Sampling When Assessing the Quality of Mixing

Abstract

The improvement of the technological process of preparing dry loose feed mixtures is associated with an increase in the structure of feed rations for farm animals in the conditions of farms. It is noted that an increase in the digestibility and palatability of feed, a decrease in the specific energy consumption for the production of feed mixtures depends on the quality of their mixing. The methodological basis of the work was the results of studies of recent years by leading domestic scientists in the field of improving the technological processes for preparing feed mixtures, design and operating parameters of mixers. The analysis of sampling methods is given: periodic for batch mixers; cumulative, allowing to obtain a generalized sample, more representative of the mixing process, also applicable to the study of batch mixers; using special devices - samplers to obtain the most accurate samples. The importance of selecting a control component oriented to the functional features of the mixers, regardless of the sampling method used, is highlighted when monitoring the homogeneity of the mixture. The analysis of existing studies showed a wide range of control components, methods of sampling and separation of components in the study of the mixing process by machines of various designs and principles of operation. The analysis of the works showed that in order to reduce the time spent on isolating the control component and ensure the reliability of the studies, it is necessary to take into account the nature of the mixed cultures. When choosing seeds of sweet clover, clover, millet as control components, a sample mass of 5 grams is sufficient; seeds of beets, buckwheat, wheat and barley, a sample mass of 100 grams is sufficient; seeds of peas, corn, a sample mass of 300 grams is sufficient. A sieve classifier with optimal selection of the mixture with the possibility of separating in sieve or sieve analysis is noted as the most applicable for the isolation of the control component. It is recommended to focus on the method of periodic sampling when examining batch mixers. The cumulative sampling method using samplers is recommended for investigating the performance of continuous mixers and evaluating the overall quality of mixing in batch mixers.