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Seed Science Center

Seed Conditioning Technology(Part 2 of 2)

Alan GaulSeed Conditioning Specialist515-294-4011agaul@iastate.edu

Agronomy / Horticulture 338Seed Science and Technology

Fall 2017

© Copyright ISU Seed Science Center, duplication or distribution without written permission is prohibited

Seed Science Center

Session PreviewAdditional Process Details• Fluidized Bed Density Separation• Optical Detection & Separation

Seed Treatment• Basic Equipment Review• Calibration & Verification

Packaging and Quality Control• Typical Bagging Line Components• Bagging Scale Calibration

Pending Lab Discussion

Seed Science Center

Gravity Table Training History at ISU…

• Demo for ISU Agronomy class• Digital Signage for Workshops• WHO-TV Feature (Fall 2016)

WHO-TV Feature

Kiosk Display

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Density Definition ReviewBulk Density (“Test Weight”)

• Weight of a given volume of seed, INCLUDING void spaces

• Seed size and shape effectsParticle Density (“Seed Density”)

• Weight of a seed volume EXCLUDING void spaces

• Independent of seed size & shapeSpecific Gravity

• Ratio of particle density to water (specific gravity of water = 1.0)

• Tabulated values for various crops

• Images courtesy of Seedburo and Micrometrics Instrument Corp.

Seed Science Center

Fluidization and Stratification• Air velocity causes vertical stratification

of product on the deck surface• Insufficient air will not cause stratification• Heavy particles sink to the bottom,

displacing light particles to the top layer• Depends on the interaction between

particles to obtain vertical separation• Excessive airflow adds too much energy

to the seed mass, causing “bubbling” and mixing of the product

• High airflow also lifts seed away from the deck, reducing traction and moving the pattern down the slope

Seed Science Center

Destoner

Seed Layer (3-7 Seeds Deep)

Heavy Seeds

Light Seeds

Eccentric DriveReciprocating

Perforated Deck

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Gravity Separator

HeavyMediumLight

Density

Typical Separation Results:

Size

Shape

Mixture“Light” “Heavy”

Lot

Varia

tion

Hea

vy

Highest Corner

Lowest Corner Inlet

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Soybean Separation ExamplesDowny MildewPeronospora manshurica

MechanicallyDamaged Soybeans

Shriveled Soybeans Soil Peds

Black Nightshade Shriveled Nightshade Separation

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Corn Germination vs Gravity Table Fraction

INITIAL

LIGHT

Seed Science Center

•Gillette et al., 1999

• Gravity Light was a relatively small percentage of all size fractions• Fusarium concentration was greatest in small round seed sizes and

low density fractions within each seed size• Low density small round seed comprised only 3.2% of seed lot weight

but contained about 39.9% of total infected seeds

Fusarium spp. in Maize Seed

• Adapted from data provided by Dr. Gary Munkvold, ISU

Seed Science Center

Removal of Ergot from Barley

• Adam et al., 2004• Image provided courtesy of Dr. Gary Munkvold, ISU

• Compares Initial, Heavy, and Light Fractions• Gravity was very effective at removing ergot• Safe discard disposal may be a concern

Seed Science Center

Gravity Deck Configuration

Two common deck shapes• Rectangular deck

• Long path for light seed• Popular for seed applications

• Trapezoidal or Triangular deck• Long path for heavy seed• Used for applications that need

heavy product separation

Trapezoidal RectangularDeck Motion

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Seed Science Center

Rectangular Deck Examples

• Images provided by the respective manufacturers listed

Oliver Mfg

Oliver Mfg Crippen Mfg

Cimbria-Heid

Arrow Corporation Modified Deck

Current Design

Inlet

Seed Science Center

Trapezoidal Deck Examples

• Images provided by the respective manufacturers listed

Forsberg

Forsberg

Triple/S Dynamics

LMC

Sutton & SteeleWestrup

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Discharge Sampling LocationsBased on Quality Requirements • Typically based on Test Weight• Limit can be based on actual

values or other methods such as percent of overall range or transition points

Possible Sampling Locations:• Overall range between light and

heavy samples• Overall fraction average• Lightest or heaviest portion

within each fraction LightHeavy

ExtraHeavy

Stratification

Medium

Seed Science Center

Gravity Separator Middling Alternates• Possible Recovery of Good Seed

from Intermediate Fraction• Possible options:

