Acid Delinting

The major expense of the centrifuge is eliminated.
The danger of the one major machine (i.e. Centrifuge) breaking down and causing a long period out of production is greatly minimized. Repair parts for most other significant machines in a seed plant are readily available and the machines can usually be
repaired quite promptly.

In continuous flow systems it can take quite a bit of time before a problem in the process can be detected. Once the problem is corrected, there is significant time frame before the process can be checked again. During this time frame, a considerable quantity
of seed can be damaged and must be disposed of. For an example, if seed exits the dryer with too much moisture, the heat can be increased. However, it will take considerable time for the increased heat to have an effect on the seed exiting the dryer. In this example, all of the seed that passed through the dryer before the problem was discovered, plus the seed that were in the dryer at the time of the discovery, all have to be dealt with. This same situation could apply to acid concentration or acid quantity as well as seed feed rate.

In the CEC combination unit, only the seed put into the unit could be at risk. If the seed have not dried or buffed properly, they can remain in the machine longer until such time as they are ready. If it is desired to vary the acid concentration or quantity, this can be tested in the machine on a smaller quantity of seed.

The CEC dry/buff machine can be operated effectively with small quantities of seed. This flexibility can be valuable to a seedsman and is not practical in the large continuous flow systems.

It is very practical to put several of the CEC units in a line. In this manner, the producer can start with a capacity of 1 metric ton per hour with one dry/buff machine and increase production proportionally by adding more dry/buff machines. Seed can be dosed with the
acid, elevated, and passed along an overhead conveyor to be dropped into the successive machines. This way, one group of equipment for acid mixing and dosing as well as one group of equipment for cleaning, conditioning, and packaging, can be utilized efficiently while the seed are being delinted in the various dry/buff machines.

The CEC machine utilizes heavy rollers against the outside of the drum. These help to keep the seed pushed back into the drum avoiding blind spots where the air cannot pass through, and also assist greatly in clean-up between different seed varieties.

The discharge end of the drum in the CEC machine is mounted on two (2) hydraulic cylinders which can be lowered approximately 12 inches (0.3 meters) . This allows for extremely fast unloading of the drum and is a very helpful when cleaning out between different seed varieties.

Discharge of the seed from the dry/buff machine is through two gates controlled by air actuated cylinders. Large service doors at each end of the drum have also been provided. These doors are approximately 18 inches by 18 inches (0.46 meters by 0.46 meters) and
normally are fastened closed with machine bolts for rigidity. However, they can be quickly and easily opened for thorough clean out between different seed varieties.

The drum in the CEC machine is rotated by a shaft mounted gearmotor drive so there are no belts or chains.

Each CEC machine has its own burner, rated for 1 million Btu, and can be supplied either for gas or fuel oil. All burner controls and safeguards are included. Also, each machine has its own centrifugal blower, powered by a 40 HP (30 KW) motor.