New methodology for measuring the floating velocity of grain particles

Nagyné Polyák, Ilona and Csizmazia, Zoltán (2016) New methodology for measuring the floating velocity of grain particles. AGRÁRINFORMATIKA / JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATICS, 7 (2). pp. 49-59. ISSN 2061-862X

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Abstract

The physical characteristics of particles used in agriculture (seeds, fertiliser particles) canstrongly influence their movements in the agricultural machine as well as in the air. The knowledge of the physical characteristics of particles is essential for the designer and operators. In this respect the size, size distribution, shape, mass, bulk density, real density, coefficient of friction and aerodynamic resistance of particles are of great importance. Among physical characteristics, aerodynamic properties are the most important for the description of seed movement in the air.The knowledge of the aerodynamic characteristics of grains (floating velocity, aerodynamic resistance coefficient) is significant for the construction and operation of machines, which treat substances with air flow and in all cases when substances are moved in the air. The theory of the aerodynamic characteristics of regularly shaped bodies is well elaborated; however, grains (seed grains, fertilizer particles) applied in agricultural practice are irregularly shaped. Therefore, in our earlier research we started to study the physical characteristics of irregularly shaped grains. Due to their irregular shape, determining the size of grains is a troublesome process. A precise description of grains has to include several sizes (length, width, thickness) and can be obtained from the screen size of the corns.To identify the aerodynamic characteristics of seeds, we have developed a new elutriator, in which airflow is supplied by a centrifugal fan. The air velocity was measured with a thermal sensor. The collecting of data was supported by a digital camera, and we analysed the collected data by an image processing, so we can describe the movement of the seeds, and we can determine precisely the terminal velocity of irregular shaped seeds.The average moisture content of the samples was 13.42%. The individual mass of seeds varied between 0.1889 and 0.3758 g. The value of the mass of 1000 seeds used in general practice was 317.562 gr. The grain size varied: length between 7.76 and 11.81 mm, width between 6.77 and 9.99 mm, thickness between 4.41 and 5.85 mm. The suspension velocity varied between 9.14m/s and 10.65m/s

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