Study of a Device for Crushing Grain

Abstract

The quality of feed produced for cattle is one of the main factors affecting the efficiency of its maintenance. The quality of the resulting feed largely depends on the design features of the equipment, in particular crushers. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the developed device for crushing grain, in comparison with existing crushers (UD-200). An experimental plant with paddle disks has been developed for grinding grain. Its distinguishing feature is that two disks with a diameter of 142 and 200 mm with blades rotate in the working chamber. The device allows processing grain with high humidity. When using existing crushers (UD-200), fine grinding of grain is possible at a moisture content of not more than 12.6%, experimental installation - 12.9%. To obtain an average grinding, grain moisture can vary from 12.6% to 13.6% and from 12.9% to 14.1%, respectively. With a grain moisture content of 9.8%, the lowest energy costs for crushing were noted when using an experimental installation (5.3 J/kg), for the UD-200 crusher they reached 6.9 J/kg, which is 1.6 J/kg more. At a grain moisture content of 14.1%, the specific energy intensity in the variant with the experimental setup decreased to 8 J/kg, while UD-200 had 9 J/kg. The use of a crusher with paddle discs provides better grinding of feed intended for cattle and reduces the cost of this process.