destoners

A destoner is a machine used in various industries, most notably in agriculture and food processing, to separate stones, pebbles, and other heavy foreign objects from a stream of produce. The principle behind destoning relies on differences in density and sometimes size between the desired product and the unwanted contaminants.

Common destoner designs utilize gravity and air. In a gravity-based destoner, the product is passed over a vibrating surface or through a series of screens. Lighter materials, such as grains or beans, are carried forward by the vibration or airflow, while heavier stones remain behind or fall through different openings. Air-assist destoners employ a carefully controlled stream of air to lift and propel the lighter produce, leaving the denser stones to fall. The specific design and parameters are adjusted based on the type of product being processed, such as grains, coffee beans, nuts, or dried fruits.

Destoners play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and safety of food products by removing potential hazards and preventing damage to downstream processing equipment like grinders or polishers. They are essential for achieving a clean and uniform product before further processing, packaging, or sale.