Rice Color Sorter China Factory

Rice Color Sorter China Factory

Shijiazhuang Xinlu Technology Co., Ltd. – Technical Overview of Rice Color Sorter

The Rice Color Sorter represents a critical stage in modern rice milling, serving as the final quality control checkpoint before packaging. Operating on the principle of electro-optical identification and precision air ejection, this machine ensures the removal of discolored, defective, or foreign materials that previous mechanical cleaning stages cannot eliminate. As a factory specializing in agricultural processing equipment, Shijijiazhuang Xinlu Technology Co., Ltd. integrates advanced technologies into its color sorters to meet the stringent quality standards required by both domestic and international markets.

The fundamental operation of a rice color sorter involves a series of coordinated actions. Pre-screened rice is fed from a vibrating hopper onto a chute or belt, forming a monolayer of grains that free-falls past a high-resolution optical inspection system. This system is the core of the machine. It typically comprises high-speed CCD cameras, LED light sources providing consistent and uniform background illumination, and sophisticated processing software. The cameras capture images of each individual rice kernel at a very high speed. The processing software then analyzes these images in real-time, comparing the color of each kernel against pre-set acceptance parameters. These parameters can be calibrated to identify a wide range of defects, including yellow kernels, damaged or burnt grains, those with husk remnants, and even inorganic materials like stones or glass fragments that differ in color from the sound white rice.

When a defective grain or foreign material is detected, the processing unit sends a signal to a bank of high-speed, precisely aligned solenoid valves. These valves are located directly opposite the inspection zone. Within milliseconds of detection, a brief pulse of compressed air is ejected from the specific valve aligned with the trajectory of the defective grain. This puff of air knocks the rejected particle out of the main product flow, diverting it into a separate rejection chute. The accepted, good-quality rice continues its natural fall path into the acceptance collection hopper. The efficiency of this process is highly dependent on the synchronization between the camera's detection speed, the processing algorithm's decision time, and the response time of the ejection valves.

Key technical features of these color sorters include their processing capacity, which is measured in tons per hour and varies by model, and their sorting accuracy, which defines the percentage of defective grains successfully removed from the product stream. Another critical metric is the "good grain loss," which refers to the minimal amount of acceptable rice that is mistakenly ejected along with the rejects; advanced machines aim to keep this value below 1%. Modern sorters often feature dual-sided inspection, with cameras positioned on both sides of the falling grain curtain, ensuring a comprehensive view and higher defect detection rates. For challenging applications, some models may incorporate additional sensors, such as near-infrared (NIR) technology, which can identify internal defects not visible to standard cameras.

The operational interface is typically a user-friendly touchscreen HMI (Human-Machine Interface), allowing operators to easily set sorting parameters, monitor real-time performance, and access production data. For maintenance, the machines are designed with easy-access panels for cleaning and servicing the optical lenses, air filters, and ejection heads. The robust construction, often featuring a stainless-steel exterior and food-grade contact parts, ensures longevity and compliance with hygiene standards. The Rice Color Sorter from Shijiazhuang Xinlu Technology Co., Ltd. is, therefore, an indispensable tool for rice millers seeking to enhance the visual appeal, purity, and overall market value of their final product.