Shaker
Air-Oven Dryer
Test Weight Measurement
Hei
dG
ravi
ty
Elec
tric
al P
anel
SortexColor Sorter
Forsberg 40V GravityOliver Voyager
GVX-1020 Gravity
Crippen H-434 Air-Screen Cleaner
Seed Receiving AreaCa
twal
k
Catwalk
Catw
alk
and
Stai
rs
Mitc
hell
Leg
Leg
4
Shop Equipment
Pilot Plant – Lower Level Small Equipment Lab
Crane Bay
Station 0A Lab Sheller
Aspi
rato
r
Ball Counter
El-C
on
Leg
Scale
Carter-Day Batch Sizer
Divider
IMD Seed Counter
Bagging Scale
WestrupAir-Screen Cleaner
OptiCountImaging Counter
Station 4
Scal
e
Hand Screens for Sizer Efficiency Analysis
Station 3
Forsberg 10M2-S
Rotary Spiral
Brushing Machine
Seed Science Center
Mezzanine Level
Seed Conditioning Lab – Upper Level
ScaleStairs
Station 0C
Station 0D
N
Carter-Day 1VT Sizers
Carter-Day 1VT Sizers
Stai
rs
Mitc
hell
Leg
Leg
4
Pilot Plant – Upper Level
Crane BayDust Filter Dust Filter
Leg
1
Cabinet
SatakeColor Sorter
Forsberg TKV-25 Gravity
TableScale
Carter-Day Fractionating
Aspirator
Storage Shelving
Cart
er-D
ay
#3
Uni
iflow
Station Sequence:0) Cleaner, Batch Sizer, Counter (L)1) Air-Screen Cleaner (L)2) Satake color sorter (U)3) Seed Sizing Stack (U)4) Oliver gravity (L)5) BMC Treater (L)
Gustafson GLCPS Treater
Oliv
er 2
12 S
izer
Profile Spiral
Satake DE Color Sorter
Station 2
Seed Science Center
1 – Sample Analysis & Cylinder Verification
Imaging Counter
Rotary Batch Sizer
Air-Screen Cleaner
• Clean seed prior to sizing• Create 4 seed sizes• Evaluate size %, seed count
15
Seed Science Center
Station 2: Satake Color Sorter
• Review Operation at four dark trip levels• Each group runs one setting• Collect timed sample weights• Evaluate sample quality• Calculate: % Discard by Fraction and
Defect Removal EfficiencySatake ScanMaster IE
Accept Sampling ValvesOutlet Spouts
Seed Science Center
19R
15R
12S 11.5S
Input From Cleaner
LF LR SRSF
Discard
• Timed samples have been collected in advance to save time
• Evaluate each sample to verify sizing efficiency for each stage
• Estimate flow rate, sized fraction percentage, and efficiency
Station 3: Sizing Stack
Thru
Over
Over
Thru
Over Over
Thru Thru
Seed Science Center
Station 4: Oliver Gravity Separator
• Review concepts and demonstrate operation
• Collect 3 timed sample weights – Light, Medium, and Heavy (1 per group)
• Record sample weight and related run time
• Lab sample analysis
Sampling Locations
Model GVX-1020 Voyager Gravity
HLM
X
Seed Science Center
Station 5: BMC Batch Seed Treater
• Review basic components, product flow, and operation• Verify chemical and seed metering rates using closed
circuit calibration tubes and timed sample weights• Given: Initial batch weight, pump speed and cycle time• Calculate: Estimated seed capacity, chemical application
rate, and anticipated hourly chemical usageGustafson / BCS model BMC
laboratory batch treater
Seed Science Center
References & Acknowledgements•Seed Conditioning – Technology. Volume 2A-B. Gregg, B.R. 2010•Seed Processing and Handling. Vaughn, Gregg & Delouche. 1968•Managing Grain After Harvest, Bern. 2005 (AE 469/569 textbook)•Seed Science and Agronomy Department archives•ISU Seed Science workshop presentations (2006-2013)•Various websites, including www.gipsa.usda.gov (seed images)•Various Industry Brochures, Operator’s Manuals, and Discussions:• Advanced Sort Industries – Seymour, IN• AEC Enterprises – St. Charles, Iowa• ArrowCorp, Inc. – Winnipeg, Manitoba• Ball-Coleman (STS) – Chicago, IL• Buhler Sortex – Stockton, CA• Carter-Day Int’l – Minneapolis, MN• Cimbria Bratney Co. – Urbandale, IA• Crippen Manufacturing – St. Louis, MI• Forsbergs, Inc. – Thief River Falls, MN
• Harada Sangyo – Ageo, Saitama, Japan• LMC Manufacturing – Donalsonville, GA• Kice Manufacturing – Wichita, KS• Oliver Mfg. – Rocky Ford, CO• Profile Industries – Rogers, MN• Westrup USA – Dallas, TX• Satake USA – Stafford, TX• Seedburo – Chicago, IL• Universal Industries – Cedar Falls, IA
Seed Science Center
** Thanks for your continued support for the ISU Seed Conditioning Program**
ISU Seed Science Center
