Screening Virginia-Type Farmers' Stock Peanuts Before Storage1

Abstract

Abstract A 750-kg sample considered to be representative of Virginia-type peanuts marketed in North Carolina during the fall of 1979, was separated into 7 size categories by passing it over counter-rotating, parallel rollers spaced 12.70, 11.11, 9.52, 7.94, 6.35 and 4.76 mm apart. The material in each size category was then separated into pods, shelled kernels (LSK) and 6 different types of foreign material (FM). The LSK and peanuts shelled from the pods were graded according to U.S. Grade Standards. The data indicate that the 9.52-mm (3/8-inch) roller spacing effectively separated the pods from most of the LSK and troublesome FM such as small stones, dirt clods, pieces of glass, corn kernels and soybeans. However, the benefits and costs of separately storing and processing the mixture of LSK and FM will have to be evaluated by the individual sheller.