UNIT 5 SIFTERS AND PURIFIERS

Structure
5.0 Objectives
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Evolution and Development in Sifters
5.3 Definition of a Plan Sifter and the Various Types
5.4 Balancing of Sifter
5.5 Drawer - Type Sifter
5.6 Square Sifter
5.7 Merits / Demerits of Sifters
5.8 Junior Square Sifter
5.9 CentrifugalSifter
5.10 Turbo Sifter
5.11 Break Pre-sifter
5.12 Principle of Operation of Purifier
5.13 Construction of Purifier
5.14 Different Type of Purifiers
5.15 Specific Purifier Width
5.16 Let Us Sum UP
5.17 Key Words
5.18 Answers to Check Your Progress Exercise
5.19 Some Useful References

5.0 OBJECTIVES
After studying this unit, you should be able to:
• become familiar with sifters used in Flour Milling Industry;
• know the various types of sifters, their construction, their operation, respective
advantages and disadvantages;
• make you understand the driving mechanism and balancing of sifters;
• become familiar with the machine "Purifier" used in Flour Milling Industry; and
• understand the principle of operation, construction of machine and uses of
purifier.

5.1 INTRODUCTION
As we have a heart in our body, which receives the blood and repumps either for'
purification or utilization in various parts of our body, the sifter does more or less
a similar function in a flour mill.

We put plansifters (sifters constructed with movement horizontal to the plane) in

the flour mill to receive the stock from individual milling passage, sieve the product
according to size in the plansifter and drop these separated products in process to
their respective destination (Flour gets packed and other intermediary products
are further processed). '
69
Milling Machines - 1 Due to its advantage, the free-swinging plansifter is the most predominantly used
machine for sifting and separations in the milling process.

The purpose of the purifier, more precisely, the semolina purifier is to rid the semolina
and middlings coming from the break section of the mill, of bran particles. Also,
to classify the semolina and middlings so that products received are as clean as
possible and with low ash content.

These clean and well classified products are of importance for production of good
commercial semolina and middlings, as well as, in improving the yield of low-ash
flours.

The purifier is very important in durum and maize mills to achieve high extraction
of clean semolina and middlings. Equally, it is important in flour mills, where we
produce semolinae (sooji and rawa), as well as high percentage of low-ash flours.

5.2 EVOLUTION AND DEVELOPMENT IN SIFTERS

During 1887, Herr. Cral Haggenmacher of Budapest, Hungary built the first
plansifter. The sieving principle of the plan sifter was based on copying of the
movement of a hand sieve. Among the first plansifters, there was also a plansifter
with round sieves, known as "Bunge-sifter". It consisted practically of a number
of sieves, one put up on another. This type of construction can today still be found
in the "laboratory sifter". Though a bunge sifter works perfectly, it has practical
difficulty for a flow diagram and it is not very suitable for continuous operation.

In 1895, the German engineer Julius Koenegen built the protoype of today's
plansfiter by dividing the sifter box into two and placing two fly weights into the
center of gravity between the two boxes (Fig. 3.1.5.5a.l). A steel construction
was holding the two boxes together, it also carried the center bearing. The driving
stand, which was firmly screwed on to the floor took care of a guidance of the
circular movement. This sifter still transferred some vibrations to the floor, because
the proportion between the weight of the boxes and the fly weight was never exact.
These plansifters were named "Zwangslaeufers (compulsion runners). Although the
vibrations transmitted on the building were smaller with this type of sifter, later on,
the stand was eliminated, the fly weights have been connected freely swinging with
the driving shaft that was hung up on the upper bearing suspension to make it truly
and freely swinging.

Ill" I III fr. I! " f "'JJ.Lt:..

.
..l--c:J---
\
--C-B)

Fig. 1: Working of Plan Sifter

In the 1900s, the Englishman John Speight was the first one to subdivide the sieve
box into three compartments with sliding rails and to introduce shortened sieves,
similar to drawers, individually 'into these compartments. This made it possible to
70
 Sifters and Purifiers
remove each sieve individually and independently from the sieves above, and to
exchange it, if necessary.

In line of development of plansifters, the drawer-type plansifter with 12-22 sieves

one upon another with two different sieve widths of 285mm and 405mm, as it is
built today makes possible a very economical splitting up of the total sieve surface.
Further more, since about 1917, another type of modem plansifter "The square
type" has come to the industry. It is a stack sifter with square sieve frames of
approximately 500mm X 500mm with maximum 32 sieves. This sifter offered bigger
sifting area in relation to space requirement compared with the drawer type.

