This research project analyses the crucial process of particle separation in the milling industry. Sifters play an indispensable role in this process, separating granular materials such as grain components to achieve the desired flour quality. Plansifters are valued for their effectiveness in separating fine and coarse particles. However, traditional plansifter designs, which rely on complex mechanical linkages and forced oscillations, often suffer from challenges related to energy consumption, maintenance demands, and limited control over the sifting process.
To address these challenges, this research explores the potential of a novel free-swinging plansifter design. This innovative design departs from traditional forced oscillation methods by utilizing a simplified, energy-efficient, pendulum-like motion to achieve material separation. A key feature of this design is the individual motorized control of each sifting unit within a stack. Each unit is equipped with its own electric motor and weight block, enabling precise manipulation of the swinging motion's amplitude and frequency. This level of control allows for unprecedented customization and optimization of the sifting process, tailoring it to specific materials and desired particle size distributions.