{"id":5972,"date":"2026-08-12T14:39:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T11:09:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/seyfico.com\/shellkernel-separate\/seed-shell-separator-sunflower-seed-huller\/"},"modified":"2026-08-22T12:54:14","modified_gmt":"2026-08-22T09:24:14","slug":"seed-shell-separator-sunflower-seed-huller","status":"publish","type":"shellkernel-separate","link":"https:\/\/seyfico.com\/en\/shellkernel-separate\/seed-shell-separator-sunflower-seed-huller\/","title":{"rendered":"Seed shell separator \/ Sunflower seed huller"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Sunflower seeds must go through several stages before reaching the consumer, one of which is cleaning and grading (winnowing). Many people consider this stage to be just a simple cleaning process, but in reality, precise, correct, and principled winnowing is the stamp of approval for the production line and the main determining factor of final quality. Without separating impurities, stones, and defective seeds, even the best farm product loses its value and violates health and export standards. Today, the use of advanced seed cleaning and grading machines with air-based technologies not only ensures consumer health but also reduces waste and increases factory efficiency and profitability. In this article on the Seifi website, we will comprehensively review the cleaning and grading process, introduce various types of machines, highlight the advantages of Seifi Industrial Group’s<\/a> equipment, and examine the factors affecting pricing. <\/p>\n\n

What is seed cleaning and grading (winnowing) and why is it important?<\/h2>\n\n

Seed cleaning and grading (winnowing) is a very important process in the food and agricultural industries, which involves separating impurities, shells, damaged seeds, and foreign materials from raw seeds such as sunflower, pumpkin, or watermelon seeds. This is done using specialized equipment and includes screening, air separation, magnetic separation, and vibrating separation stages. Without proper cleaning and grading, the seeds are of low quality and unsuitable for packaging, roasting, or export. The importance of cleaning and grading cannot be overlooked, because the first benefit of seed winnowing is that it increases the quality of the final product and reduces waste by up to 90%. It also complies with health standards and prevents microbial or chemical contamination. Ultimately, it increases profitability because clean and uniform seeds are more marketable and command a higher price. For example, in Iran, with an annual production of millions of tons of sunflower seeds, professional cleaning and grading helps exporters compete with global rivals. <\/p>\n\n

How is sunflower seed cleaning and grading (winnowing) carried out?<\/h2>\n\n

The sunflower seed cleaning and grading process is typically carried out in several precise and continuous stages:<\/p>\n\n

Receiving and primary storageTo prevent mold growth, raw seeds are collected from the farm and stored with controlled moisture content of about 8 to 10 percent.Primary cleaningThe seeds enter the pre-cleaner machine. Here, with vibrating screens, leaves, soil, and large stones are separated. This makes the seed cleaning and grading process better, faster, and more precise.Air separation (Aspiration)Powerful fans remove light shells, fuzz, and suspended particles with airflow. The air speed is adjusted based on the weight of the seeds (typically between 15-25 m\/s).Screening and sizingThe seeds are sized using sorting machines (sizers). The sizers have holes ranging from 4 to 12 millimeters to separate small or broken seeds.Grading after crackingAfter the seeds are cracked and the kernels are extracted, the output from the seed sheller\/cracker must be re-graded to remove excess shells, dust, and any materials other than the kernel. This is done with high efficiency and minimal waste by the Seifi kernel and shell separator machine<\/a>.Drying and coolingThe kernels or the seeds themselves are dried with warm air at 40-60\u00b0C, then cooled to be ready for roasting or packaging. <\/p>\n\n

Introduction to types of seed cleaning and grading machines (winnowers)<\/h2>\n\n

Fortunately, with advances in technology and other industries, there is no longer any need for manual cleaning and grading. Today, seed and nut winnowing is carried out by specialized machinery that delivers satisfying results and very high productivity. Seed cleaning and grading machines are divided into different categories based on capacity, size, and application: <\/p>\n\n

Manual or semi-automatic machines<\/h3>\n\n

Suitable for small workshops with a capacity of 200-500 kg per hour. They are also an ideal choice for simple workshops that are affordable, have low energy consumption, but do require manual labor. <\/p>\n\n

Fully automatic inline machines<\/h3>\n\n

Suitable for medium-sized factories with a capacity of 1 to 3 tons per hour. Fully automatic inline machines include conveyors, vibrating screens, and air classifiers, and are ideal for sunflower seed cleaning and grading. <\/p>\n\n

Advanced industrial machines<\/h3>\n\n

Advanced industrial machines with a capacity of 5-20 tons per hour, featuring smart technologies such as AI sensors for color and shape sorting, and are suitable for export purposes.<\/p>\n\n

Portable or containerized machines<\/h3>\n\n

Portable units for farms with an independent generator and a capacity of 1 ton per hour.<\/p>\n\n