5.3 DEFINITION OF A PLANSIFTER AND THE

VARiouS TYPES
As the name indicate (Latin. Plan=l.evel, fiat), the sieves are arranged horizontally
and the eccentric movement causes a circular run of the products to be sifted on
the sieves. This causes a shift of the individual particles according to their specific
weight. Thus, the specifically-heavier particles such as flour, middlings and semoina
sink downwards, and the light particles such as break stock with some bran and
endosperm float on the top. In other words, the material gets stratified on the sieve,
the particles that are most difficult to sift have the closest contact with the sieve,
and they sink first.

The history saw several types of plansifters, like, long sieve sifter, drawer type sifter,
square sifter, junior square sifter etc. Now, let us discuss these sifters.

The Long Sieve Sifter

This construction corresponds with the present "free swinging plansifters". All these
sifters were so-called stack sifters. That is 8-18 sieves have been placed one upon
another to form a stack and have been tightened together to form as uniform parcel.
Each sieve box could be subdivided horizontally and vertically into 2-3 or 4
channels. The sieve lengths are more or less 1600mm. For conveying of the product
on the sieves, pallets/conveying blades were used. The sieves are cleaned by
rotating traveling brushes.

Fig. 2: Long Sieve Sifter 71

Milling Machines - 1 The main disadvantage of this sifter was, if a sieve had to be exchanged or when
it was necessary to replace a brush, the complete sieve stack had to be taken
apart (Fig. 2). Black brushes (Hoarse hair) are used to clean coarser sieves and
white brushes (goat hair) are used for fine sieves.

In this construction, the driving stand is omitted and the fly weights (counter weights)
are placed independently from the sieve boxes on a free swinging driving shaft.
This shaft is hanging on a suspension bearing, that is fixed to the ceiling, the fly
weights are placed between the two sieve boxes. The weights are guided by a
sleeve bearing which is fixed to the steel construction. The sleeve bearing are oil-
lubricated. The whole sifter is hanging on the cross beams of the ceiling suspended
by canes.

The Short Sieve Sifter

The short sieve sifter is the slightly improved model of the long sieve sifter.
Construction-wise they do not differ much, except that the sieve length has been
reduced to about half. Because of this short sieve length, the stroke of the sifter
as well as the feed pressure caused by the inflowing product are sufficient to convey
the product from the inlet to the outlet. Therefore, the transporting pallets are
omitted and the distribution of the product over the sieve is better, plus the shifting
of the particles according to specific weight is no more disturbed by pallets;
imparting high sifting efficiency, the throughs are cleaners as well as the capacity is
bigger. Technical details were summarized elsewhere.

Plansifter Drives - A
By now you are aware of the construction of a long sieve and short sieve plansifter,
let us study and understand how the plansifter is driven. The plansifter receives its
circular motion from the revolving balance weight created by
.i) Motor drive and V -belt or flat belt transmission on to a vertical shaft and from
there via an eccentric coupling onto the balanced weight (see Fig. 3). This is
used in older models 'mostly for long & short sieve plansifters.

Fig. 3: Plan sifter Drives

ii) On the casing built on or built-in concentrically eo-oscillating motor with V-

72 belts transmission, acting directly on to the balance weight.
In the case of shaft-drive system, the balance weight is flexibly connected with a Sifters and Purifiers

carrying point and supported almost without friction in a concentric aligning seat.
This alignment seat is fitted in the drive that is fastened on to the trunnion. The
trunnion is connected to the drive shaft via the eccentric coupling which gives the
whole system a revolving motion. When the forces in the system are in a state of
equilibrium, the drive shaft will revolve exactly around its own axis. The drive shaft
is supported in the upper section of the drive on to a pendulum roller bearing which
has now to carry the weight of the whole drive unit with the balance and must
additionally take up the radial forces of the belt pull in a radial direction. The balance
weight turns at the top and the bottom in a sleeve bearing each with oil-circulating
lubrication. The bearings are fastened onto the plansifter housing.

The flat spring connection between the driver and the balance weight causes a better
start and stop condition it also provides stability to the concentric run more quickly
if the sifter is jolted.

Plansifter Drives - B
Unlike the case discussed before, you will come across drive motors fastened onto
the sifter housing for a drive with built-in motor, that is without a drive shaft. The
transmission from the motor acts directly on to the rotating weight which is
supported at the top and bottom with a grease-lubricated self-aligning bearing. The
bodies of these bearings are fastened onto the plansifter housing and describe,
together with the plansifter, the throw circle that results from the pre-determined
rotary weight. The throw circle diameter of the sifter can be influenced by altering
the rotating weights, either by adding or subtracting weight or by changing the center
of gravity distance to the throw circle center. It is thus possible to alter the throw
continuously as required with two movable, scissor-like adjustable gyrating masses.

