Simulation of Particle Motion in a Cylindrical Grain Separator

The purpose of this work is to perform numerical simulation of particle motion in a cylindrical drum of a grain separator based on solving three-dimensional systems of force analysis and determining the influence of the main acting factors. The research methodology included the force analysis of particles motion along the inner cylindrical part of the rotating drum of the grain separator on the basis of three-dimensional force analysis system, determining the conditions of particles falling out of the cells and determining the trajectory of the flight. As a result of mathematical modelling, the influence of structural, kinematic and technological factors on the angle of rise of particles not included in the cell, the angle of beginning of particle exit from the cell and the trajectory of particle flight was established. The main factor influencing the violation of the nature of particle flow is the coefficient of friction, which is determined by both the type of plant (seed parameters) and its moisture content. An increase in moisture content leads to an increase in the friction coefficient and an additional rise of the granulate. This causes wheat grains to enter the short impurity fraction or oat seeds to enter the cleaned wheat grain fraction, which causes malfunctioning of the grain separator.