• Run Middling with Heavy Seed• Store & Rerun Middling Later• Recirculate over Same Gravity• Reclaim using Second Gravity,

Color Sorter and/or Belt Separator

*** Minimize recirculation to increase net system capacity and reduce mechanical damage ***

Seed Science Center

Gravity Summary• Destoners and Gravity Separators use a vibrating fluidized bed to

“Float” lighter seed from heavy material.• A Destoner is tilted on one axis and produces a two way separation

between heavy and light product.• A Gravity Separator is tilted on two axis and produces a continuous

output range based on density. The operator selects the desired product from the gravity discharge using divider gates or valves.

• Destoners are commonly used to remove heavy foreign material, while gravity separators are used to remove lightweight low quality seed.

• Typical basic adjustments include Air, Speed, Side Slope, and End Slope.• Air and Speed tend to have opposite effects on the deck pattern.• Middling product is frequently re-circulated to minimize good seed loss.

• Proper Installation, Maintenance, and Adjustment are Critical to obtain good results from any destoner or gravity separator.

Seed Science Center

Cosmic and ɣ-Rays X-Rays

(UV) Vacuum

Ultraviolet(UV) Near Ultraviolet

VisibleLight

(NIR)Near

Infrared

(IR)Infrared

Microwave Radio

Color Sorting Technology• Visible, Near Infrared, or UV Light• Based on Color Differential• Light and Dark Separation• Remove Discolored & Broken Seed• Low Density may be Removed IF Discolored

Light Accepts

Dark Accepts

0.1 nm 200 nm 400 nm 750 nm 2 µm 50 µmλ

400 nm(Violet)

475 nm(Blue)

510 nm(Green)

570 nm(Yellow)

650 nm(Red)

445 nm (Indigo) 590 nm (Orange)

• Reference: www.science-edu.larc.nasa.gov

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Seed Science Center

Color Sorter DefinitionsREJECTS

• Product diverted from main flow stream by sorting process ACCEPTS

• Flows directly through machine - NOT rejected by sorting process• Typically “good” seed for most applications• Should comprise the largest percentage for capacity and efficiency

DEFECTS• Undesirable product to be removed by sorting process• Usually quantified visually unless other methods are available

BAD to GOOD RATIO (B:G)• Ratio of “defects” to acceptable seeds in either “accepts” or “rejects”• Typically measured on reject product due to high defect concentration

Seed Science Center

Color Sorter Samples – SoybeansAccepts Rejects

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Color Sort – Red & White Waxy Wheat

Red Wheat (81.9%) White Wheat (18.1%)

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Color Sort Examples - Seed Corn

ACCEPTS REJECTS

ACCEPTS REJECTS

Yellow Dent Corn (2011, low trip level)

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Color Sorter – Sunflower (bichromatic)Clean Seed Foreign Material

& Discolored Seed

Sclerotia vs Sunflower

* Image courtesy of Thomas.Gulya USDA / ARSSeed Science Center

Color Sorter FunctionsCONVEYANCE (FEEDING)

• Single stream of seeds flowing past sensors• Uniform high seed velocity to obtain required capacity• Seeds must be spaced apart for efficient separation

DETECTION• Line cameras or other optical sensors• Seed is typically viewed against a colored background• Signal is compared to preset dark and / or light levels

EJECTION• Compressed air ejectors used to reject product from stream• Ejector timing is critical to maintain separation efficiency