The drive type with built-in motor is probably the most simple solution in plansifter
design and also it is easy to service this machine. The play of forces, however, is
not so simply solved, as compared to the shaft-driven sifters, a point that becomes
visible when starting or stopping the machine. The plansifter hangs in the center of
gravity of the four sides multicane supports. The plansifter is forced away from
this center when started and finds its usual circular path after a while (see Fig. 4).
See Fig. 4a to understand the position of plan sifter, shaft, counterweight position.

Fig. 4: Plan Sifter Motion

73
Milling Machines - 1

'f
I
!
;
I

I
I

•
Plansifter box on its own that is Shaft and Shaft and sifter box connected
without shaft and counter weight counterweight The sifter box is on its weight and
hanging on the rods are vertical without sifter is in equilibrium
Whenever we fix plansifter the box The rods are inclined if the box is
rods will be vertical Shaft is inclined connected with the shaft
also, centre of The shaft is vertical
gravity is in line The sifter box should always be
with suspended vertical
point

Fig. 4a: Plan Sifter Drives

As you observe, an increase in throw is noted at run out speed at the end of
operation and additionally, the circular motion transfers to a to-and-fro motion.
Hence, a lock-out relay is installed in the electric switch installation which avoids
a re-start after shutting-off the motor, till the plansifter has come to a complete
stand still.

The throw diameters of modem large plansifters are approximately 74-75mm with
an appropriate speed of 220 revolutions per minute.

5.4 BALANCING OF SIFTER

Equation for correct concentric run:

Throw radius X Siftermass = Kinetic energy radius X Rotating mass

(r X M, = R X M2)

Throw radius and kinetic energy radius are fixed values. When there is an altered
sifter mass, the rotating mass must be adopted to it. Should the drive shaft now
move out of its axis of turn, it is because, too much or too little weight (lead weights)
is in the rotating weight, or the weights are fitted unsystematically.

When the sifter is loaded with stock, the shaft is coated with chalk to correct the
true run and then touched with a pointed stick. The contact marks created on the
shaft denote: .
(i) Mark on the side of the rotating weight - Insert more lead
(ii) Mark on the opposite side - Remove lead
(iii) Mark at the right of the rotating weight side - move lead from the left side
chambers to the right side chambers
(iv) Mark on the left of the rotating weight side - move lead correspondingly
from right to left
74
The lead weights must always be altered uniformly in the bottom and upper rotating Sifters and Purifiers

weight half. After balancing the drive system, the contact mark should be evenly
visible around the whole shaft.

As you see in balancing of sifter, the equation for a correct concentric drive must
also agree. The throw circle is used for the evaluation when balancing the sifter.
The inscribed throw circle at the top and at the bottom of the sifter box during the
gyration of the sifter, shows us how to alter the rotating weight.
(i) A too small throw diameter means, the rotating weight must be made heavier.
(ii) A too large throw diameter means, the rotating weight must be reduced in
weight.

How to Tighten a Sifter Box

As you noticed, the long sieve and short sieve plansifters have to be tightened after
arranging the stack of sifter sieves and frames to a sifter box.

The (Fig. 5) indicates the positions (points) 1 to 7. To tighten the sifter box proceed
as below.
Step
1. Make sure that the stack of sieves is in vertical position. Tighten bolts 1 slightly
2. Tighten bolts 4 and 6 slightly. Tightening shall be cross-wise.
3. Bolts 3 and 5 should be tightened slightly in the same way like the previous
set.
4. Give final tension to all the bolts 3,4,5,6 using a special spanner having a small
lever action to avoid over tensioning.
Note: Sifters which have good felt lining do not need to be tentioned much.
Over tightening is mainly due to bad felt linings or by using spanners with long
leverage. Avoid this situation.
5. Bolt 2 have to be tightened fmnly
(Too much tightening results in cracking of steel angles)
6. bolt 1 have to be tightend fully
Note: A Good Felt lining for this type of sifter is also important, because due
to change in climate, the wood will expand, and then to avoid tension in the
wood, the felt lining acts as a buffer, and thus avoid cracking of the wooden
frames.

Fig. 5: Tightening of a Sifter Box

75
Milling Machines - 1
5.5 DRAWER - TYPE SIFTER
The development of this sifter by John speight in Europe during and upto Mid 1900s
replaced the long sieve sifter. The simple operation and the wide choice of sizes
makes the drawer type plansifter popular for small as well as for big Flour Milling
Plants (Fig. 6).

