Substantiation of main parameters of a centrifugal air separator with annular channel for grain material

Abstract

In the post-harvest grain handling system, the initial grain material coming from combines is immediately processed by pre-cleaning machines. This technological process and the machines that perform it have become an integral part of the technological lines for post-harvest grain handling. In industrially developed countries (Germany, Denmark, the USA, etc.), the production of grain cleaning machines are manufactured by private companies which in most cases are monopolists in the market. The equipment they produce for grain pre-cleaning is highly reliable, productive and functional (for example, Verticlean VCC-600). The main disadvantage of domestic heap separators of the MPO family is their inability to separate small impurities which significantly reduce grain storage indices. Pre-cleaning should ensure the preparation of grain material for passing through drying units or for temporary storage with active ventilation. Therefore, the development of efficient air systems operating in combination with screen blocks of centrifugal separators is an urgent task. The operation of pneumatic separating systems (channels) of grain cleaning machines occurs according to suspension principle (vertical, annular and closed systems) or dispersion of fractions used in air separators Almaz and PSM. One of the main aerodynamic properties common to all channels is their sailing capacity. Of all the specified air channels, annular channels become increasingly widespread. Such separators may operate as a separate machine or in combination with a block of centrifugal screens in the modes of preliminary and primary cleaning. The advantage of a centrifugal air separator is its versatility in cleaning various crops, the efficiency of impurity separation, the simplicity of design and operation. This paper discusses a design and technological scheme of the separator and substantiates its parameters.