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Seed Science Center

Color Selection & Optical Layout

Transmittance

Light source

Sample Optional Filter

Reflectance

Light source

Sample

Line Scan Camera

Light source

- Front View - - Rear View -

Line Scan Camera

Optional Filter

Optional Filter

Camera

Seed Science Center

Filter Selection Examples

Dark & Broken Dark &

Broken (red streak)

Broken Corn

Dark (brown, black, green)

Dark (brown, black, purple)

Dark, Yellow Dent Corn

Seed Science Center

Camera Configuration & Color Mapping

MonochromaticShared Camera

MonochromaticIndependent Cameras

Bi-chromaticColor Mapping

Light Reject

Dark Reject Dark

Reject

Light Reject

Accepts

AcceptsAccepts

Trip Lines

Accept Region

Red-Green Filters

Red-Blue Filters

Good Product

Dark Defects

Light Defects

Light Trip

Dark Trip

Probability Distribution

Current trend toward RGB designsSeed Science Center

Sortex Z+ Series Color Sorter

• Diagram provided courtesy of Buhler Sortex, Inc.

Rear Cameras

Front Cameras

Hopper & Feeder

Ejectors

Rejects Accepts

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Corn Reject – Multiple Color Defect Levels

• Three Dark Color Defect Levels• One Light Color Defect Level• Light Trip is typically used to remove

broken corn• Frequently limited by bright kernels

Low Medium High

LightSeed Science Center

Dark Trip = 548 Graded Rejects

Dark Trip Level = 700 Graded Accepts

Dark Trip Level = 700 Graded Rejects

Recent Lab Samples

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Color Sort – Selected Dark DefectsAccepts Rejects

Hand Selected from Rejects

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Multiple Pass Sort – Coffee Beans

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Typical Resort System

Incoming Product

Primary Sort

Secondary (Resort)

Color Sorter

• Multiple color sorters or split machine

• Adjust Primary Sensitivity to yield good final product

• Primary Sort Rejects are resorted to reclaim seed

• Adjust Resort Sensitivity to minimize good seed loss

• Resort Rejects to Discard• Resort Accepts Blended

with Incoming Product

• Lifts primary reject, secondary accepts• Good final quality, minimal seed loss

R A A

DiscardFinal Product

R

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Sortex Z+ Installation

Primary and Resort Operations

Seed Science Center

Resort Example - CornIncoming Product Primary Rejects Resort Rejects

Resort AcceptsPrimary Accepts • Simulated Resort Samples• Primary Sort Rejects are

Resorted to Reclaim Seed• Resort Rejects to Discard• Resort Accepts Blended

with Incoming Product• Output Similar to Primary

Accept Sample Shown

1 2

IG

D

Seed Science Center

Primary and Secondary SortIncoming Product

Primary Sort

Secondary Sort

Color Sorter(s)

R A ASecondary

DiscardFinal

Product

• Multiple color sorters or single split machine

• Adjust Primary Sensitivity to minimize good seed in reject

• Primary Accepts are resorted again to remove more defects

• Adjust Resort Sensitivity to yield acceptable Final Product

• Both Rejects to Discard• Used with high initial defect rates• Better final quality - critical applications

RPrimary Discard

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Seed Science Center

Dark Hilum Removal – Two Stage Sort

Accepts (96.2%,1.9% defects) Rejects (3.8%, 98.1% defects)

• Initial Sorting Efficiency ~ 66.8%• Overall Sorting Efficiency ~ 89.8%

Accepts (92.3%, 0.92% defects) Rejects (3.9%, 96.4% defects)

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2

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Color Sort – Black Soybeans

Primary Reject(bichromatic)

Secondary Reject(monochromatic)

Secondary Accept(Final product)

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Buhler Sortex Color Sorters

A Series Color Sorting Equipment

Seed Science Center

Satake Color Sorter Examples

40 Channel RGB 80 Channel RGB

40 Channel Mono

Optical Cabinet•Traditionally mono or bi-chromatic designs•Newer machines are RGB (“true color”) systems