Fig. 6: Drawer type Sifter

Design-wise it differs fundamentally from the long sieve plansifter. The machine is
composed of steel sheets formed into a self-carrying sifter casing. The sifter
construction is bolted together and not welded. It has 4,6,7 or 8 sieve compartment
with] 2-22 super-imposed sieves. On both sides of each compartment is a door
fitted with quick locks, which swings out completely. The whole box is suspended
by canes (Fig. 7).

Fig. 7: Drawer type plansifter with opened sieve compartment

All sieves are capable of taking a large amount of feed, and therefore the same
distance from the sieve cover to the' fitted collection tray. Single, double and even
triple stock flow schemes are applied. Depending on the capacity, the whole stock
stream is divided at the feed inlet into two, even three partial streams and then are
guided over to the sieves. Further down, where, due to the discharge of the over
tails, the quantity of stock is reduced, a double of single flow can be applied. Due
to this arrangement, the sieves can ideally be utilized from top to bottom. The sifter
is available in three different heights that is with a maximum of 14, 18 or 22 sieves.
76
The front of the swing out doors is clad with felt. The front is then pressed against Sifters and Purifiers

the sieves and the collecting trays when closing the doors. It is thus necessary that
the plansifter be leak proof both inside and outside. It is a pre-requisite, however,
that the front sides of the doors and the sieves be cleaned before closing. The
sieve frames and the bottom tray frames can be withdrawn individually onboth
sides. Light metal angle sections serves as guides. Whilst the overtailed product
from the sieves is guided through the doors fitted with light metal devices, on to
the following sieves, or to the outlet; the sieve throughs flow over the bottom trays
into the outlet channels to both sides and from there to one of the six available
outl~t spouts (see Fig. 3.1.S.Sa.8). As well as, the standard design of the sifter
allows stock flow scheme to be changed in a short time. The individually
withdrawable sieve and bottom frames facilitate good sifter operation. Per
compartment a maximum of 6 outlets is possible.

(1) Coarse break stock

(2) Fine break stock
(3) Flour
(4) Find semolina/middlings
(5) Coarse semolina

Fig. 8: Sifter flour scheme of a drawer-type plansifter

The drawer type sifter can be provided with two different driving arrangements,
either by an eccentric shaft, similar to the one used for long sieve sifter or by a
built-in motor.

5.6 SQUARE SIFTER

Numerous improvements in the sieve frame
construction, in the operation and the drive,
assisted development of square sifter in
Europe. However, in the United States of
America, it was in use since 1900s.

This plansifter is divided into three box

elements, 2 sieve boxes and 1 drive box;
solely for simplifying the transport of the
relatively big machine. Assembly of these three
elements is done on the mounting site (Fig. 9)

Construction-wise, a strong carrying element Fig. 9: Square Sifter

77
Milling Machines . 1 is situated to the left and right of the sifter, onto which the sifter is suspended in a
free-swinging style. The square sifter is a stack sifter, that is individual frames are
stacked in the correct sequence. When sieves have to be exchanged, the
unstacking of sieve is indispensable.

The empty sifting compartments have smooth surface throughout. Two angle iron
supports on the two back corner columns serve as holding elements for the sieve
stacks. The doors made of plastic are pressed against the sieve stack by several
dosing devices. The doors simultaneously seal the sieve stack generally and the
sifting compartment. Square sifters are available with 4,6 or 8 sifting compartments
and can take upto 32 frames per sifting compartment.

A tensioning frame acts on the ready-to-use stack of sieves. This frame presses
the sieve frames together and thereby seals the individual frames. The sifter feed
inlets are fitted onto the tensioning frames. The sieve frames are made from wood
and are lined with plastic plates. Thus, the frames are resistant to wear and can
withstand abrasive materials. The sieve covers are fastened onto exchangeable inset
frames which are placed in the sieve frame. The stock flow scheme is designed
by turning the standard main frames which are usually fitted with three channels
(Fig. 10). The bottom tin plate for collecting the sieve throughs is permanently built
into the main frame and can be fitted with one or two bottom tin plate cleaning
pieces, as required.

Fig. 10: Square sifter

The feed stock height over the sieve covers can be increased by fitting intermediate
frames (spacers) or a higher main frame for larger capacities or voluminous product.
The discharge frame is a constituent of the sieve stack and is positioned loosely
on the bottom plate. The product from the discharging channels are guided over
this discharge frame into the pertaining discharge spouts, which are a maximum of
6 discharge spouts.

For the purpose of enabling two products to be sifted simultaneously, square

plansifter can be sub divided in its height and also in its width. Whereas a horizontal
division with standard main frame is possible, special frames .are necessary for a
vertical division of the sifter which will result in a reduction of the net sifting area.

