Before Color Sorting: Remove Dust and Debris From Incoming Grain

Clean the incoming grain first

Grain headed to a color sorter should first have dust, chaff and separable large and small debris removed while useful grain stays in the lot. Choose screening for size differences and controlled airflow for material that responds differently to air. That leaves the Metra 6AS to do its separate job: selecting material by color.

Let the debris determine the preparation step

Look at the incoming grain and identify what needs to come out—not just whether the lot looks dirty.

Larger or smaller than the useful grain: Size screening fits unwanted material that can be separated through different screen openings. A Metra VDSC vibration cleaner removes large and small impurities, chaff and dust. When screening is sufficient, standalone VDSC is Metra’s lower-priced option compared with ADS or ADS-CDC.

Light material that is difficult to separate by size: ADS or ADS-CDC uses controlled airflow to separate lighter unwanted material from useful grain. This can add a useful distinction when the debris and grain overlap in size. Mass, shape, dimensions and density all affect how material responds to air; the cleaner does not weigh individual kernels. Adjusting impeller speed changes the airflow so separation can be tuned to the crop and material.

The operating location also matters. ADS-CDC includes a cyclone dust collector. ADS without CDC is the outdoor configuration because dust exits with the air.

Add a second cleaning step only for a second job

Neither screening nor airflow cleaning automatically requires the other. VDSC can work alone, and ADS/ADS-CDC can provide standalone airflow cleaning.

For example, a lot may contain both size-different debris and lighter material. ADS can pass some debris that differs in size but is similar in weight to the grain. If air alone struggles with that debris, VDSC screening first, followed by ADS airflow cleaning, is an option: the screens address the size difference, then airflow separates material by its response to air.

Keep color selection separate from both tasks. The 6AS selects by color; it does not remove dust or separate material by weight.

Check what will reach the color sorter

After the preparation step, look at the retained grain for remaining dust, chaff and debris. Also inspect the removed material for useful grain leaving with it. These observations help identify whether the preparation is addressing the unwanted material you started with.

You do not need to choose a machine first. Arrange a free test of your own grain with Metra to evaluate preparation before color sorting. The team can demonstrate the separation, examine the cleaned and removed fractions, and help select equipment and settings for your intended output, throughput and site needs. Your manager will confirm shipping arrangements and any associated costs before you send the sample. Contact [info@graincleaner.com](mailto:info@graincleaner.com).