Airflow resistance of sugarbeet

I n Alberta, Canada, sugarbeet (Bela vulgaris L.) is stored in large outdoor piles prior to processing. Hot spots and mold damage may occur, especially ifthe piles are not ventilated. Airflow resistance data are required to predict the uniformity of airflow and design an optimum ventilation system. An air­ flow resistance device was designed and fabricated to measure the airflow resistance ofsugarbeet. The sugarbeet roots were grouped into three size ranges: t hose weighing less than 1200 g, those weighing more than 1200 g, and mixed roots. Both clean roots and roots mixed with foreign material at a rate of 4.4 to 8.5% w/w were tested. Airflow rates of 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 m3/s/m 2 were used. Airflow measurements were conducted with the bin in vertical and horizontal positions. Bulk density and porosity of sugarbeet roots affected airflow resistance. Two airflow resistance models, namely, Shedd's and Hukill and Ives' were fitted to t he data. Small roots had airflow resistance up to 1.9 times that of large roots. Foreign materials in the roots caused increased airflow resistance.