5.7 MERITS / DEMERITS OF SIFTERS

As we discuss relative merits (advantages)/ demerits (disadvantages), one sifter's
merit could be the other sifter's demerit. So, please understand the-points below
78 in such a perspective.
I. Drawer sifter (compared to long-sieve sifter) Sifters and Purifiers

(i) Rapid and easy exchange of sieves - Major advantage. Hence, much
reduction in breakdown time.
(ii) Standardized and exchangeable flows, making it possible to adopt the flow
to the new requirements at any time - Easy and fast change of flow.
(iii) Higher specific sifting capacity because of rectangular sieves.
(iv) Availability in three sieve sizes, which allows a better adaptation of the sieve
surface to the capacity.
(v) Sieve stack is accessible from both sides.
IT. Square sifter (compared to all other sitters)
(i) Large sifting area on little floor space each compartment have 32 sieves, thus
more sifting area, more capacity.
(ii] Good sanitation since sieve box and sieves are provided with formica lining.
(iii) Flow can be adapted to new different requirements by turning the sieve
frames and also by exchanging the sieve frames.
(iv) After removing the sieves, the whole body is easily accessible for better cleaning.

Author's experience: I go for a drawer - Type sifter for lower capacities and go
for a square sifter for capacities more than 150 T/day. This is so because more
sifting area in limited spaces availability.

Comparison of Technical Features in Different Types of Sifters

~t I !
~I ~x~
,
~
.•..
(

I! _..i._

l"-
-.I-

/
I

t I
4&81''1'\1'(\

Short sieve

Long sieve

...
,..--- -
"--- -
j
1I0Smm
I
Square
Drawer

Fig. 11: Technical Features of different types of sifters 79

Milling Machines - 1 Table 1 (Read with Fig. 11)

Item I description Long - sieve Short - sieve Drawer Square

Max. Nr. of sieves 12 18 22 32
Net sieve surface mvsieve
114 - - 0.322 -

1/6 0.465 0,/224 0.213 0.24

(12% loss in corners)
1/8 0.275 - 0.141 -

Sieve cleaning Brush Brush Tappers Tappers

Cleaning of the collecting Same brush Same brush Synthetic Leather expellers
trays tappers
Transport of product over Pallets - - -
the sieve
Disposition for voluminous Double flow Double flow with Double or Single or double
products* with higher spacer frame triple flow distribution plus
frame (in breaks and head spacer frames
reductions)
Percent of sieve surface - Using only 50% of - Requires 10% more
sieve surface of long sieve surface than
sieve sifter. Therefore, the drawer sifter
more efficient than hence less efficient
long sifter than drawer sifter
Specific sieve surface 0.2-0.25 0.9-0.12 0.05 -0.065 0.55 - 0.Q7
m2/ 100kg 124 hrs capacity
Capacity tons per section. 50 (100%) 75 (150%) 120 (240%) 140 & more
Breakes and Head, (280%)
reductions in 24 hrs

* Spacer : Frame height should be 22-32 mm higher than product layer. Generally product is 20 mm sp, 20+32=total
maximum height of each spacer frame.

5.8 JUNIOR SQUARE SIFTER

In the industry we also identify it as "Minisifter". This small plansifter is suitable
for many purposes, like, rebolting of flour before packing or bulk out loading (that
is as a control sifter), grading of offals, maize mills, for feed meal in the food
industries, chemical and plastic industries (Fig. 12)

This sifter is used particularly as a control sifter. The sieve stack consists of 4-1 0
sieves and 2-4 separations are a possibility. I

The sieve frames.tin which the insert frames with the sieve covers are placed, are
square as in a large plansifter with square sieves. However, the discharge channels,
contrary to this sifter, are all integrated into the sieve frames. The layout of the
flow schemes is created by turning the frames and by the use of special frames as
required. The typical flow scheme is depicted (Fig. 13). The total drive and the
base frame and fastened onto a supporting frame. All drive parts are dust proof
and fitted in roller bearings. The complete box system rests on four legs which are
provided with rubber supports at the top and bottom or guided, that is supported
in universal joints.

The throw circle of this plansifter is around 55 mm with the corresponding r.p.m.
80 is around 240-250.
 A Inlet Sifters 'and Purifiers
B Overtails
C Throughs

1. Support frame
2. Support legs
3. Discharge basic plate
4. Sieve stack
5. Sieve cover
6. Tensioning device
7. Motor

Fig. 12: Small plansifter / Junior Square Sifter

In addition to this small junior sifter, with only one stack of sieves, sifters with two
sieve stacks next to each other are also built for the industry; but each is an individual
one. In this case the drive is then fitted between these two sieve boxes. The sieve
carrier, as like large plansifters, suspend on canes or supported on four gyrating
legs on the floor (Fig. 14).

