Determination of Optimal Technological Parameters for Sorting Wheat Grains in Chambers of Different Constructions

Abstract

In order to extend grain’s storage time and ensure its quality, it is necessary to sort and clean it. The aim of this study was to justify the rational shape of the sorting chamber and the optimal technological parameters for the sorting of wheat grains in airflow. This study used newly designed grain sorting chambers with constant, widening, and narrowing cross-sections for the airflow sorting of “Skagen” wheat grain. The aerodynamic properties of wheat grains were investigated when moisture was at 14 ± 2.0%. The grain flow rate in the chambers varied from 4 to 12 kg min−1 every 2 kg min−1. In addition, the airflow velocity varied from 8 to 12 m s−1 every 1 m s−1. The tilt angle of the constant cross-section camera was increased to 5°. Experimental studies have determined a terminal airflow velocity of 11.53 m s−1 for wheat grains. At the terminal airflow velocity, the grain flight coefficient was obtained to be about 0.074. These studies showed that the narrowing chamber is preferable for lower grain flow rates compared to the constant cross-section of the chamber. The widening chamber requires a lower airflow velocity to achieve the same performance and quality as the other chambers.