Chinese rice grinder
Practical Action
Technical details
Table 1: Capacities of FFC - 15 and other grinders available in Sri Lanka
Udaya FFC -15
FFC -23 FFC-37 FFC-45
RPM
1400 8000
5800
3600
3000
Outer diameter of rotor (mm)
150
150
230 370 450
Power required (kw)
1 1.1
3 7.5 10
Weight of machines
18 18
65 115 170
Production (kg/hr)
25 25*
Cost (Rs.)
17,500 Not available 16,500
* The capacity for wet rice is not given by the manufacturer. This is the average capacity of a user.
Operation
• The base of the machine can be fixed to a flat cement form or other solid supports.
• It is essential to check that all the nuts and bolts are securely tightened as vibration during
operation will cause loosening of the nuts and bolts.
• Single-phase electricity with a 15-amp plug is required for the motor.
• It is also essential to use the correct type of screen depending on the required fineness of
the product. Finest screen (.66mm) is used for rice, the medium screen (1.2mm) can be
used for grains such as kurakkan (Karakana elusina) and green gram.
• It is essential to adjust the clearance between screen and the rotating teeth, which can be
done easily with the valve provided.
• Materials should be sufficiently wet. The machine cannot be operated if moisture level is
very high or low. (Soak in water for 10-12 hours and drain until grains do not stick to the
palm when held downwards).
• It may require fixing an outlet chute with cloth to prevent dust collecting inside.
• A separate space/room maybe an ideal place to install the machine since particles are
released to the air.
Maintenance
• Cleaning is required to prevent materials blocking the inner mechanisms of the grinder.
• Lubrication is important of movable parts. Oil and Grease levels should be checked
periodically.
Suppliers
Note: This is a selective list of suppliers and does not imply endorsement by Practical Action.
Lanka General Trading Company Ltd.
No 100 Park Street
Colombo 2
Sri Lanka
(Imports Chinese grinders into Sri Lanka)
Udaya Industries,
Uda Aludeniya
Weligalla
Kandy
Sri Lanka
(Manufactures similar machines and
spare parts with 1 year guarantee)
Further Reading
Cereal Processing UNIFEM Practical Action Publishing 1994
2