Milling and sifting

Sieve fabrics and accessories for flour mills

SEFAR NYTAL® is the Sefar brand name for all products for the milling industry: sieve fabrics from 2,000 down to 63 µm, ready-made covers, connector sleeves, sieve cleaners, adhesive and tensioning systems. The PA, PET and Metal Mesh fabrics are made for food contact under FDA and EU rules. Bigman is the Sefar distributor in Sweden, Norway and Iceland.

Mesh opening, plansifter fabrics
63–2,000 µm
Measuring range, Tensocheck 100
3–50 N/cm
Tension with Pneumapp 2
28 N
Food contact
FDA and EU
Hand gluing SEFAR NYTAL sieve fabric onto a sieve frame

One range for the whole sifter room

SEFAR NYTAL is available as roll goods and as ready-made articles for all types of sieving machines. The range covers sifting, grading and dust separation, plus connector sleeves, sieve cleaners and tensioning equipment. Everything comes from one supplier.

Bigman sells the fabric by the running metre or as fabricated parts and helps you choose a fabric to suit the machine and the product.

SEFAR NYTAL and related products by machine
Machine or useProductMaterial
PlansifterSEFAR NYTAL PA (PA-GG, PA-XXX, PA-MF, PA-Milling, PA-Schlinger)Polyamide
Plansifter, primary screensSEFAR NYTAL Metal Mesh and Metal Mesh HeavyStainless steel AISI 304
PurifierSEFAR NYTAL PET (PET-GG), ready-made covers for Bühler MQRFPolyester
Centrifugal sifter, turbo and vibroSEFAR NYTAL PA-HDPolyamide
Connector sleevesSEFAR TETEX MULTIMultifilament fabric with elastic band
Dust filter bagsSEFAR TETEX NFPolyester needle felt

Mesh openings and open area by fabric series

The polyamide plansifter fabrics cover 63–1,800 µm, and the metal mesh goes up to 2,000 µm. The table shows the span in the Sefar product lists. Each series comes in many steps, for example PA-GG in 37 mesh openings.

Span according to the Sefar product lists (Flour milling, 2019)
SeriesMesh openingOpen areaComment
NYTAL PA-GG212–1,800 µm40–61%Plansifter
NYTAL PA-XXX85–300 µm32–46%Plansifter
NYTAL PA-MF95–300 µm36–51%Plansifter
NYTAL PA-Milling63–300 µm30–54%Plansifter
NYTAL PA-Schlinger (leno)112–200 µm40–50%Non-stock item
NYTAL Metal Mesh (AISI 304)106–2,000 µm45–77%Primary screens
NYTAL Metal Mesh Heavy (AISI 304)800–2,000 µm55–64%Abrasive products
NYTAL PET-GG224–1,800 µm42–61%Purifier
NYTAL PA-HD150–350 µm33–38%Centrifugal sifter

Sefar measures mesh opening and open area with two-dimensional image analysis according to ASTM E11. The thread diameter is measured on the thread before weaving according to DIN 53830.

Plansifters

For plansifters, Sefar recommends SEFAR NYTAL PA. Plansifters classify the milled product and are among the most important machines in a mill. Sefar lists high throughput, high yield, long service life, high reliability and a wide product range as benefits.

SEFAR NYTAL Metal Mesh is used on the primary screens of the plansifter, where abrasion from the product is highest. For challenging screening conditions and particularly abrasive products, such as corn, the more robust SEFAR NYTAL Metal Mesh Heavy is available.

Purifiers and ready-made covers for Bühler MQRF

For purifiers, Sefar recommends SEFAR NYTAL PET-GG in polyester. Purifiers are mainly used for flours with a low ash content and for the production of clean semolina. The polyester fabric does not absorb moisture, holds high tension, has good dimensional stability and a long service life.

Sefar has ready-made covers for the quick clamping frame in the Bühler MQRF, with Bühler item numbers in the UXF-93208 series. Mesh openings from PET-16GG-1320 to PET-54GG-315 are stock items at Sefar. Other mesh openings and dimensions are made to order. Purifier brushes with return brackets are available in widths of 465 and 510 mm.

