Separation table

Types of separation tables

Separation tables come in various types and play a vital role in different industries.

• Food separation tables

  Food separation tables, also known as food prep tables or food service tables, are the tables used to separate and sometimes prepare food items. These tables are made with materials such as stainless steel to ensure they are durable and easy to clean. This not only makes the tables long-lasting but also helps to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses. Food separation tables often have built-in storage compartments or refrigeration units to keep ingredients fresh and maintain proper food safety standards.

• Gem separation tables

  Gem separation tables, also known as gem polishing tables or gem work tables, are specialized furniture pieces where precious and semi-precious stones are cut, polished, and prepared for setting in jewelry or for sale as individual specimens. These tables are usually equipped with magnifying glasses, precision cutting tools, and polishing equipment. Some may even have computer-aided design (CAD) systems integrated into them to assist jewelers and gemologists in their work. As gems require meticulous attention to detail and precise measurements, separation tables for gems often come with safety features and ergonomic designs that promote accuracy while ensuring user comfort during prolonged use.

• Industrial separation tables

  Industrial separation tables are employed to remove materials and impurities in various industries such as mining and metallurgy, chemical and petrochemical, food processing, water treatment, waste management, etc. Industrial separation tables differ based on the specific application, required capacity, separation efficiency, available space, and budget. It is essential to choose suitable separation tables as they affect product quality and operational efficiency.

Specification and maintenance of separation tables

The separation tables' common specifications are related to materials, sizes, feeding capacities, powers, and efficiencies. Some applicable for-grains-separation tables' specifications are as follows.

• Materials: Separation tables' materials involve common wood, particle board, plywood, and tempered glass. For example, birch plywood is used for the table surface of seeding tables due to its strength and durability. Moreover, tempered glass provides a transparent surface for the viewing and allows users to monitor what is going on.
• Sizes: Sizes of separation tables include length, width, and height. Generally, the sizes of separation tables are different according to their applications. For instance, the 2000mm x 700mm x 900mm seeding table separates grains and other materials, and the standard sizes help it fit, work, and move in most environments.
• Feeding capacities: The feeding capacities of separation tables are different as per their separation principles and techniques. Some for-grains-separation tables are designed to process a small amount of material, while others are better for heavier workloads.
• Powers: Powers of separation tables equal to the power ratings of the motors driving them. Some separation tables are powered by electricity, while others are used gas or diesel for power.
• Efficiencies: The efficiencies of separation tables are different based on their separation methods, design, construction, and materials, etc. Some separation tables with higher efficiencies may require more manual assistance and aren’t suitable for small enterprises.

Separation tables should be maintained properly to provide reliable performance and long lifespan. It's important to read and follow the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines carefully. Basically, choose clean, dry, and well-ventilated areas for separation tables to avoid mold or insect attachment, and keep them at least 20 cm higher than the floor. Besides, check them weekly to determine whether their fixings are loose, their runboards and air channels are unclogged, etc. Also, cleaning tables with a soft brush before starting every week and wiping up spills quickly can prevent breeding and keep them sanitary.

Separation Tables Usage Scenarios

The following is a list of industries and applications that use separation tables.

• Food Processing

  Separation tables are common in poultry, meat, and fish processing plants. They separate raw food, such as fruits, vegetables, and grains, from inedible or non-organic materials like stones or contaminants. The food is inspected and separated by personnel for quality control using separation tables.

• Packaging and Distribution

  Separation tables are used in the packaging and distribution industry to sort through packaged goods. For instance, conveyor belts transport packages, and separation tables can help remove damaged or misplaced products. Workers can use separation tables to achieve quality control before packages are shipped to consumers.

• Manufacturing and Assembly

  In manufacturing and assembly lines, separation tables help to separate components, parts, or products. For example, they are typically used in electronic, automotive, and textile industries. Assembling complicated products can get easier when parts are adequately sorted. Separation tables boost efficiency and streamline workflows.

• Recycling

  Separation tables aid in manual sorting of materials like plastics, metals, glass, and paper. The unwanted items are separated from desirable materials for further processing using separation tables. Workers can use separation tables to separate materials based on shape, size, or quality by using separation tables. This is particularly common in MRFs (Material Recovery Facilities). Recycling streams are purified by separation tables, making it easier to process the recycled materials later.

• Textile and Garment

  In the textile and garment industry, separation tables help separate defective items, unused materials, and finished products. Quality control personnel typically use these tables to ensure that only garments or textiles that meet the manufacturer's standards are packaged and distributed.

• Pharmaceutical and Chemical Processing

  In pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing, separation tables are used to handle chemical compounds, intermediates, or active ingredients. As production processes involve chemical reactions, separation tables can be used to filter out unwanted by-products or to segregate batches for quality assurance.

• Glass Manufacturing

  Glass production companies can use separation tables to separate raw materials like sand, limestone, and soda ash from contaminants. After the glass has been produced, separation tables may be used to segregate glass products based on color, shape, or size before they are shipped to customers.

• Agriculture and Forestry

  Separation tables are common in agriculture and forestry for sorting crops, seeds, and logs. They are used in post-harvest processing to separate high-quality produce from damaged or diseased ones. In the logging industry, separation tables may be used to sort logs based on species, diameter, or length for further processing in sawmills.

• Airport and Security Screening

  At airport security checkpoints, screening separation tables are used to separate passenger belongings for X-ray screening. Items such as bags, laptops, and bins are separated for efficient and timely security screening.

Choosing the right separation tables

• Distinguishing materials:

  It is crucial to order appropriately by understanding the difference in materials. This includes knowing the unique characteristics of materials such as glass, ceramics, and plastics, and how they will interact with the separation table. For instance, understanding whether a material is electrostatic, conductive, or insulative can significantly impact separation efficiency. Additionally, factors like the fragility of the material and its capacity to endure the table's processing stress should also be considered. For example, while the tough glass pieces could resist the separation table's handling, the delicate ceramic ones might crack and break. Thus, it is essential to select a separation table for a particular material that could adequately process it without damaging it.

• Evaluating separation requirements:

  Businesses need to assess their separation needs in terms of purity levels and throughput. Depending on these factors, they might have to opt for either a high-purity separation table that could deliver a product with an exceptional level of purity but process a smaller amount or a higher-capacity separation table that could handle larger volumes but might not achieve the same purity levels. Moreover, other variables, such as the size and weight distribution of the materials to be separated and the available time and resources, should also be considered. These might influence the choice of tables and their settings crucially.

• Considering maintenance and service:

  When choosing producers of separation tables, it is essential to consider maintenance and service. Companies must ensure efficient customer support, adequate replacement parts supply, and convenient separation table repair and maintenance services. Furthermore, manufacturers should also provide comprehensive separation table operation and maintenance guidelines to avoid any potential damage that could occur from improper use and prolong the separation tables' life span.

Separation table FAQ

Q1: What types of materials can be processed by industrial separation tables?

A1: Separation tables are designed to deal with various kinds of materials based on the separation mechanism. For instance, the flotation separation tables are designed to deal with materials that can float or sink in water, while the air tables separate materials on the basis of weight and surface area, irrespective of the material composition.

Q2: What are the main differences between separation tables and separators?

A2: Separation tables are mainly based on gravity, while separators employ diverse techniques like magnetism, electricity, or centrifugation.

Q3: Can separation tables be automated?

A3: Yes, many modern separation tables can be automated and integrated into larger automated systems.

Q4: Are separation tables environmentally friendly?

A4: Yes, separation tables are considered environmentally friendly because they facilitate recycling and reduce waste.