Analysis of Broken Rice Separation Efficiency of a Laboratory Indented Cylinder Separator

Abstract

Purpose: Using a laboratory indented cylinder separator, broken rice separation experiments were conducted and the characteristics of the separation process were studied to provide information for developing a prototype indented cylinder broken rice separator. Methods: Rice (Ilmi variety) milled in a local RPC was used for the experiment. Rice kernels were classified into four groups according to their length l; whole kernels (l > 3.75 mm), semi-whole kernels (2.5 < l < 3.75 mm), broken kernels (1.75 < l < 2.5 mm), and foreign matters (l < 1.75 mm). A laboratory grain cleaner, Labofix ’90 (Schmidt AG, Germany) was used for the experiments. Experiments were designed as a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement in randomized blocks with three replications. Cylinder rotational speeds (17, 34, 51, 68 rpm) and trough angles (15, 37.5, 60, 82.5°) were the two factors and feed rates (25, 50 kg/h), indent shapes (Us, S1 type), and indent sizes (2.5, 3.75 mm) were treated as the blocks. Two 125 g samples and one 125 g sample were taken at the cylinder outlet and from the trough, respectively. The whole, semi-whole, and broken kernel weight ratio of the samples and feed was determined by a rice sizing device. From these weight ratios, purities, degrees of extraction and coefficient of separation efficiency were calculated. Results: Trough angle, cylinder speed, and their interaction on the coefficient of separation efficiency were statistically significant. Cylinder speed of 17, 34, and 51 rpm made the most effective separation when t he trough angle was 15° or 37.5°, 60°, and 82.5°, respectively. Maximum values of coefficient of separation efficiency were in the range of 60 to 70% except when the indent size was 2.5 mm and were recorded for the combinations of low cylinder speed (17 rpm) with medium trough angle (37.5° or 60°). Indent shape did not appear to make any noticeable difference in separation efficiency. Conclusions: Due to the interaction effect, the trough angle needs to be increased appropriately when an increase in cylinder speed is made if a rapid drop of effectiveness of separation should be avoided. In commercial applications, S1 type indents are preferred because of their better manufacturability and easier maintenance. For successful separation of broken kernels, the indent size should be set slightly bigger than the actual sizes of broken kernels: an indent size of 3.0 mm for separating broken kernels shorter than 2.5 mm.