Seed Science Center

Additional Color Sorters

Cimbria (SEA)Delta Technology

AMVT Petkus

• Multiple machines based on recent ASTA CSS Seed Expo Exhibits and related communications

Oliver (ASM)(now Sesotec)

Seed Science Center

Recent Small Batch Sorter Introductions

VMEKOliver (ASM)

(now Sesotec)SATAKE USA

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Seed Science Center

Color Sorting Summary• Can use visible, near infrared (NIR), or ultraviolet (UV) light• Most current seed applications use monochromatic reflected light• Two way separation products - Accepts and Rejects• Separation based on gray scale intensity in selected wavelengths• Can be equipped for simultaneous light and dark separation• Finishing machine used to remove discolored & broken seed• Lightweight or shriveled seed may be removed IF also discolored• Rapidly evolving technology with potential for improvement

Color sorting is a useful tool when appropriate for the application, operators are properly trained, and adequate maintenance and support can be provided

Seed Science Center

Commercial Seed Treating Equipment

• Designed for production plants• Gradual trend toward batch operation• Sophisticated chemical handling• Relatively complex & expensive

• Some images courtesy of USC, LLC and BCS/Gustafson

Seed Science Center

Ag Retail Treater Installations

• Dealer applied treatment• Bulk seed handling• Short treating season• Price sensitive designs

Bulk Containers Outdoor Installation

Portable Installation

• Trailer image courtesy of USC, LLCSeed Science Center

Seed Treatment Chemicals

Chemical Forms:• Powder (dust) • Slurry (suspension)• Liquid coatings

Common Seed Treatment Products• Polymers• Inoculants• Colorants

• Fungicides• Insecticides• Nematicides• Avicides

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Application Rates• Obtained from Product Label• Ratio of Chemical to Seed Amounts• Units can be Volume or Weight Based• Typical Application requires Multiple Rates

+ + ++

Seed Science Center

Premix Tank Batch Formulation• Find Label Rate and Density for Each Chemical Required• Estimate Total Slurry Application Rate• Calculate Dilution Water Rate (Total less Sum of Chemicals)• Estimate Seed Weight or Quantity to be Treated per Batch• Calculate Product Required for Each Tank

• Batch Volume is the Sum of Product Volumes• Batch Weight is the Sum of Product Weights

• Image courtesy of Gustafson (BCS)

+ + +

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Seed Science Center

Premix Tank Formulation Example

• Data Courtesy of Gustafson Equipment (BCS)

Total Slurry Rate

Total Seed to Treat

Dilution Water

Individual Product

Seed Science Center

Automatic Batch Preparation• Similar to traditional batch methods• Computer controlled pumps & valves• Transfer pump for each chemical• Typically metered by weight using

single or multiple scales• Optional 2nd tank (continuous flow)

+ + +

Chemical Tanks Pumps Batch and Holding Tanks

Seed Treater

Custom System

Small Batch System

Seed Science Center

GLCPS

Automatic Inline Slurry Mixing• Primary chemicals mixed

continuously• Parallel operation, multiple pumps• Typically metered by volume, possibly

including flow meter for feedback• Static mixer combines products prior

to chemical application

+ + +

Chemical Tanks Pumps

Static Mixer

Seed Treater

On Demand™ System

Seed Science Center

General Calibration ProcedureDetermine Application Rate

• Per Cwt: oz/cwt or cubic cm/cwt• Per Seed: mg of AI per seed

Calculate & Test Seed Rate• Weigh actual seed output

Calculate & Set Chemical Rate• Check test volume or weight

Verify Proper Seed Coverage• Adjust application & mixing time

Confirm Actual Rate based on Seed and Chemical Usage

Seed Science Center

Review - Seed Treating ProcessChemicalSupply

SeedSupply

ChemicalMetering

SeedMetering

Primary Application

Secondary Application

Drying and Absorption

• ISU Seed Treatment PAT Manual, June 2010

Proportion Control

Seed Science Center

Basic Treating Equipment Designs

Automatic Batch

Continuous Flow

Automatic Batch• Lower Capacity• High Chemical

Application Rates• Flexible - Multiple

Chemical Layers

Continuous Flow• High Capacity

• Low to Medium Application Rates

• Single Treatment Chemical Layer

• Images courtesy of Gustafson (BCS)

