Simulation of the aeroseparation process and parameters of hybride corn seed mixtures

Abstract

Upon harvesting and post-harvest processing corn grain is a mixture that consists of individual seeds of various quality, size and weight. Therefore, grain is separated, that is, mixture is separated into homogeneous (to a certain extent) fractions. The number of fractions may vary depending on the mixture uniformity and separation methods.

Objectives. To investigate patterns of aerodynamic separation in the mode of sorting corn seeds, depending on their quality. In addition, it was planned to choose an effective for this purpose device that would reproduce the process parameters.

Materials and methods. The methodology included laboratory simulation of aerodynamic grain separation based on the sailing capacity of caryopses. Separation was carried out in vertical and horizontal air flows. Seed mixture was separated into fractions: essentially heavy, medium and light. Their output and 1000-grain weight were measured as the main technical and technological indicators of the grain separation process. The laboratory and field germinability of seeds of different fractions were also determined in accordance with the state standards for assessing the seed quality. The yield was assessed by methods developed by the SI «Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS».

Results and discussion. Aerodynamic seed separation into fractions depended on the caryopsis shape and linear dimensions. For example, the largest light fraction was recorded for hybrid DN Demetra upon horizontal aeroseparation. Seeds of this hybrid are flat, i.e., being in a certain position, they can move further in the air flow. On the contrary, round-shaped seeds (hybrid DN Svityaz ) were separated almost equally between the light and heavy fractions, with the maximum share in the medium fraction. Thus, the features of aerodynamic separation were reflected in the sowing qualities and yield properties of grain.

Conclusions. The patterns of aerodynamic separation of hybrid corn seeds have been established. Grain mixture is separated into two fractions upon vertical aerodynamic separation and into three fractions upon horizontal separation. The process is not stable, with a significant content of heterogeneous grain in each fraction.