Description
A Dybvig separator or macerator is similar to a large blender, and it is used to clean seed of both fleshy and dry fruit. It consists of a variable-speed spinning plate at the bottom of the seed hopper. The adjustable, flanged plate is set to leave an opening slightly smaller than the seed to be cleaned. As the plate spins, flesh is removed as fruits rub against each other, the flange, and the wall of the hopper. A stream of water washes the flesh from the hopper, leaving the clean seed. When working with small lots or very small seed, a home blender can be used as a macerator. The blender blades must be covered with rubber tubing or replaced with rubber blades to prevent damage to the seed.
Images
References / Additional Information
Desai, B.B.; Kotecha, P.M.; Salunkhe, D.K. 1997. Seeds handbook: Biology, production, processing, and storage. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker, Inc. 640 p.
Harmond, J.E.; Brandenberg, N.R.; Klein, L.M. 1968. Mechanical seed cleaning and handling. USDA Agricultural Handbook No. 354. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 56 p.
Jorgensen, K.R.; Stevens, R. 2004. Chapter 24. Seed collection, cleaning, and storage. In: Monsen, S.B.; Stevens, R.; Shaw, N.L., comps. Restoring western ranges and wildlands, vol. 3. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-136-vol-3. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station: 699-716.
Vaughan, C.E.; Gregg, B.R.; Delouche, J.C. 1968. Seed processing and handling. State College, MI: Mississippi State University, Seed Technology Laboratory. 149 p.
Young, J.A.; Young, C.G. 1986. Collecting, processing, and germinating seeds of wildland plants. 3rd ed. Portland, OR: Timber Press. 236 p.