Estimation of dimensional and qualitative parameters of disk spreader with electric drive

Purpose. Experimental methods to estimate the flight range of mineral fertilizer granules, to determine the shape of the fertilizer scattering torch, to compare the results of practical research with theoretical calculations of the flight range. Methods. Full-scale experimental studies of a mock-up sample of a fertilizer spreader. Results. To improve the quality of sieving, a multi-disc device for sifting mineral fertilizers over the field surface is proposed. It is proposed to make the device in the form of independent, functionally independent modules. Each module consists of three independent units: a fertilizer tank with an agitator; horizontal disc dispenser with calibration holes; a horizontal spreader plate. Each of the modules is equipped with its own electric drive, allowing them to be individually adjusted to a specific operating mode. As a result of studies of a prototype dispenser with active forced-batch dosing of bulk mineral fertilizers, its satisfactory performance was obtained. This makes it possible to regulate the dosage of fertilizers on the spreading disc within the specified limits, and the range of spreading the fertilizers through the individual setting of a certain number of rotational speed of the spreading disc. This arrangement does not limit their number and attachment points on the frame, and the working width of the unit will be regulated only by their number and the range of fertilizer spreading by each individual block. Conclusions. The flight range of mineral fertilizer granules depends on the frequency of rotation of the spreading disc, its height above the surface of the field, and the coefficient of windage of the fertilizers. With a change in the location of the spreading disc height from 0.2 to 1 m, at a spreading disc speed of 46.6; 33.3; 50 s-1, the spreading range for granular superphosphate (double) varies from 1.56 to 7.65 m, granular superphosphate from 1.54 to 7.24 m, granular ammonium nitrate from 1.46 to 6 m. The flight ranges of pellets obtained by practical and theoretical methods coincide within the limits of the requirements. The shape of the resulting spreading spot of fertilizer granules allows, in the case of installing several spreading modules in a line, to obtain fertilizer spreading in the form of an elongated ellipse. Keywords: mineral fertilizers, scatter torch, granules, spreading disc, rotation frequency, flight range.