Efficiency of grain cleaner to increase test weight in wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Abstract

AbstractBackground and objectivesWeather conditions can deteriorate the test weight to the extent that some wheat lots see their access to the market compromised. Test weight degradation may be due to low grain density or to an alteration in packing characteristics, in particular because of a high level of impurities in the batch. Therefore, grain cleaning can improve test weight by removing impurities. The objective of this work was to determine the settings of the cleaner that significantly influence both the improvement of test weight and the amount of materials removed by cleaning, in order to advise silo managers on the cleaning strategy to adopt in case of low‐test weight harvest.FindingsWe implemented a complete factorial design of experiments using a laboratory cleaner‐separator. The factors tested were the initial test weight, the screens used, the aspiration, and the grain flow rate.ConclusionsCleaning significantly improve test weight by an average of 2.1 kg/hl. The average amount of material removed is 8.1%. The only setting that significantly impacts the test weight gain is the grain flow rate. Using a more open screen does not affect test weight gain but greatly increases screenings, so this strategy should be avoided.Significance and noveltyAs a result of this work, two decision trees guide the choice of the operators as regards the adjustment of the devices according to the expected specific weight gain and the amount of lost material caused.