Lentils Sesame Processing Lin​e

Lentils Sesame Processing Line

Shijiazhuang Xinlu Technology Co., Ltd. – Integrated Processing Line for Lentils and Sesame Seeds

Processing lentils and sesame seeds presents unique challenges due to their differing sizes, shapes, and intended markets. An integrated processing line from Shijiazhuang Xinlu Technology Co., Ltd. for these commodities is designed with flexibility and precision to handle both, often through a modular approach that allows for the processing of one product at a time with quick changeover capabilities. The line focuses on achieving high purity, minimizing breakage, and preserving the integrity of these small, often delicate, food-grade products.

The process for both lentils and sesame begins with robust pre-cleaning. Raw material is fed into cleaning equipment that combines sieving and air aspiration. For lentils, which are larger, screens are used to remove both oversized (clods, stones) and undersized (sand, small stones) impurities. Sesame seeds, being much smaller, require finer screens and carefully calibrated air velocities to remove dust, plant stems, and other lightweight contaminants without losing the good product. This initial cleaning is vital for protecting the more sensitive equipment used later in the line.

The next stage involves precision grading and sorting. For lentils, this is a critical step to meet market specifications which are often based on size. A series of oscillating screens or rotary sieves with precisely sized indentations are used to sort the lentils into uniform size fractions. This not only adds value but also ensures even cooking times for the end-user. Following sizing, both lentils and sesame seeds may pass through advanced optical sorters. These machines use high-resolution cameras and sophisticated processing algorithms to identify and eject off-color seeds, damaged seeds, foreign materials, and, in the case of sesame, any remaining unhulled seeds. This electronic sorting is essential for achieving the high visual quality demanded by consumers.

For sesame seeds, a dedicated hulling process may be included if the desired final product is dehulled sesame. This typically involves a soaking step to soften the hulls, followed by gentle rubbing or brushing in a hulling machine. The mixture of hulls and kernels is then separated using a combination of water flotation (wet method) or air aspiration and specific gravity tables (dry method). The hulled kernels may then be lightly roasted or dried to develop flavor and reduce moisture for storage.

Treatment for microbial control is an important consideration for both products, especially those destined for the ready-to-eat market. This can involve a short-wave infrared treatment or a steam pasteurization process that effectively reduces microbial load without significantly affecting the seed's germination (for seed purposes) or sensory properties.

The final stage is packaging and bagging. The cleaned, sorted, and treated lentils or sesame seeds are conveyed to weighing and bagging systems. These can range from automated form-fill-seal machines for small retail packs to valve baggers for 25-50 kg sacks. The entire processing line from Shijiazhuang Xinlu Technology Co., Ltd. is constructed with food-grade materials, such as stainless steel for all product contact surfaces, to ensure compliance with international food safety standards. The line's design emphasizes gentle material handling through bucket elevators and conveyors with minimal drop heights to prevent cracking or breaking of the lentils and sesame seeds, thereby maximizing the yield of whole, high-value product.