Abstract: The invention provides a treating method of forming a protection layer having strong abrasion resistance and oxidation resistance and having a thickness of micron order of a surface of a polished grain or a processed granular material obtained by kneading and solidifying a starch so as to make it hard to be changed in quality, thereby improving a storage capacity for a long time. Further, the invention provides a treating method of forming a fine particulate starch attached to the grain or the granular material into a paste state so as to combine with the protection layer. The surface treating method has a step of applying a high humidity hot wind to the polished grain or the granular material so as to heat a surface layer portion, a step of forming a starch in the heated portion into a paste state and further making the starch into an alpha state, and a step of cooling and forming a fine layer of the alpha starch on the surface portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a treating method of forming a protection layer having strong abrasion resistance and oxidation resistance and having a thickness of micron order of a surface of a polished grain or a processed granular material obtained by kneading and solidifying a starch so as to make it hard to be changed in quality, thereby improving a storage capacity for a long time. Further, the invention provides a treating method of forming a fine particulate starch attached to the grain or the granular material into a paste state so as to combine with the protection layer. The surface treating method has a step of applying a high humidity hot wind to the polished grain or the granular material so as to heat a surface layer portion, a step of forming a starch in the heated portion into a paste state and further making the starch into an alpha state, and a step of cooling and forming a fine layer of the alpha starch on the surface portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating light and heavy materials from one another. Materials to be separated are transported on a conveyer belt past a set of overhead rollers. Air is sucked through gaps between the rollers with covers surrounding groups of rollers which are coupled to a suction pump. Air is jetted through apertures in the conveyer belt to loosen adherence between lighter materials and larger articles. A high voltage is impressed upon the rollers to provide electrostatic attraction for light dry materials. The rollers may be provided with opposing protrusions which are used to pinch off certain materials.