Modeling of air separation of sundlower seeds in the air stream

Abstract

The mathematical model of air separation of sunflower seeds in the horizontal air flow was given. The system of differential equations that take into account lateral forces and resistance of seeds in the air stream was obtained. The behavior of sunflower seeds, impurities and dust particles on the seed surface at different input and control parameters of air separation was simulated. The developed mathematical model and established geometric and aerodynamic parameters of single seeds allow replacing the classical forms of a ball or cylinder with real asymmetric forms of sunflower seeds. The results of numerous studies of the mathematical model lead to the improvement of following parameters: the length of aspiration channel, the height of the upper and lower parts of the aspiration channel and technological modes: the angle and speed of seed ejection and air flow rate.