Bean winnower

Types of bean winnowers

A bean winnower is an agricultural machine used to separate (or winnow) the beans from the bean pods after harvesting. Beans are usually harvested in pods, so they have to be separated from the pod before being processed for consumption or sale. The bean winnowing machine uses air pressure to separate the beans from the pods. It can be used after the first-level manual bean separation. It is mainly used in fields where beans are the principal crop. In such areas, a winnowing machine can save time and labor costs after harvest.

The basic principle of a bean winnowing machine is to take advantage of the difference in weight between the lighter bean pods and the heavier beans. It uses a combination of air blow and suction to separate the two. Advanced models may include vibrating screens or sieves that further separate unwanted materials such as stones or chaff. These screens usually have different mesh sizes so that beans can be separated quickly and efficiently.

There are three main types of bean winnowers based on how they separate the beans, as follows:

• Air pressure winnowers: As explained above, air pressure winnowers use air pressure to separate pods from beans. They are further divided into air blow winnowers and air suction winnowers. The former blows the debris out, while the latter sucks it in through a nozzle or pipe.
• Vibrating winnowers: These kinds of winnowers have vibrating plates or screens that separate beans from unwanted material such as pod fragments, chaff, stones, etc. The debris falls from the screen to the designated area, while the beans remain on the screen and are collected.
• Gravity winnowers: These types of winnowers use gravity to separate the beans from unwanted material. When the gravity separator is tilted, lighter materials such as bean pods are blown away or fall downwards, while the beans remain on the ground.

Specification and maintenance of a bean winnower

Specifications

• Winnowing mechanism:

  - Air separation system or vibrating sieve/finger comb mechanism. The design may vary depending on the specific model and manufacturer.

• Fan motor:

  - Typical power: 1-1.5kW.

• Bean hoppers:

  - Input hopper capacity: about 50-100kg(beans).

• The output system:

  -Output conveyor or collection bin. Output conveyor width is about 1-2ft.

• Overall dimensions:

  -Length: 4-6ft; Width: 2-4ft; Height: 3-5ft.

• Processing capacity:

  - 200-500kg of beans per hour (Processing speed will vary based on the size of the bean winnower, the type of beans, the adjustment of the separation system, and more.).

• Power Supply

  - 3-phase electricity or diesel generator sets.

Maintenance

• Regular clean:

  -Use air compressor or high-pressure water pipes to clean greasy and oily dirt in pipelines and inside the machine. While ensuring the machine is powered off, use a damp cloth to clean other areas up to vis-à- vis. The use of sharp objects should be avoided to prevent damage to the lacquer and the body.

• Fan maintenance:

  -Check the fan and its bearings, remove the dust from the blades, and regularly lubricate the fan bearings.

• Electrical system:

  Regularly check the control box, line connection, and other electrical spare parts. Ensure that the circuit connection is firm and reliable. Check the contact and insulation of relevant electrical components. Avoid the use of damp and dirty environments. In the case of the power supply being cut off, only a qualified electrical technician can carry out maintenance and repair.

Uses of bean winnowers

• Home coffee roasters:

Home coffee enthusiasts can utilize small-scale bean winnowers as part of their home coffee roasting setup. After roasting, the coffee winnower helps to remove the chaff from the coffee beans, enhancing the flavor profile of the final brew.

• Small-scale farmers:

Farmers cultivating beans, such as coffee, chickpeas, and field peas, can use bean winnowers for on-farm processing. The machine enables small-scale farmers to separate the valuable beans from the unwanted chaff, improving the quality of their produce.

• Specialty food producers:

Food production companies that process bean-based products, such as pea protein, can use bean winnowers in their production lines. The machine assists in extracting high-quality beans for further processing, ensuring the purity and quality of the final bean-based products.

• Educational purposes:

Bean winnowers are versatile tools for universities and agricultural research institutions to study and analyze different bean varieties and their winnowing characteristics. They can winnow beans for experiments, flavor testing, or recipe development, contributing to knowledge advancement in bean processing.

• Community-based processing:

In peri-urban and rural areas with limited access to large-scale processing facilities, bean winnowers can enable community-based processing initiatives. Local residents can gather to winnow beans collectively, enhancing self-sufficiency and providing opportunities for value-added processing at the community level.

How to choose a bean winnower

With the different types and features of bean winnowers available, there are a few things to consider before purchasing one.

• Capacity

  When deciding what kind of winnower to get, businesses need to think about how much product they have to process every hour or day. If a small winnower is chosen, it may take longer to get the work done. On the other hand, larger machines could be too big for the current needs. Finding a suitable-sized winnower for present quantities and possible future increases is essential.

• Cleanliness

  Because of converging surfaces, air channels, and lack of bean contact within the machine, winnowers offer excellent benefits in terms of reducing labor costs and ensuring consistent cleaning levels. Cleaning various types of machinery can prove complicated, expensive, and time-consuming. Furthermore, the amount of bean loss experienced during the manual cleaning process is substantially greater than what is normally experienced during winnowing.

• Ease of Use

  When buying a winnowing machine, it's essential to pick one easy to operate. The user manual should be straightforward and clear, while the machine itself must be simple and intuitive. Additionally, good customer support is crucial in case any questions or issues arise later on.

• Cost

  Considering its value for time saved, reduced bean loss, improved clean beans, and consistent results, the overall expense of purchasing a winnowing machine is minimal. The cost should be weighed against the benefits, such as those above, that a winnowing machine can bring to business operations.

• Power Source

  Winnowing machines are generally available in electrical and gas options. Deciding which type is suitable depends on things like location and the amount of work to be done. For instance, gasoline-powered machines might be better for outside use due to their portability. Electrical ones are usually quieter and provide better outcomes, making them more suitable for indoor use near reliable power sources.

Q&A

Q1: What is the main difference between a bean winnower and a bean picker?

A1: The main difference between a bean winnower and a bean picker is the type of material being separated and the mechanism used. A bean winnower is designed to separate the beans from their hulls or shells, typically using airflow or vibrating screens to distinguish between the lightweight hulls and the heavier beans. On the other hand, a bean picker is used to remove beans that have been spilled or misplaced, usually through manual or automated means, such as suction or sorting mechanisms.

Q2: What types of beans are suitable for the winnowing process?

A2: Several types of beans can be winnowed. These include: Navy beans; black beans; pinto beans; kidney beans; cranberry beans, etc. Each type of bean may have its own unique winnowing challenges and requirements, depending on its size, shape, and shell characteristics.

Q3: Can a bean winnower be used in home production or smaller-scale operations?

A3: Yes, some bean winnowers are suitable for use in home production or smaller-scale operations. These are often smaller, more affordable models that can be used in urban farms, homesteads, or small rural businesses to winnow beans for personal use or local sales.

Q4: Are there any safety precautions when using a bean winnower?

A4: Yes, there are several safety precautions one should take while using a bean winnower. First, ensure all safety guards are in place before using the machine. Second, avoid inserting any body part into the machine while it is running. Third, wear safety goggles and ear protection to prevent any injuries during the process. Finally, only operate the machine in a well-ventilated area.