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Seed Science Center

Seed Metering Systems

• Gravity Operated Weigh Pans with Adjustable Counterweight Arm

• Computerized Inline or Belt Scales• Volumetric Rotating Seed Wheel

VolumeWeight

Seed Science Center

Chemical Metering Systems

• Weigh Arm Chemical Cups• Volumetric Rotary Discs• Variable Speed Metering Pumps• Volumetric Tubes (batch verify)• Flow Meters (volume or weight)• “Loss in Weight” Batch Scales

WeightVolume Flow Meter

Seed Science Center

GLCPS Treating System

• Chemical Tanks & Scales• Inline Product Scale• Rotary Chemical Application• Rotary Hex Drum

Seed Science Center

Laboratory Batch Treaters

Sample treatment methods:• Zip-Loc bag or coffee can• Planter magazine treater• “Cement Mixer” rotating drum

• Direct chemical application• Rotostat

• Vertical drum with rotary bottom• Atomizing disk chemical

applicationCC-LAB

HEGE 11

BLT HEGE 12

BMC• Images courtesy of Cimbria-Heid, Wintersteiger, and Gustafson (BCS)

Seed Science Center

Batch Treating Systems

• Mixing bowl speed set at minimum level required for proper mixing

• Dual mixing vanes to “fold” product inward, avoid atomizing disk contact

• Images courtesy of Cimbria-HeidSeed Science Center

Batch Treating Systems

• Images Courtesy of Gustafson Equipment (BCS)

Too Slow Correct Too Fast

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Typical “Loss in Weight” Installation

• Treater, Premix Tanks, and Loss in Weight Chemical Metering System

Seed Science Center

Treatment Rate Verification• Periodic Tests to Check Accuracy • Seed & Chemical Usage Records• Calculate ACTUAL chemical rate applied• Adjust Equipment to Desired Rate• Select Reasonable Sampling Interval

• Image Courtesy of Gustafson Equipment (BCS)

Sample AT LEAST once per lot or shift, NOT averaged over entire conditioning season

Seed Science Center

Secondary DryingTreatment dryer applications• Small, high value seeds• Very high liquid application rates

Typical dryer designs• Belt or vibratory conveyors• Natural or heated air• Conventional or fluidized bed

Advantages:• Relatively fast & uniform drying

Disadvantages:• Initial and operating costs• Disposal of contaminated air

• Images courtesy of INCOTEC and Oliver Mfg.

Fluidized Bed Dryers

Seed Science Center

Chamber & Collection Bottle

Dust-Off Control & Monitoring

• Quantify dust-off during sample handling• Loose dust particles captured in filter• Filter results are used for analysis• Apparent “standard” in Europe (ESTA)

Heubach Dustmeter

Dust Filter

Large Chamber

Seed Science Center

Treatment Summary• Label rate is the proportion of chemical to seed • Application rates may need to be converted to

alternate units of measurement for calculations• Key issues are batch vs continuous flow and

metering methods used for chemical and seed• Minimize excess abrasion during secondary mixing

and drying operations to limit dust-off• Verify actual applied rate in a timely manner• Careful application and mixing procedures can

provide superior treating results

Seed Science Center

References & AcknowledgementsIA Commercial Pesticide Applicator Series:

• Core Manual• Category 4 (Seed Treatment) Manual

Bayer CropScience / Gustafson Equipment Division – Shakopee, Minnesota

USC, LLC – Sabetha, Kansas

Direct Enterprises, Inc. – Westfield, Indiana

West Central Cooperative – Boone, Iowa

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Seed Science Center

Packaging

Bulk Bag Filling

Conventional Bag Filling

Package Type Factors:• Market Requirements• Volumetric Issues• Desired Automation• Downstream Handling

