Description

Gravity separators are used to sort materials according to density or specific gravity. This is important when seed and/or impurities are similar in size but different in density. The separator uses a vibrating perforated deck that can be tilted in two directions at various pitches. Air moving through the perforated deck separates the seed and any impurities by weight as the deck oscillates. As the materials are separated, they move into appropriate slots or containers. Scalping or other pre-treatments are helpful in removing excessive impurities before gravity separation. Seed of the same species can be separated into various size-weight classes, and many species can be cleaned to 98% purity or better with a gravity separator. They are also effective for removing stones.

Images

Westrup LA-K Gravity Separator
Westrup LA-K Gravity Separator. Photo courtesy of USFS Bend Seed Extractory.
Yucca brevifolia seed
Yucca brevifolia seed on a gravity separator table. Photo courtesy of USFS Bend Seed Extractory.
Westrup LA-K Gravity Separator. Photo courtesy of Seedburo Equipment Company.
Westrup LA-K Gravity Separator. Photo courtesy of Seedburo Equipment Company.

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. Handb. No. 354. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 38 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. Starkville, MS: Mississippi State University, Seed Technology Laboratory. 149 p.

Young, J.A.; Evans, R.A.; Kay, B.L.; Owen, R.E.; Budy, J. 1981. Collecting, processing, and germinating seeds of western wildland plants. ARM-W-3. U.S. Oakland, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture. 44 p.

Young, J.A.; Young, C.G. 1986. Collecting, processing, and germinating seeds of wildland plants. 3rd ed. Portland, OR: Timber Press. 236 p.

Young, J.A.; Young, C.G. 1986. Collecting, processing, and germinating seeds of wildland plants. 3rd ed. Portland, OR: Timber Press. 236 p.