Fig. 14: Large Plansifter

For the sieve cleaning, cotton bolsters or rubber tappers or in special cases rubber
balls are used.
81
Milling Machines - 1
5.9 CENTRIFUGAL SIFTER
Centrifugal sifters were used in earlier times in place of plansifters. Today, these
are seldom used because of disadvantages in using them (listed below).

The principle of the centrifugal sifter is based on the one of the round sifter, but
here with the installation of a beater rotor into the sieve cylinder, a much better
distribution of the product over the sieve cylinder resulted in a higher sieving
efficiency (Fig. 15).

,
<--
1_

Fig. 15: Centrifugal Sifter

The beaters throw the product against the sieve cylinder from where it bounces
back and then it is caught again by the next conveying pallet. While the beater
rotor turns at a speed of 200-250 r.p.m., the sieve cylinder rotates in the same
direction only with a speed of 20 r.p.m. the sieve cover of the cylinder is cleaned
by a round rotating brush.

The beater rotor has a slight detaching effect on the product, and for this reason,
detachers are not necessary when we use centrifugal sifters.
Technical data:
(i) Common diameters (600-800 mm) and lengths (2000-3000 mm)
(ii) Circumferential velocities of rotor: 7-9 mlsec; of sieve cylinder:0.75 - 1.0 mI
sec.
(iii) Cleaning brush and bottom conveyor at 70-80 r.p.m.
(iv) Distance between beaters and sieve jacket: 25-30 mm
(v) Power consumption: 0.75-3.0 HP
(vi) Specific loads (Kg/mvhr) for various covers
26-32 W = 240 kg
40 W = 180 kg
8 N - 11 N = 120-160 kg (flour sieving)
Advantages:
(i) Construction is simple
(ii) Gives slight detaching effect
82
Disadvantages: Sifters and Purifiers

(i). Occupies large space

(ii) Requires larger bolting cloth
(iii) Low capacity, because only 50% of sieve cloth surface is used
(iv) More maintenance

5.10 TURBO-SIFTER
The turbosifter is a further development of the centrifugal sifter by incorporating
the following features:
(i) Higher speeds (8.5-10.5 mlsec) ,
(ii) Smaller dimensions (190 mm dia),
(iii) More resistant sieve covers (Nylon and Polyster)
(iv) Sieve drum is fixed (does not rotate)
(v) Sieve cleaning by vibration

In view of the above features and due to its quite intensive sieving action, the
turbosifter, is mainly used for products that are difficult to be sifted, such as filter
flour and throughs from bran finishers, which are stickly in nature. Fig. 16 indicates
the longitudinal section and cross section of a turbosifter,

Inle.t

j
Motor
I

Rotor

Overs -ISI Throughs

-.- -- - --- -- .-. -. ,---

Fig. 16: Turbo Sifter 83

Milling Machines . 1 In a sieve cylinder, a beater rotor rotates. The beaters have a certain torision and
convey the product from the inlet to the outlet. The product is caught by the beater
rotor and thrown against the sieve cylinder. Depending on the make of the 'machine,
either the complete machine or only the sieve cylinder is vibrating for cleaning the
sieve. To avoid these vibrations transmitted to the building, the machine is mounted
on vibration absorbers .

. The sieve cylinder can be pulled out on the outlet side of the machine. The sieve
cover has to be pre-cut and stiched to the size of the cylinder. Because the sifting
IS extremely intensive, the sieve covers are exposed to relatively high wear and
tear, and hence, a good quality clothing with nylon as ASTM 80 sieve is
recommended. It is also recommended to keep a stock of sieve cylinder and ready-
to-use covers.
Technical data:
(i) For flour rebolting: On double machine with perforated steel sheet 0.5 mm
diameter) we get capacity upto 20 TIhr.
(ii) For achieving higher capacities in flour rebolting we could use 2.5 mm diameter
steel sheet. For this purpose, no vibration for sieve cleaning is required.
(iii) For sieving bran finisher and filter stock on a double machine with nylon
ASTM-80 sieve upto 300 kg/hr,
(iv) Aspiration air at 3 mvmin is required for this machine.

5.11 BREAK PRE-SIFTER

When the capacity of a flour mill has to be increased, usually the sifting area of
the break sifter is no more sufficient. In such a case, the break pre sifter (also
known in industry as "LeCoq" sifter, is quite handy.

This sifter sifts the voluminous coarse break stock before it reaches the plansifter.
For example when the plansifter has the sieve combinations of 5X20 W followed
by 5X50 W, we can dispense the coarser sieve and put 5X50 W as top sieves in
the passages, thus, a great load is taken from the corresponding passage.

