7 Factors You Must Know Before Buying Rice Colour Sorter Machine for Your Rice Mill

Colour sorting machines have been highly beneficial in several industries, be it food processing, agriculture, mining, plastics, etc. One such industry is the rice mill, which has integrated this advanced technology to optimise the rice sorting process. The adoption of rice colour sorter machines in the milling industry has helped achieve large-scale production of quality rice that meets the demands of consumers. These machines employ advanced optical technology to identify and separate rice grains based on their colour. If you are considering purchasing a rice colour sorter machine for your mill, you will need to take certain factors into account to make the right choice. Read on to find out more.

But, before we discuss these factors, let us briefly understand the functioning of rice colour sorting machines.

How Does A Rice Colour Sorter Machine Work?

A rice colour sorter uses photoelectric technology to separate rice grains based on the colour differences in raw rice. It enhances the grain output as per the best standards and ensures that the rice produced is of the highest quality. The grain enters the sorter machine via the hopper at the top. Due to the vibration in the vibrator device, the grain slides down the channel and accelerates down into the observation region of the sorting room. Then, it passes between the sensor and the background plate. Using the intensity of the light and the colour change detected under the light source, the machine sends an output signal to the solenoid valve. The valve blows out rice grains and any unwanted particles of different colours into the waste cavity of the receiving hopper. The desired coloured rice continues to fall to the finished product cavity of the receiving hopper.

7 Factors to Consider Before Using Rice Colour Sorter Machine for Your Rice Mill

A rice colour sorter machine can significantly save time and labour, offer higher efficiency, and help bring down processing costs. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you use this colour sorter machine for your rice mill:

1.   Understanding the Sorting Requirements of Your Business

Not every industry uses the same colour sorting machine.  Different industries have varying requirements for sorting products or materials based on colour. For instance, in the agriculture industry, colour sorters can be used to separate wheat, rice, seeds, and other farm produce. Whereas in the recycling industry, this equipment helps sort plastic, metal, and glass based on colour. It is critical to understand the specific needs of your business and choose a colour sorter machine tailored to meet your requirements effectively.

2.   Type of Sorting Technology

Rice colour sorter machines employ different sorting technologies to separate materials based on colour. These include infrared sensors, RGB cameras, and combination technologies. Every technology comes with its unique features. For instance, RGB cameras are highly effective for grain colour sorting. On the other hand, infrared sensors assist in the easy identification of defects that are invisible to the naked eye.

3.   Evaluating Sorting Speed and Capacity

The speed of the rice colour sorter machine is another factor to consider when buying this rice mill equipment. The speed of the machine determines how quick the churn-out for input items will be. So, if your mill’s production goals are large-scale, you will need to invest in a rice colour sorting machine with a high sorting speed to ensure the desired scale of output.

4.   Sorting Accuracy and Precision

When sorting grains based on colour, it is important to consider the accuracy and precision percentage of the rice colour sorter machine. This is especially true for rice, where the colour variations in the grains could be quite subtle. Always look for a colour sorting machine with high-resolution optical sensors and advanced algorithms that offer precise sorting. Machines with poor accuracy can cause misclassified grains to collect together, leading to financial losses for your business and a dent in the brand name.

5.   Input and Output Capacity

Consider both the input processing capacity and output capacity of the rice colour sorter machine before you buy one. The input capacity should align with the rice mill production requirements. Make sure the machine can handle enough volume of grains to be processed in your plant. Machines that are built for higher capacities tend to increase efficiency in the rice processing lines. Additionally, for the output capacity, consider the demand for the rice output.

6.   Quality

However, make sure that even if your production demands are high, you do not forego the quality of the rice colour sorter machine just for its capacity. It is a common challenge for many rice plants that invest in gigantic machines for a greater output but end up compromising on the cleaning rate, which cannot meet their requirements. The larger the equipment, the more space it will take up in the plant, in addition to sophisticated maintenance and higher performance costs.

7.   Price

When you buy rice colour sorter machines, they may be a little costly to invest in at first. However, despite the cost being an important factor, it should not be the primary determinant. It is a good idea to compare the quotes from different manufacturers, but the quality of production should not be compromised. If the quality of the machine is better, it has advanced features, and the supplier offers reliable after-sales service, a slightly higher upfront cost is justified and profitable in the long run. Look for suppliers who offer a good balance between cost and benefits.

Final Thoughts

Running a rice mill plant requires thoughtful purchase of different equipment. Rice colour sorter machines can speed up the colour sorting process, but it is important that you choose the right machine. Since the investment is going to be a considerable one, we recommend you remember factors such as sorting technology, speed, capacity, precision, etc., before buying a rice colour sorter machinery. Moreover, make sure the machine is robust and durable enough to withstand heavy usage. Check if the machine comes with features such as remote monitoring, multi-dimensional sorting, and easy maintenance. Go well-prepared with all the requirements of your rice mill business, and select the best-suited machinery.