Centrifugal sifters

For centrifugal sifters, turbo and vibro, Sefar recommends SEFAR NYTAL PA-HD. Centrifugal sifters are mainly used for sticky products, such as flour from filters or from bran finishers. The fabric is extra strong, dimensionally stable and has a long service life.

The covers have a reinforced seam (AR) or a high-frequency welded seam (HF). Ready-made covers for various sifter models are available on request.

Approved for food contact

The SEFAR NYTAL PA, PET and Metal Mesh fabrics are made from yarns that contain only substances approved for contact with food.

Regulations stated by Sefar
ProductRegulation
NYTAL PAFDA 21 CFR 177.1500, (EC) No 1935/2004, (EU) No 10/2011
NYTAL PETFDA 21 CFR 177.1630, (EC) No 1935/2004, (EU) No 10/2011
NYTAL Metal MeshFDA 21 CFR 110.40 and the Council of Europe guideline "Metals and alloys used in food contact materials and articles" (EDQM, 2013)
TETEX MULTI connector sleevesFDA and EU
Quicktal 5600, 5603 and 5604FDA
NYTAL Sieve CleanersFDA and EU

SEFAR NYTAL Sieve Cleaners

SEFAR NYTAL Sieve Cleaners are star-shaped sieve cleaners for plansifters with a patented design. The version with knobs is for coarse fabrics over 250 µm, including metal mesh. The version with PA brushes is for fine fabrics under 250 µm.

A tongue on the star also cleans under the crossbars of the frame. A centre hub on the underside lets the cleaner tilt and turn freely, so the tray pan is scraped at the same time. The cleaners are blue so that any fragments are easy to detect optically. The shore hardness is slightly lower than usual, which gives less wear on wooden frame boxes. Protectors on the tips reduce wear on knobs and brushes.

  • Distance between fabric and tray pan: 28.5–30.0 mm.
  • Replacement every 4–5 months is recommended in rebolters, as preventive maintenance.
  • In standard sifters, a service life of 12 months is recommended, depending on operating conditions.
  • A declaration of conformity with FDA and EU rules is available from Sefar.
Technical data
With knobsWith brushes
Item number10871088
FabricCoarse, over 250 µm, and metal meshFine, under 250 µm
MaterialPUPU and PA
Knobs or brushes2121
Weight50 g60 g
Dimensions (w × h × d)120 × 26.5 × 132 mm123 × 28.5 × 132 mm
Quantity per pack2525

Fits modern high-capacity sifters with metal frames. Does not fit wooden frames with metal mesh on the back.

Tensioning and gluing fabric onto frames

SEFAR Tensocheck 100

Tensocheck 100 is a digital meter for measuring fabric tension on screen frames. The measuring range is 3–50 N/cm. Below 30 N/cm the value is shown in steps of 0.2 N/cm, and above 30 N/cm in steps of 0.5 N/cm. The meter shows N/cm or mm, has a zero setting plate and switches off after three minutes of inactivity. Base Ø 100 mm, height 115 mm, weight 1.01 kg including 9 V battery (6LR61).

Recommended fabric tension

Sefar gives the tension before gluing and the minimum tension after 24 hours. The values apply at 18–21 °C and 50–60% relative humidity. The maximum tension depends on the quality of the fabric and the stability of the frame.

PA and PET fabric, N/cm
PA and PET fabricWooden frame, before gluingWooden frame, after 24 hoursMetal and aluminium frame, before gluingMetal and aluminium frame, after 24 hours
> 63015 (±1)817 (±1)9
600–46514 (±1)716 (±1)8
450–31513 (±1)715 (±1)8
300–21212 (±1)614 (±1)7
200–11211 (±1)613 (±1)7
< 10010 (±1)512 (±1)6

Metal mesh

Metal mesh, tension before gluing, N/cm
Metal meshWooden frameMetal and aluminium frame
> 63018 (±1)21 (±1)
600–46517 (±1)20 (±1)
450–31516 (±1)19 (±1)
300–21215 (±1)18 (±1)
200–11214 (±1)17 (±1)
< 10013 (±1)16 (±1)

SEFAR Pneumapp 2

Pneumapp 2 is a pneumatic tensioning system that tensions all types of fabric, coarse or fine, in polyester, polyamide or metal mesh, on wooden, aluminium and metal frames. The PN-200 control unit gives up to 28 N at an air pressure of about 10 bar. The system is based on three clamp sizes with jaw widths of 630, 730 and 1,000 mm.