Equipment Availability

Seed Science Center

Typical Large Seed PackagesBag Styles• Open mouth bags• Valve pack bags• Paper, plastic, poly-wovenBulk Containers• Bulk bags• Plastic bulk boxes• Other bulk seed methods

Seed Science Center

Basic Bagging LinePrimary Components:• Overhead hopper• Bagging scale• Closing conveyor• Bag top forming area• Manual tag placement• Sew head or heat sealer• Coding wheel or Inkjet• Bag turning device• Bag incline conveyor

• Common configuration for smaller bagging operations• Capacity is typically limited to a maximum of 5-7 bags per minute• Manual operations typically limit throughput during extended operation

Belt Travel

Sew Line Height

Seed Science Center

Bagging Scale TypesGross Weigh• Product weighed in bag• Lower cost hardware• Less height required• Limited capacity• Frequently less accurateNet Weigh• Product weighed overhead• Relative complex hardware• Substantial space required• Needed for higher capacity• Usually more accurate• Single or duplex designs

• Images courtesy of Taylor Products and Express Scale

Seed Science Center

Bulk Bagging Scale Types

• Product pre-weighed in hopper• Bag or box located on platform• Dual automatic staging valves

• Product weighed in package• Bag or box supported by scale• Manual or automatic valve

BaggingBin

BulkBag

Scale

Valve

WeighHopper

BulkBag

Platform

Valve

Scale

Valve

Gross Weigh Net Weigh

• Images courtesy of Chantland-MHSSeed Science Center

Multiple Stage FillingSingle Stage Filling

• Speed vs Accuracy Issues• Need low speed for accuracy• “Overshoot” at higher fill speed

Two Stage Filling• “Bulk and Dribble” operation• High initial rate for speed• Reduced rate near target• Used to increase accuracy for

operation at higher speedCommon Configurations

• Gravity Bulk, Gravity Dribble• Gravity Bulk, Vibrator Dribble• Gravity Bulk, Belt Dribble• Gravity Bulk, Screw Dribble

TIME

WEI

GH

T

Target

• Images courtesy of Taylor Products, Slidell, and Express Scale

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Bagging Scale Calibration• Calibrated using known weight and a certified scale• Finished bag weights should be verified periodically• Some scales can check scale calibration during operation

using an automatic internal weight mechanism• Scale accuracy is typically rated at 2σ (ex: +/- 0.75 oz)• Target weight is increased to reduce percent of packages

below Maximum Allowable Variation (MAV) levels• Relatively expensive scales may be more economical due to

reduced product required to meet regulatory limits

µ+2σµµ-2σ

0.9545

Target

MAV

Offset

Scale Rating Weight OffsetCheck Weigh Scales

• Image courtesy of Chantland MHSSeed Science Center

Packaging by Seed Quantity• Seed companies traditionally sold corn by count & soybeans by weight• Recent trends are moving toward selling soybeans by seed count• Large seed bags are actually filled by weight, not seed count• Bag weight calculations are estimates based on counted seed samples• Can lead to potential errors due to variability in sampling, seed counter

variation, seed size, seed moisture, and many other factors• Care is needed to maintain compliance without excess product costs

• Images courtesy of IMD and DuBois Engineering

Seed Science Center

Bagging Scale Calibration Comments• AVERAGE BAG CONTENTS for the lot SHOULD EQUAL OR

EXCEED unit quantity shown on the package label• INDIVIDUAL BAG CONTENTS should exceed unit quantity

less the applicable MAV for the package labeling method used

• The MAV value is at least partially intended to compensate for sampling and testing variance during inspection procedures.

• Methods shown neglect inherent variance in sampling, seed count, and check weigh scale accuracy

• Many conditioners adjust to provide an additional safety factor when calculating bag target weights.

