Abstract
At present, rotating cylindrical sieves are generally used in the manufacturing of moxa. This particular type of sieve, made of a wire mesh combined with bamboo wicker, was designed specifically for use in the moxa industry. The sieve is 50-80cm in diameter and 1.5-4.0m long. The top three-fourths are made of a wire mesh and the bottom one-fourth is made of bamboo wicker. The sieve rotates at a rate of 15-30r.p.m. The sieve is tilted at a slight angle (3-7 degrees), with the end slightly lower than the mouth. A vibrating type sieve, with a horizontal reciprocating action, is also used as an auxiliary sieve in the moxa manufacturing process.
In addition to a discussion of the features of the sieves currently used for moxa manufacture, an historical review of the spread of the current type of sieves in the moxa industry will also be described.