The break pre-sifter has a relatively aggressive sifting effect, this can be noticed
especially on the first two break passages, where, while using a pre-sifter, the
granulation of the sifted product is slightly finer and thus, there is an increase in
ash content. However, using the pre-sifter for the last break passages is
advantageous because an additional mild bran finishing effect could be achieved.

Depending on the constructional features, the break stock is lead directly into the
interior of the perforated metal sieve or it reaches the sieve via a small worm. The
product is caught by the beater rotor and is thrown against the metal sieve. Mostly,
the beater rotor is alternatively equipped with two beater rails to convey the overs
to the outlet. The throughs fall into the hopper (Fig. 17). If the sieve jacket has a
conical shape, beaters without a spiral are used. By opening some rapid locks at
the outlet side of the machine, the sieve cylinder can be pulled out and sieve can
easily be changed.'

84
 Sifters and Purifiers

Fig. 17: Break Pre sifter

Technical Data:
(i) Dimension of sieve: Dia 300 mm X length - 700 mm
(ii) Machine runs at 820 r.p.m .:
(iii) Power requirement - 4 H.P.

5.12 PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION OF PURIFIER

The principle of operation of the semolina purifier is based on the the separation
of the milled stock by size and specific weight. By the use of aspiration air getting
sucked through the mesh opening of sieves, a vortex layer is created, which stratifies
the product and purifying effect is achieved. Inassuch, very lighter particles (bee's
wings in a floating condition) escape along with the aspirationair, the lighterparticles,
the composite semolina - semolina with the adhering bran or germ fractioned
particles are guided over the sieve to the over tails outlet. Pure semolina, which is
heavier, fall down through the mesh opening of the sieves, and are collected
separately. Thus, the purifier sieves not only have to provide for sieving action,
but also have to be a carrier-cum-conveyor of the product.

5.13 CONSTRUCTION OF PURIFIER

The photograph of a purifier (Fig. 18), and its inner parts (Fig. 19 & 20) are
provided for your understanding.

Fig. 18: Purifier (make - Buhler)

85
Milling Machines - 1 The main parts of purifier are:
a) Steel frame
b) Inlet box
c) Sieve oscillator (shaking mechanism)
d) Oscillator for conveyor channel (if it is not in one unit)
e) Eccentric drive, now vibromotors are used
f) Air-regulating flaps

g) Outlet with diverting values

12 22

..
~.-~~?illl
<!----4;<....,

6-

1!f-+---11

•
16 13 ts 11

Fig. 19: Longitudinal section of a purifier

Legends: (Fig: 19 & 20) 1. Stand, 2. Air channel, 3. Feed box, 4. Distribution box, 5. Sieve
box, 6. Sieve box suspension (hangers), 7. Eccentric drive, 8. Oscillating channel, 9. Motor,
10. Motor base 11. Wooden blocks, 12. Sieves, 13. Inclined channel, 14. Diverted flaps for
throughs, 15. Outlet box for overtails, 16. Throughs outlet, 17. Ovetail outlet, 18. Horizontal
sieve regulation, 19. Individual air regulation, 20. Inspection windows, 21. Tube light, 22.
Aspiration connection

Cross-section

Fig. 20: Cross section of a purifier

86
 Sifters and Purifiers
5.14 DIFFERENT TYPES OF PURIFIERS
The original purifier had only one sieve layer, but modem mills have two or three
layers. With three layer purifier, the air distribution is better. It can also handle a
bigger range of granulation. Also, with three layers, the miller can obtain cleaner
semolina in one passage. This purifier, for the above advantages is preferred in
durum mills.

The two layer purifier is a via-media in the advantages between three layer and
one-layer purifier.

5.15 SPECIFIC PURIFIER WiDTH

Specific capacity for purifiers is denoted in terms of mm width per 100 kg per 24
hrs. Please note, unlike the specific plan sifter area (Sq. mm1100kg124hr) or for
that matter specific roller lengths (mmllOOkgl24hr), the width of purifier is only
taken into consideration. For exa~ple, specific capacities for the three layer purifier
per lOcm sieve width are

Coarse semolina: Upto 300kglhrllOcm width

Fine semolina: Upto 22SkglhrllOcm width
Middlings : Upto 140kglhrllOcm width

The aspiration air requirement would be 6-8 cubic meters per minute per lOcm
sieve width. "

Required suction pressure at machine: 30-40 mm Wc. The r.p.m. of vibrometer

fitted to the purifier would be 480-500-520 but; mostly 500 rpm.

Check Your Progress

Note: a) Use the spaces given below for your answers.
b) Check your answers with those given at the end of the unit.
I. Out of the sifters available in the market, which one you select to sift bran
finisher and / or filter throughs.

