elekler

Elekler, plural of elek, are screens or sieving devices with perforated surfaces used to separate materials by particle size. They function by allowing smaller particles to pass through openings while retaining larger ones. The term is widely used in Turkish to refer devices that perform size-based separation, across domestic, industrial, and scientific contexts.

Construction and design vary: basic hand-held frames support woven metal mesh or synthetic screens, while industrial systems use fixed frames, drum screens, or vibrating screens. Openings are described by mesh size or opening width, typically expressed in millimeters or by mesh count, influencing the degree of separation. Materials include stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, and durable polymers, chosen for corrosion resistance and wear.

Domestic use includes sifting flour, cocoa, and spices, as well as draining or straining foods in cooking. In agriculture and food processing, elekler are used to clean seeds and to separate grains by size. In mining, cement, and recycling industries, screens classify ore, aggregate, sand, and other particulate streams before further processing.

Maintenance involves regular cleaning to remove trapped material and prevent clogging, inspection for wear or corrosion, and replacement of damaged or worn screens. Proper selection of mesh size and material is important for efficiency, product quality, and equipment longevity.