  • Uniform tension in both directions.
  • Progressive clamping force prevents the fabric from slipping out of the jaws.
  • Guide bars make it easy to adapt to new frame sizes.
  • Can be extended from one to two frame sizes, and two control units can be run together.
  • Stretching table 1,250 × 1,250 mm or 1,480 × 1,480 mm, and double table 1,250 × 2,500 mm or 1,480 × 2,960 mm with connection kit.

To configure the right set-up, Sefar needs the frame dimensions (L × W × H), the frame material (wood, aluminium or metal) and whether it is a 1-frame or 2-frame system.

SEFAR NYTAL Quicktal

Quicktal is a one-component cyanoacrylate adhesive with a separate accelerator. The drying time is about 15–20 minutes without accelerator and about 1–2 minutes with it. Metal and aluminium frames should be roughened, preferably sandblasted, and degreased with acetone. Wooden frames should be sanded and be dry and free of dust. Store the adhesive in a cool, dry place, preferably in a refrigerator.

Item no.ProductFDA
5600Quicktal, low viscosity, 50, 100 or 500 gYes
5602Quicktal D-Bonder, 500 ml–
5603Quicktal 77, high viscosity, 50 gYes
5604Quicktal Metal, 100 or 500 gYes
6502Quicktal accelerator, spray 200 ml–

Connector sleeves and dust filter bags

SEFAR TETEX MULTI connector sleeves

The connector sleeves couple the sifters to the inlet and outlet connections of plansifters, purifiers and cleaning machines. Sefar has developed an elastic band that is resistant to all known substances presently used in mill fumigation. The band is thermally stable and withstands heat treatment for pest control. Clamping rings and cable binders are not needed.

The sleeves have high air permeability and a long service life, and resist insects and bacteria. Stock sizes have diameters of 80–300 mm and lengths of 100–310 mm. Other dimensions are made to order.

SEFAR TETEX NF dust filter bags

  • NFI: oil- and water-repellent polyester needle felt.
  • NFIA: oil- and water-repellent and antistatic polyester needle felt.
  • PET felt 350 g/m² for low-pressure filters and 500 g/m² for high-pressure and bag filters.
  • Standard bags have an inside diameter of 120 mm and lengths of 810–3,035 mm, for top or side loading. Other dimensions are made to order.

Other accessories

Sefar also has a range of smaller accessories for the sifter room and the mill laboratory.

  • Polyballs, cube cleaners, tray cleaners and dual cleaners.
  • Test sieve sets with a diameter of 200 mm.
  • Gluten washer discs, 50 per pack.
  • Flour spatulas with and without magnifier, and a 40x microscope.
  • Mesh counters, 8x magnifying glass with scale and cotton protective tape.
  • Pneumatic stapler, scraper and rubber mallet for frame work.

Frequently asked questions

Which fabric suits a purifier?

Sefar recommends SEFAR NYTAL PET-GG in polyester, 224–1,800 µm. The fabric does not absorb moisture and holds its tension. Ready-made covers are available for the Bühler MQRF.

Should I choose sieve cleaners with knobs or brushes?

Knobs (item 1087) for coarse fabrics over 250 µm and metal mesh. Brushes (item 1088) for fine fabrics under 250 µm.

How often should sieve cleaners be replaced?

Sefar recommends replacement every 4–5 months in rebolters. In standard sifters the recommended service life is 12 months, depending on operating conditions.

Is SEFAR NYTAL approved for food contact?

Yes. PA and PET comply with FDA 21 CFR 177.1500 and 177.1630 respectively, (EC) No 1935/2004 and (EU) No 10/2011. Metal Mesh complies with FDA 21 CFR 110.40 and the EDQM guideline for metals in food contact.

Sources: Sefar, Milling – Process Filtration (Flour milling), doc. no. 3105-0261-000-03, 2019 · Sefar, SEFAR NYTAL® Sieve Cleaners, doc. no. 3105-0269-000-00, 2017

Updated