The right seed cleaning machine depends on the crop type, seed size, impurities, required purity level, and capacity requirements. Grass seed, vegetable seed, cereals, pulses, and specialty crops are all cleaned differently and require different steps.

The process typically starts with a pre-cleaner to remove large and small impurities and to optimize the capacity of the fine cleaner further down the processing line. Indented cylinders can be used to separate long kernels from short, and gravity separation can then be used to sort by density. Lastly, optical sorting can identify discolored, damaged, or otherwise inadequate seeds.

In most cases, the optimal solution is not a single machine but a combination of multiple processing steps. Crop characteristics, capacity requirements, quality targets, and future production needs should therefore be evaluated before selecting equipment.

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Capacity planning starts with annual production targets, the number of operating days, and daily working hours. Peak loads, seasonal fluctuations, and future growth should also be taken into consideration.

It is important to look at actual demands for both high and low seasons, and not by looking at an average based on the year, as the variability in low and high seasons can mean that your seed cleaning plant can be ready to deal with the high capacities you face in peak season. Insufficient capacity can create bottlenecks, while oversizing may lead to unnecessary investment and higher operating costs.

A thorough analysis of raw material quality, process requirements, and production objectives forms the basis for determining the optimal plant size.

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Operating costs can be reduced through energy-efficient equipment, automation, and proper plant sizing.

Preventative maintenance and continuous process optimization also help minimize unplanned downtime and improve productivity. A well-designed processing plant can deliver significant savings throughout its service life.

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Yes. Most Westrup systems are configured specifically for your desired crops or production requirements.

Different seed types require different screens, airflow settings, sorting methods, and process configurations. Solutions are, therefore, more often than not tailored to the customer's specific needs. This helps maximize efficiency and achieve the best possible end result.

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The optimal combination depends on the crop, quality objectives, and production requirements.

A typical solution may combine:

• Pre-cleaning
• Fine cleaning
• Length separation
• Gravity separation
• Optical sorting, optional
• Seed treatment, optional

Together, these technologies make it possible to achieve high purity levels and consistent product quality.

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Pre-cleaning removes large and smaller impurities such as straw, stones, and dust before further processing. The material that is sifted away are normally waste and of no value. Fine cleaning focuses on more precise separation and removal of larger and smaller impurities, damaged seeds, foreign seeds, and all seeds with size deviations. Combining both processes improves overall efficiency and final product quality.

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Seed quality is typically assessed based on:

• Purity
• Germination performance
• Moisture content
• Uniformity
• Absence of impurities

These parameters help define both processing requirements and quality targets.

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Germination performance is typically improved by removing weak, damaged, or immature seeds. This can be achieved through a variety of machine combinations, depending on your crop type and impurity needs. A setup of air screen cleaners, gravity separation, seed sizers, or graders can result in a more uniform seed lot with higher average quality and improved field performance.

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Many modern cleaning machines are designed to process a wide range of crops. The same goes for Westrup machinery. When changing between crops, operators typically need to adjust:

• Screens
• Air settings
• Speeds
• Vibration settings
• This flexibility is particularly valuable for companies handling multiple seed types throughout the season. Giving operators the possibility to broaden their capabilities in crop cleaning variety, utilizing the processing line throughout more than just peak season. This ensures a more adverse plant, getting the most from your seed cleaning setup.

Modern cleaning and sorting equipment can remove a wide range of impurities, including dust, soil particles, straw residues, weed seeds, stones, broken seeds, and lightweight contaminants. Combining multiple technologies helps achieve higher product quality and increase product value. The most effective solution depends on the crop and the specific quality requirements. Looking at several steps such as sorting by size, shape, weight and/or color.

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Density is often one of the most reliable indicators of seed quality. Heavier seeds typically have higher vigor, better development, and a greater likelihood of successful germination. Gravity separation allows seeds to be sorted by density, removing lighter, damaged, dead seeds or poorly developed seeds. The result is often improved uniformity and higher germination rates.

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Uniformity is achieved through precise sorting based on size, (thickness and length) density, and color. A more uniform seed lot supports consistent planting, improved crop establishment, and more predictable field performance. Multiple processing stages can be used to achieve the desired level of uniformity.

