Analysis of the Sieve Unit Inclination Angle in the Cleaning Process of Oat Grain in a Rotary Cleaning Device

• Main Authors: Zbigniew Krzysiak, Waldemar Samociuk, Janusz Zarajczyk, Zdzisław Kaliniewicz, Daniel Pieniak, Marcin Bogucki
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-03-01
• Series: Processes
• Subjects: rotary cleaning device; grain separation; oat grain; conical sieve
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9717/8/3/346

The article presents some of the research on the wider work related to testing and improving a new rotary cleaning device. The new cereal grain cleaning and separation device can support the development of sustainable agriculture in terms of seed purity and quality. This device is especially useful for small and medium-sized farms. This device has the characteristics of a multi-stage screen aided by an air stream (i.e., by pneumoseparation). The prototype was constructed at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin. The research was conducted at a test stand, which allowed changes in the operating parameters of the cleaner and their measurement. The scope of the tests included determining the influence of the inclination angle of the sieve unit (<i>&#945;</i>) on the effectiveness and efficiency of oat grain cleaning. The experiment was carried out using two rotational spindle speeds: 5 and 75 rpm. The quality of the separation and cleaning of oat grains was evaluated using six cleaning process parameters: plump grain mass separation coefficient (<i>S_pg</i>), fine grain separation coefficient (<i>S_fg</i>), fine impurities separation coefficient (<i>S_fi</i>), chaff separation coefficient (<i>S_ch</i>), total coefficient of cleaning effectiveness (<i>E</i>), plump grain cleaning efficiency (<i>q_pg</i>). Results showed the significant effect of the sieve drum inclination angle on the efficiency and effectiveness of oat grain cleaning.