Normally, the modern processing machine grade the seeds by air screen-devices only.  Whenever a plant is to be operated, observe the following before handling the unit.  

1.See that the machine is in proper working condition. 

2.Clean the machine properly before allowing the seeds for processing.  Conveyor belts, buckets, elevator boots, storing bins, feed hoppers, indent cylinders and all the paths of seed flow in the machine have to be properly cleaned.  

3.Correct sieve size has to be chosen, scalper and grader sieve have to be fitted in properly. 

4.See that the fringes of the brushes are just touching the grader sieve. 

5.Ensure that the seed plus, seed minus, chaffy and immature grains are collected then and there while in operation.  A constant vigil to see that the graded seeds are perfectly taken out and weighed if necessary. 

6.Initial aspiration and final aspiration adjustment have to be so adjusted that the end product, which we obtain, is of proper, required standard size.  

7. Feeding adjustments are to be regulated so that the top sieve does not allow overflow. 

8.During operation, grader sieves have to be cleaned frequently at regular intervals so as to remove the seed plugged in the sieve holes.  

Operating a Seed Treater

For dry seed treatment use a Seed Treating Drum. 

While operating a slurry treater ensure the following. 

1.     Verify whether the drum weight and chemical cup operate properly so that the chemical and the seeds are mixed at the required level. 

2.Check whether all the seeds are coated with chemical property. 

3.After treating the seeds allow enough time to get the seeds dried before bagging.

4.Take care that the treated seeds are not allowed to be mixed with dusts etc. 

5.Always adhere to the control schedule of seed treatment.

Bag Closers

Bag closers used in the seed industry include several types such as Fischbein, Revo, Singer, Jacks etc. The bag closer operates with an electric motor 1/12 Hp. 220 Volts single phase. 

Operating Bag closer

Proper threading and tension are important for sewing and chaining off.      

Tension is the degree of resistance the thread meets in passing through the tension discs, and is controlled by a nut.  The locking nut should be locked after the tension nut is properly set.  Too tight tension will cause the thread to break.  Too loose tension will leave loose loops of thread on the bag instead of firm stitches.  In either case, the machine may not chain properly.  To alter the amount of tension, give the tension-tightening nut about 1/8 turn at a time.  Turning down to tighten tension, until desired tension is obtained for proper stitching.  Be sure to relock with locking nut.

To replace empty cone of thread, remove clamping rod by unscrewing wing nut.  To load full cone of thread, force rod through hole, in top of cone and securely lock in position with wing nut.  

To complete threading operations follow treading diagrams and make sure that thread passes between the two discs.

Fitting needle and looper

Insert new needle into needle bar as far as it will go, with long groove facing exactly outside of machine.  The long groove will enter into bar.  Lock needle securely with wrench provided with machine.  

To change looper follow instructions as below carefully.  Machine will not sew or chain properly unless looper is set right and according to these instructions.

a. Unthread needle, and remove Pressure foot, throat plate and feed dog.

b. Turn machine pulley by hand until holes in main shaft-can and feed-dog carrier line up.  Insert allenkey and loosen looper set screw.  Pull out old looper. 

c. Insert new looper, with flat surface upright, so that allen screw will lock on the flat surface and bring looper automatically into correct position, tighten allen screw slightly. 

d. Turn machine drive pulley by about half a turn.  This will keep looper and needle into crossing position.  Allow about 1/64” between point of looper and needle, do not allow the point of looper to rub or strike needle.  Side looper in or out to attain proper clearance and tighten the looper allen screw.

How to close a bag?  

Always start a new bag from the side opposite the seam and never on the seam side. 

Hold machine in right hand with fore finger through loop at bottom of handle.  A slight finger pressure against switch button will start the machine. The machine automatically stops when pressure is released. Hold bag in left hand in starting side, start the machine which will automatically engage the bag.  After sewing the bag about 5-6 inches stop machine and attach the tag and then finish sewing the bag.   

If the machine is not handled property or is out of adjustment, it will not sew may chew up the bag, and thread will pile up around the looper and break.  When this occurs, stop the machine immediately, lift pressure foot by depressing lever and remove bag from the machine.  Raise the needle to height position by turning motor drove pulley in either direction.  Then with a piece of softwood, push the tangled thread off the looper and proceed again.  Do not use a knife or sharp metal to remove thread from looper.  A slight scratch on the looper will prevent proper stitching. 

Moisture Meter 

The operation of Osaw Universal

Moisture Meter is based on the fact that the electrical conductivity of a moist material is directly proportional to the amount of moisture content in it.  Electrical Conductivity also varies with the temperature.  A built-in thermometer and a set of correlator dials on the front panel of the instrument compensate for these variations. 

Working with universal moisture meter

1. Take a representative sample by Weight or volume and transfer it into the Test cups.  

2.Then place the filled Test cup in the lower housing of the compression unit. 

3.Compress the sample to a specified thickness which can be read on the Linear vertical scale and micrometer wheel. 

4.Note the temperature of the moisture meter on the thermometer which is housed in the thermometer bracket.

5.Set the selector switch on position I, Calibrate the moisture meter by pressing “PRESS SWITCH” keeping READ/CAL switch on CAL position and by adjusting the CAL knob. Then set READ/CAL switch on READ and note the meter reading on the upper scale by pressing the press switch again.  If the reading goes beyond 60, turn the select or switch to position and repeat the above procedure. Now the reading will be read on lower scale. 

6.Rotate the upper disc of Correlator dials to make alignment of meter reading and the temperature reading.  The arrow on left side of the temperature scale indicates the moisture percentage of the outer scale.

7. Release the pressure, take out the Test Cup from its housing, remove the tested seeds of the sample and put the test cup into housing again.

8. Set the selector switch to position  ‘OFF’