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Maintaining high product quality requires precise control over every step of the cleaning process. This includes correct machine setup, continuous monitoring, quality control, and preventive maintenance. Further, using genuine spare parts on your machine improves the quality of the equipment, giving you the best conditions for optimal end results. By combining multiple sorting technologies, quality can be optimized throughout the entire production process.

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Mechanical sorting separates products based on physical characteristics such as size, weight, and shape. Optical sorting uses cameras and sensors to identify visual differences, including color variations, discoloration, and surface defects. In many applications, the best results are achieved by combining both technologies within the same processing line, as demands for purity increasing.

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Automation improves efficiency, traceability, and process control. Modern systems can monitor capacity, alarms, energy consumption, product quality, and maintenance systems in real time. This reduces the risk of human error and contributes to more stable and consistent production results.

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Modern processing plants can handle a wide range of crops, including:

• Grass seed
• Cereals
• Maize
• Pulses
• Oilseeds
• Vegetable seed
• Flower seed
• Specialty crops
• The optimal solution depends on the crops’ characteristics and the required quality standards.

A modular cleaner is a machine built from different standard modules that can be combined to meet specific cleaning and processing requirements.

A modular cleaner is configured with the modules best suited for the application. By selecting the correct combination of modules, the machine can be optimized for the required product, capacity, and cleaning performance.

Modular cleaners offer exceptional flexibility:

• You can configure the machine precisely for your application.
• Installation in existing buildings is often easier than with traditional machines.
• If market demands or production requirements change, the machine can be adapted by replacing or adding modules instead of purchasing a completely new machine.

A grader is a machine designed to size seeds with extremely high precision.

A grader operates with a highly uniform product flow, even distribution, and stable capacity. Combined with low screen inclination and precision-perforated screens with very small tolerances, it achieves highly accurate sizing results.

A grader is the preferred choice when very high sizing precision is required, particularly for high-value seeds.

A brushing machine is used to separate, clean, or polish seeds and leaves.

A brushing machine consists of a stationary cylinder fitted with a wire mesh and a rotating shaft equipped with brushes or steel beaters. The product passes between these two components, allowing it to be cleaned, separated, or polished according to the application.

A brushing machine can be used to:

• Separate double seeds.
• Separate seeds or leaves from stems and straw.
• Polish the surface of seeds.
• Process high-value seeds with precision.

Navigator 4.0 is a software and hardware system that automatically controls and adjusts the pre- and tail-aspiration settings of an air and screen cleaner.

Air velocity sensors installed in the pre- and tail-aspiration channels continuously monitor airflow. Navigator 4.0 automatically maintains the correct air velocity and machine performance, regardless of fluctuations in the central aspiration system.

• Ideal for unmanned production environments.
• Reduces dependence on highly skilled operators.
• Minimizes the loss of good seeds while maintaining high quality.
• Provides production logging and documentation.

An optical sorter separates products based on color, reflection, or shape using advanced camera technology.

The optical sorter is first trained to recognize both acceptable and defective seeds using reference images. During operation, the product passes through multiple channels equipped with front and rear cameras. Defects and impurities are identified and removed with highly precise air nozzles.

Optical sorters are typically installed after air and screen cleaners, indented cylinders, and gravity separators when extremely high purity is required. They can separate seeds that are identical in size and shape but differ in color, which is not possible with conventional sorting technologies.

A belt conveyor is primarily used for horizontal transport or transport with a low inclination. Belt conveyors can range from a few meters to more than 200 meters in length and are available in capacities ranging from a few kilograms per hour to more than 1,000 tons per hour.

Depending on the application, the belt may be made from rubber, PVC, or PU. Belt conveyors provide gentle handling of seeds and are largely self-cleaning.

A bucket elevator is primarily used for vertical transport of seeds and grain. Elevator heights can range from a few meters to more than 50 meters, with capacities ranging from approximately 100 kg/h to over 2,000 t/h.

Certain bucket elevator designs can also combine vertical and horizontal conveying in a single system.