Each type can be selected based on your workshop space and production volume. If you have a sunflower seed farm and want a seed cleaning machine<\/a> for your own product, it is better to choose more affordable models with lower capacity. However, if your goal is to equip a full seed processing production line, an automatic sunflower seed cleaning and grading machine, along with other equipment such as sorters and conveyors, will be more efficient for you. <\/p>\n\n

Advantages and features of the seed cleaning and grading machines from Seifi Industrial Group<\/h2>\n\n

Seifi Industrial Group is one of the pioneers in manufacturing seed cleaning machines in Iran, and its products feature outstanding characteristics, including the following:High efficiencySeifi Group’s machines achieve seed separation with over 97% impurity removal, minimal waste, and the least damage to the seed kernel.Easy and low-cost maintenanceThe seed cleaning machines from Seifi Group feature a stainless steel or iron body, and a motor with Japanese bearings and a cooling fan, which, with proper use, will perform the cleaning and grading operation flawlessly for many years.After-sales service and warrantySeifi Group’s machines are offered with after-sales service and warranty. Additionally, buyers will be trained on how to operate the machine.FlexibilityAdjustable for various types of nuts and dried fruits such as sunflower seeds, pistachios, walnuts, hazelnuts, and even legumes. <\/p>\n\n

Price of the seed cleaning and grading machine and factors affecting it<\/h2>\n\n

The price of seed cleaning machines is not fixed across all models and ranges from several hundred million tomans for small models to billions of tomans for complete industrial lines. The factors affecting the price of seed cleaning and grading machines are as follows: <\/p>\n\n

\u25cf Production capacity: The higher the seed cleaning and grading capacity, the higher the price. For example, the price of a cleaning machine with a capacity of 1 ton per hour is approximately 300 million tomans, while a machine with a capacity of 5 tons is about 1 billion tomans. \u25cf Level of automation: Manual cleaning machines are cheaper, while fully automatic ones are more expensive, due to the technology incorporated into the machine. \u25cf Material quality and brand of components: The price of a stainless steel machine compared to an iron one, and imported versus domestic components, can vary by 20 to 40 percent. \u25cf Accessories: Additional accessories such as dryers, hoppers, and conveyors can increase the price by up to 30 percent. \u25cf Exchange rate and inflation: Since manufacturers of seed cleaning machines use motor parts, iron, and other materials, currency market fluctuations play a significant role in the final price of the machine. For an accurate and up-to-date price quote and purchasing consultation, you can contact the sales experts at Seifi Group.<\/p>\n\n

Why is choosing the right seed cleaning and grading machine important?<\/h2>\n\n

If the cleaning and grading machine is not chosen correctly, it can damage the kernels and seeds. In general, an incorrect choice of machine can lead to significant losses, including: <\/p>\n\n

Reduction in product qualityIncomplete separation leads to customer complaints and product returns, while the buyer also faces financial losses.Increased costsHigh energy consumption or frequent repairs reduce profitability.Production stoppageMachine breakdowns paralyze the production line and may cause damage to the seed stock.Non-compliance with standardsFor export, ISO and HACCP certification is mandatory.In general, the right cleaning and grading machine multiplies production capacity, reduces waste, and guarantees quality.<\/p>\n\n

Final Word<\/h2>\n\n

Seed cleaning and grading is not just a single step in the processing line; it is a profitable investment for any seed-related business. Through the cleaning process, all impurities, dust, and excess shells are removed. The seeds then proceed to the next stage for packaging or roasting. By choosing the right machine, such as the products from Seifi Industrial Group, quality, speed, and profitability all increase. Therefore, if you want to bring about a transformation in your production line, take action now to purchase this machine. <\/p>\n\n

Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n

How long does seed cleaning and grading take?<\/h3>\n\n

Depending on the machine and the quality of the raw seeds, it typically takes between 1 to 4 hours per ton.<\/p>\n\n

Is the cleaning and grading machine also suitable for pistachios?<\/h3>\n\n

Yes, most models are multi-purpose and work by adjusting the sieves\/screens.<\/p>\n\n

How much is the maintenance cost of the machine?<\/h3>\n\n

This annual cost is about 5\u201310% of the machine’s price, mainly allocated to lubrication and screen\/sieve replacement.<\/p>\n\n

How is the warranty for the machines?<\/h3>\n\n

Usually comprehensive and ranges from 1 to 2 years, which also includes on-site service.<\/p>\n\n

How do we choose the right machine?<\/h3>\n\n

Evaluate your capacity, budget, and workshop space, and get a consultation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":5973,"template":"","class_list":["post-5972","shellkernel-separate","type-shellkernel-separate","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/seyfico.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/shellkernel-separate\/5972","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/seyfico.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/shellkernel-separate"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/seyfico.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/shellkernel-separate"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seyfico.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5973"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/seyfico.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5972"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}