Journal of Researches in Mechanics of Agricultural Machinery

Journal of Researches in Mechanics of Agricultural Machinery

Experimental study of the effect of lateral fans on the performance of the sedimentation chamber of the chickpea harvesting machine

Document Type : Original Article

Abstract
Sedimentation chambers can be used in harvesters equipped with a suction and pneumatic conveying system, such as a chickpea harvester. Innovation in the traditional structure of conventional single-suction chambers and optimal design of these chambers can enhance the product sedimentation efficiency and decrease the energy consumption of these chambers. In this study, the effect of side fans on the sedimentation efficiency and airflow required by comparing a conventional single-suction chamber and an innovative design including a conventional single-suction chamber equipped with two lateral fans was evaluated. Also, the air velocity distributions, pressure inside the chamber, and the pods movement path were investigated for a comprehensive understanding of the variations. A hot wire anemometer and differential pressure gauge were used to measure the velocity and pressure of airflow in different parts of the chamber. The chamber was made of Plexiglas, and a fast imaging method was used to navigate the pea pods. The results showed that using auxiliary fans enhanced the sedimentation efficiency by 14.7% and reached 94.7 %. Moreover, the required chamber airflow was decreased by 35.7%. The internal pressure drop of the chamber was reduced. 
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