A gravity separator is a machine that separates seeds, grains, and other products according to their specific weight or density.

The machine uses a combination of vibration, airflow, and deck inclination to stratify the product. Heavy, high-quality seeds move in one direction while lighter or defective material moves in another, allowing precise separation by density.

A gravity separator removes immature, damaged, diseased, or low-density seeds that cannot be separated by size alone. It improves product quality, germination rates, and final purity.

A fine cleaner is an air and screen machine designed to remove impurities and classify products with high precision.

The product passes through aspiration channels and multiple screen layers. Light impurities are removed by airflow, while oversized and undersized material are separated by carefully selected screens.

Fine cleaners provide efficient removal of impurities and deliver a highly uniform product, making them a key machine in most seed and grain processing plants.

A length separator, also known as an indented cylinder, separates products according to their length.

The rotating cylinder contains indents that capture seeds of a specific length. These seeds are lifted and discharged separately, while longer or shorter particles remain in the main product stream.

Length separators are ideal for removing impurities that differ in length but have similar width and thickness to the desired product.

A seed treater is a machine that applies liquid or powder treatments to seeds before planting.

The machine accurately meters both seed and treatment product while mixing them thoroughly to ensure a uniform coating on every seed.

Seed treatment improves crop establishment by protecting seeds against diseases, pests, and environmental stress while ensuring precise application of treatment products.

A fluid bed dryer is a machine used to gently reduce moisture content in seeds and grains while maintaining product quality.

Heated air passes through a perforated deck, causing the product to become suspended in a fluidized state. This ensures uniform drying and efficient heat transfer.

Fluid bed dryers provide fast, energy-efficient, and uniform drying while minimizing stress and damage to sensitive seeds.

A complete seed processing plant combines multiple processing stages into one integrated solution. Benefits include:

• Higher product quality
• Better process control
• Reduced manual handling
• Increased capacity
• More consistent results
An integrated plant can also be optimized to match specific crops and production objectives.
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Installation time depends on the project's size and complexity, as well as the level of integration with existing facilities. Smaller installations can often be completed quickly, while larger complete line installations require more extensive planning, installation, and commissioning. A detailed project plan helps ensure efficient execution while minimizing disruption to daily operations.

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Yes. Many projects involve integration with existing equipment, such as conveyors, elevators, silos, drying systems, treatment equipment, and packaging lines. During the initial phase, we evaluate material flow, available space, control systems as well as future expansion requirements. The goal is to create an efficient, integrated processing solution without replacing more equipment than necessary.

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A future-ready processing plant is designed with flexibility, automation, and scalability in mind. By considering future capacity requirements, new crop types, and technological developments from the outset, the plant can continue delivering value for many years. Modular designs, digital control systems, and energy-efficient processes are often key elements of a long-term investment strategy. With modular machines, you can upgrade your machine or a whole line without having to invest in a completely new line. This both saves time and money, making your plant future-ready without risking high investments in the near future.

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An upgrade should be considered when:
• Existing capacity is no longer sufficient.
• Maintenance costs continue to increase.
• New quality requirements must be met.
• Energy consumption is too high.

Upgrading can often improve both operational efficiency and long-term profitability.

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Downtime can be reduced through preventive maintenance, operator training, and access to spare parts. Regular inspection of wear parts and continuous monitoring of machine performance help ensure reliable operation. Planned maintenance is often far less costly than unexpected production stoppages. A set service agreement can ensure our operation runs smoothly without having to worry about future costs on technical support and service.

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Our aim is to provide on-site service to ensure your staff becomes acquainted with the specific machinery, allowing them to adjust parameters, valves, and handles, as well as promptly identify any potential malfunctions. In order to tailor the training specifically to your plant and taking into consideration your team’s knowledge, our service technician, along with your team, will thoroughly inspect your factory.

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Regular service helps maintain machine performance, reduce downtime, extend equipment life, and ensure consistent processing quality.

Original spare parts are designed specifically for your machine, ensuring correct fit, reliable operation, maximum performance, and long service life.

Using original parts helps maintain factory specifications, minimizes unexpected breakdowns, and ensures the machine continues to perform as intended.