The optimum operating conditions of indented-cylinder length grader to remove broken rice based on varietal characteristics.

To determine the optimum operating conditions of the indented cylinder length grader based on varietal characteristics, broken rice removal capabilities were measured on the milled rice of 41 varieties at different conditions consisted of 3 types of indented cylinders with different indent-opening diameters and 3 different collecting-angles of broken rice. The broken rice removal capabilities were swayed by the indent's opening diameter and depth as well as the angle of the collecting trough of broken rice on the point of instrument, and by the kernel length and width as well as 1000 grain weight of milled rice on the point of rice variety. When the angle of broken rice collecting-trough reached to near the horizontal center line of the indented cylinder on the direction of upward turning side, which was referred 0° in this paper, the amount of rice collected in trough increased, whereas the loss of head rice also increased. Considering the removal rate of broken rice as well as loss of head rice, it was thought that the suitable angle of trough for broken rice collecting was located 5° to 15° depending on varietal characteristic and indent opening diameter. It was thought that 4.2 mm or more of indent opening diameter was recommendable for the rice varieties having heavier 1000 grain weight than 22.3g, as well as larger sizes than 2.9 and 5.2 mm in width and length of rice kernel, respectively; 3.8 mm for the small-sized thin kernels, and a proper diameter between 3.8 and 4.2 mm for short to middle kernels. The varieties with relatively shorter length compared to width of kernel were more difficult to separate the broken rice than the opposite ones. For effective separation of that, it seems that some specific indent shapes such as wider opening and shallow depth etc. are required. When the broken rice content were excessively high, wider diameters of indent openings than specified sizes were thought to be the better.