Seed Science Center

Tag Placement• Tags are typically added during bag closing• May be sewn or attached with adhesive• Multiple tags are frequently used• Tag handling can be labor intensive• Manual applications frequently used a “tag

lifter” with concentric tubes & low pressure vacuum source

• Automatic tag placers are also available• Tag size and consistency can be critical

• Images courtesy of Tag-All and Thiele Technology

Seed Science Center

Closing & Sealing

Sew Head Designs• Portable or stationary applications

Heat Sealer• Heated band or hot air• Requires bag with heat sensitive glue line

• Images courtesy of Fischbein and Doboy Seed Science Center

Bag Coding and Printing

• Used to print text above sew line• Coding wheel is simple and lower cost• Inkjet coders are more expensive but feature programmable text, multiple font sizes, and more flexible text and graphic configuration

ImajeKey-Mat

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Seed Science Center

Bag Closing Conveyors• Used to support and transport filled bags past the

closing, bag top forming, and labeling equipment• Vee trough conveyors can provide better support but are

more complex and expensive• Support rails are also commonly used for tall bags• Height adjustment for use of multiple bag lengths• Belt speed is determined by required bagging rate

• Images courtesy of Taylor Industries and Express ScaleSeed Science Center

Palletizing Methods

Manual Palletizing• Shown with stacker & bull pen

Conventional Palletizer• Partial or full auto layer forming

Robotic Palletizer• Flexible, Possible space savings

• Images courtesy of Chantland MHS

Seed Science Center

De-Palletizing & Re-Bagging

Metal-FabProductSaver

Seed Science Center

Packaging Summary• Typically the final operation before warehousing or shipment

• Provides convenience, product protection, ease of shipment, product identification, and advertising visibility

• Common package types include small containers, open mouth and valve pack bags, bulk bags, and plastic bulk boxes

• Typical equipment includes a bagging scale, conveyor, closing device, and provisions for labeling and tagging finished package

• Packages are often palletized for ease of handling and shipment

• Similar operations can also be used to empty returned packages• Final package appearance can be a critical marketing factor

Seed Science Center

Pending Lab Equipment Demo - SoybeansSoybean Process:• Air-Screen Cleaner

• Spiral Separator

• Gravity Separator

• Color Sorter

• Seed Treater

• (Packaging)

Seed Science Center

Pending Lab Equipment Demo - Wheat

• Air Screen Cleaner• Indent Cylinder• Gravity Separator• (Treater & Bagger)

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Seed Science Center

Pending Lab Equipment Operations• Cleaner Screen Selection – “bin run” soybeans

• Cleaner Sample Analysis – split removal efficiency

• Rotary Spiral Speed Test – discard, split, oblong %

• Bag Weight Estimate & Seed Count Variability

• Bag Weight Variability - vary bulk/dribble setting

Seed Science Center

1 – Cleaner Screen Selection

• Select one of four “bin run” samples

• Divide into two subsamples (round/slot)

• Sieve - sequential screen stacks (3-5 min)

• Weigh and document product in each screen fraction (note any low quality mat’l)

Paired Groups – share round/flat data

Seed Science Center

2 – Cleaner Sample Analysis

• Select 1 of 4 discard samples

• Note sample weight & time

• Sieve sample using 10/64” slot

• Record “over” and “thru” weights

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3 - Rotary Spiral Separator• Run one sample at listed RPM• Record run time & sample weights• Obtain: Seed Count, Oblong, &

Split concentration (OptiCount)• Calculate: % Discard by Fraction,

Split & Oblong Removal Efficiency• Share data to compare speeds

Rotary Spiral Separator

Seed Science Center

4 – Bag Weight & Counter Variability

Samples prepared & data provided

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Station 5: Net Weigh Bagging Scale

• Review basic components and operation• Adjust to approximate “dribble” time listed• Collect and weigh a total of five (5) “packages”• Given: Additional values from remaining groups• Calculate: MAV and minimum package weights• Check: Which levels met NIST requirements?

