Research and Comparative Testing of a Grain Flattener with a Feeding Device

Introduction. The article presents the results of experimental and theoretical research of technological process of the PZ-1M grain flattener with a feeding device. The research was carried out at the Federal Agricultural Research Center of the North-East Named after N. V. Rudnitsky in 2011‒2019. The purpose of the research is to design a feeder scheme for the grain flattener, determine rational parameters of its working body (feed roller) and test the improved grain flattener. Materials and Methods. A constructive and technological scheme of the grain flattener with a feeding device is proposed, the novelty of which is confirmed by patents Nos. 2628297 and 2557780. The structural scheme of grain flattener with a feeding device comprising an active working body – a feeding roller with blades is developed. There was carried out theoretical research of the grain motion along the feeder roller blades to determine the patterns of grain motion depending on the values of the roller parameters. Results. It is established that with the size of the feed roller inner radius 0.045 m and more all the grain passes down from the roller blade into the feed channel and through it for flattening at the required exit angle of 60°, roller speed of not less than 400 min–1 and the value of the coefficient of the grain friction on the roller blade less than 0.4. When these parameters are observed, the feeding roller and the device are effective. Taking into account the results of researches, we have developed the design documentation and produced the PZ-1M grain flattener comprising a feeder. Departmental and comparative tests of the flattener were conducted, which showed high efficiency of its application: machine reliably and qualitatively performs the technological process of flattening grains. Discussion and Conclusion. The use of a power device in the design of the flattener increases the conditioning capacity by 2.08 times while reducing the energy intensity of the process by 1.6 times; the annual economic effect of using the PZ-1M grain flattener with feeding device compared to its analogue is 67,583 rub. at the level of intensification of 49%.