Experimental studies of the quality of root crop heads residue cleaning using a new cleaner

Abstract

Given the high technical requirements for cleaning root crop heads from residues, the development of new, more advanced cleaners is an important and urgent issue. The research aims to improve the quality of the cleaning process by determining the optimal kinematic, structural, and operational parameters of a new root crop head cleaner from root residues. A new design of the root crop head cleaner was created, which allowed the use of cleaning elements with different mechanical properties and sizes, and changing its kinematic parameters depending on the crop it processes. A new experimental setup was also made to install this cleaner and change its operational parameters. A new mathematical model of a multifactorial experiment was developed for the study. Based on the results of the field experimental study, correlation analysis, and statistical numerical calculations using a computer, the optimal design, kinematic, and operational parameters of the improved cleaner were determined, at which the highest quality of cleaning (the lowest amount of stover residues per linear metre) is observed. Based on the results of the correlation analysis, the following optimal parameters of the improved root crop head cleaner were obtained: the location of the ends of the rubber cleaning blades relative to the soil surface, i.e., the parameter should not exceed 1.5 cm. The angular velocity of the counter-rotating movements of the cleaning shafts should correspond to the following range of values – 36.4...76.6 rpm. The translational speed of the cleaner should not exceed 2.0 m∙s–1. The obtained structural, kinematic, and operational parameters can be successfully used in design bureaus when designing advanced machines for harvesting various root crops, and in research institutions and universities when conducting modern research in the field of agricultural engineering