Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks for a type of cleaner used for multiple purposes: cleaning (removing impurities), grading (separating into different size categories), and separation of granular materials. This implies a versatile machine capable of fine size-based distinctions.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the options, which are all types of screens or related concepts:
(A) Vibratory screen (or Vibrating separator): This is a very common and versatile piece of equipment. It consists of one or more screen decks (sieves) that are rapidly vibrated. The vibration serves two purposes: it transports the material across the screen surface and it agitates the particles (a process called stratification) to give smaller particles a chance to fall through the openings. By using a stack of screens with progressively smaller openings, a vibratory cleaner can effectively perform all three tasks:
Cleaning: The top screen removes large trash (scalping), and the bottom screen removes fine dirt and dust.
Grading/Separation: The intermediate screens can separate the main product into different size grades.
This is a standard machine in seed and grain processing plants.
(B) Ideal screen: This is a theoretical concept of a perfect separator, not a real piece of equipment.
(C) Horizontal screen: This describes the orientation of a screen deck. Many vibratory screens are indeed horizontal or near-horizontal, but "vibratory screen" is a more specific and descriptive name for the equipment type based on its working principle.
(D) Rotary screen (or Reel cleaner): This consists of a large, inclined, rotating cylindrical screen. As it rotates, smaller particles fall through the perforations, while larger particles are carried to the lower end. It is effective for cleaning and some grading, but vibratory screens are generally considered more versatile and efficient for precise grading.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The vibratory screen is a highly versatile and common cleaner used for cleaning, grading, and separation of agricultural granular materials. Therefore, option (A) is the correct answer.