2. You are requested to suggest a sifter to be erected for a 240 tons/day moder
mill. Which one will you recommended?
...................................... ~~ : .

3. Where is the requirement of a "spacer"?

....................................................................................................................
•

87
Milling Machines - 1 4. Though the centrifugal sifter offers excellent detaching effect on stock, it is not
preferred why?

5. Why the incoming stock to a purifier be free of flour dust and narrow in
. ?
gran ul ahon.

6. Why the feed be distributed evenly to the entire width of purifier sieve?

7. When do you adjust angle of throw in a purifier?

5.16 LET US SUM UP

All the above information of sifters, by now, shall have generated good interest on
them. To sum up, sifter is an essential machine in a flour mill, which receives ground
mill stock, separates the constituents according to size of particles and dispatches
them to their respective destinations.

The history and development of sifters, saw from long-seive to short sieve to drawer
and to square sifters, each having their own merits and demertis. We also saw the
improvements in drive mechanisms, sieve cleaning and product in flow modification
capabilities, and construction variations.

Further more, we learnt, the construction and work of the age-old centrifugal sifters
and break: presifter; as well as the new generation of junior sifters and turbo sifters,
each having its own applications and merits.

We use purifiers in a flour mill to rid the semolina and middlings from bran particles;
we use purifier to classify the semolina to pure, composite and dirty stock and
send them to their proper destinations. This enable the miller to produce good
quality semolina (Sooji, Rawa) and mill them to flours of low ash content.

The principal of operation of purifier is based mainly on incoming stock's size and
specific weight,
88
However, in modern purifiers, separations are made by a combination of sifting, Sifters and Purifiers

shaking, gravity and aspiration. Sifting and aspiration alone are not enough, because
of the very slight difference between the stocks to be separated.

Depending on the number of purifier sieve layers, we classify purifiers as single,

double and triple layer (deck) purifiers.

5.17 KEY WORDS

Plansifter The machine which sorts out the mill stock to

various fractions as per their physical size.
Stratification The natural automatic arrangement of stock
constituents as per their specific weight.
Fly-weights These are counter weights to gyrate the sifter
in its agreed circular path.
Sleeve bearing The bearing used to allow the sifter weights to
run freely by taking the gravitational and radial
pulls due to helt pull.
Pallets The small metallic fixtures inside the long sieve
to guide the transport / flow of product on the
Sieve.
V-Belt These are widege-shaped belts running in the
grooved pulley. Efficiency of power transfer is
higher compared to flat belts.
Specific sifter sieving area This is expressed as m2/lOOkgI24hrs, an
information used in comparison of sifters.
Mill capacity Always the tons of wheat milled at first break
in a 24 hr. time or tons/hour,
Purifier Machine used to classify and purify the stock
of semolina and middlings coming from break
system.
Semolina This is endosperm particles obtained during
breaking of wheat endosperm in milling
operation.
Composite semolina The semolina to which bran particle is still
adhering.
Specific weight In other words, it is density of the material.
Sooji This is pure coarse to medium-size semolina,
sooji is a vernacular term.
Rawa This is pure medium size semolina to middlings.
Rawa is a vernacular term.
Size The physical dimension of a particle, for
example of semolina or middlings.
Bee's wings Very light free particles of bran found in break
stock arriving to purifiers.
Aspiration Suction of air at machine - It has two
components. The volume (mvrnin) and suction
pressures (mm water column/gauge mm)
89
Milling Machines - 1
5.18 ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS
EXERCISE

1. Tubosifter
2. Square sifter
3. A spacer is used when we handle voluminous low-density stocks, usually in
last break passages.
4. Lower efficiency, more maintenance and occupation of space.
S. • "The flour blinds the sieve openings of purifier sieve.
• The flour gets deposited in aspiration channels situations.
• Both the above situations limit the purpose of purifier.
• If the granulation of incoming stock is large, air setting in purifier will be a
problem.
6. • The air escapes through the areas of least resistance
• In the purifier, the air mostly passes through the sieve area. Where very
thin layer or no layer (stock) is there; more air passes through this area;
while less air passes through areas, where stock is more. In this situation,
dirty stock will fall through the sieve openings.
7. • For capacity
• On nature of wheat. Soft wheat provides less stock and hard wheat gives
more stock.

5.19 SOME USEFUL REFERENCES

I. Arthur W. Rohner, Machine manual for millers, Buhler Brs., Oberuzwil,

Switzerland.
2. The Practice of Flour Milling. Vol. I, 1979, Nabim, 21 Arlington St. London,
3. Lockwood, l.F., Flour Milling, The Northern Publishing Co. Ltd., London.
4. Flour Milling Training Manual 1968, Nabim, London.

90