Express Scale 5GV

Vibrator

Prelim

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Seed Science Center

Seed Conditioning Lab – Lower LevelDust FilterLMC Gravity

Scale

Stairs

Station 1

N

Station 2

Equipment Table

Equipment Table

Workbench

Cabi

net

Cabi

net

Cabi

net

Scale

Harada Belt Separator

Scale

Temporary Sample Storage Cabinet

BMC

Batc

hTr

eate

r

WestrupAir-Screen Cleaner

Tool Box

Wes

trup

Brus

hing

M

achi

ne

Fors

berg

D

esto

ner

Wes

trup

Belt

Sepa

rato

r

Rotary Spiral

Air-Oven Dryer

Bagging Scale

HeidGravity

Elec

tric

al P

anel

SortexColor Sorter

Forsberg 40V GravityOliver Voyager

Gravity

Crippen H-434 Air-Screen Cleaner

Seed Receiving Area

Catw

alk

Catwalk

Catw

alk

and

Stai

rs

Mitc

hell

Leg

Leg

4

Station 5

Shop Equipment

Pilot Plant – Lower Level Small Equipment Lab

Stein Shaker

Screen Shaker

Station B.c

Carter-Day Lab Indent

IMD Seed Counter

Divider

Imag

ing

Coun

ter

Station B.b

Scale

Hege Seed Treater

Cleaner Samples

Station 3

Station 4

Station B.a

El-C

on

Leg

Scale

Ball Seed Counter

Laptop

Seed Science Center

Mezzanine Level

Seed Conditioning Lab – Upper Level

ScaleStairs

N

Profile Spiral

Carter-Day 1VT Sizers

Carter-Day 1VT Sizers

Stai

rs

Mitc

hell

Leg

Leg

4

Pilot Plant – Upper Level

Crane BayDust Filter Dust Filter

Leg

1

Cabinet

Satake IE Color Sorter

Forsberg TKV-25 Gravity

Table

Gustafson GLCPS Treater

Satake DE Color Sorter

Carter-Day Fractionating

Aspirator

Storage Shelving

Cart

er-D

ay

#3

Uni

iflow

Location Sequence:1) Screen selection (outer room)2) Cleaner analysis (outer room)3) Rotary spiral (outer room)4) Seed counter (lower level)5) Bagging Scale (lower level)

Oliv

er 2

12 S

izer

Seed Science Center

References & Acknowledgements•Seed Conditioning – Technology. Volume 2A-B. Gregg, B.R. 2010•Seed Processing and Handling. Vaughn, Gregg & Delouche. 1968•Managing Grain After Harvest, Bern. 2005 (AE 469/569 textbook)•Seed Science and Agronomy Department archives•ISU Seed Science workshop presentations (2006-2013)•Various websites, including www.gipsa.usda.gov (seed images)•Various Industry Brochures, Operator’s Manuals, and Discussions:• Advanced Sort Industries – Seymour, IN• AEC Enterprises – St. Charles, Iowa• ArrowCorp, Inc. – Winnipeg, Manitoba• Ball-Coleman (STS) – Chicago, IL• Buhler Sortex – Stockton, CA• Carter-Day Int’l – Minneapolis, MN• Cimbria Bratney Co. – Urbandale, IA• Crippen Manufacturing – St. Louis, MI• Forsbergs, Inc. – Thief River Falls, MN

• Harada Sangyo – Ageo, Saitama, Japan• LMC Manufacturing – Donalsonville, GA• Kice Manufacturing – Wichita, KS• Oliver Mfg. – Rocky Ford, CO• Profile Industries – Rogers, MN• Westrup USA – Dallas, TX• Satake USA – Stafford, TX• Seedburo – Chicago, IL• Universal Industries – Cedar Falls, IA

Seed Science Center

** Thanks for your continued support for the ISU Seed Conditioning Program**

ISU Seed Science Center