Improving Energy Efficiency of Grain Cleaning Technology

Abstract

The relevance of the research topic was substantiated, and the purpose and objectives of the study were formulated. It was determined that the energy efficiency of the grain cleaning process can be evaluated only when all the machines operate in a single production line and are coordinated in productivity. Research on energy savings and energy efficiency in the technological process of post-harvest grain treatment using grain cleaning units by implementing the method of mathematical experiment planning (MEP) was conducted. The method is based on transforming the initial mathematical models of various research objects into a model in the form of regression equations convenient for solving the problems of research, analysis and optimization of the object. For the first time, the mathematical description of the target function was performed by conducting a multifactorial experiment based on second-order design. The research produced adequate second-order regression equations, making it possible to determine the minimum specific consumption of electricity for the technological process of post-harvest grain treatment at grain cleaning facilities, while complying with the agrotechnical requirements for the quality of the cleaned grain. The problem of optimization of the research object was solved by mathematical transformations, which enabled obtaining graphical and analytical interpretations of the optimum area. For this purpose, the canonical transformation of the mathematical model and the method of two-dimensional cross-sections of the response surface were used. Research has led to the development of scientifically based standards of specific electricity consumption for grain cleaning processing schemes, which serve as criteria for evaluating energy savings in the technological processes.

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

“…The important issue is to ensure the uniform speed of the airflow and the pressure in the cross-section of the sorting chamber. Additional means are used to ensure a uniform airflow rate, but they usually form resistance to the airflow, which causes higher grain cleaning and sorting energy costs [6,40].…”

“…According to the results of the average airflow velocity and the grains sucked, a terminal airflow velocity of 11.53 m s −1 was calculated. In the grain sorting process, the terminal airflow velocity of the grain must be used as a guide for determining the fan airflow rate [6,33,36].…”

“…The separation of grain mixtures and their components in an aspiration separator, considering their aerodynamic properties, is the most promising method from the point of view of quality improvement and production intensification. In addition, grain cleaning requires less energy [5][6][7]. The use of cleaning and sorting machines to clean and separate the grains into individual fractions improves the quality of the seed, and the grains in the fractions have the same physical-mechanical properties [8].…”

Evaluation of an Optical Sorter Effectiveness in Separating Maize Seeds Intended for Sowing

“…However, the processing of seeds intended for planting includes a complex set of operations aimed at removing all impurities and non-compliant seeds, correcting humidity, sizing, grinding, dredging, chemical treatment, etc. These tasks are carried out by using improved machines and aggregates, grouped in installations that are currently called seed conditioning stations [33][34][35][36][37].…”