Ballistic modeling and pattern testing to prevent separation of New Zealand fertilizer products
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Date
2015-06-18
DOI
Open Access Location
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Publisher
American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
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Abstract
In recent years twin disc centrifugal spreaders have become larger with some manufacturers claiming to be
able to spread fertilizer products as far as 60 m. To achieve wider spread widths, the fertilizer particle exit velocity off the
disc has increased, as a result the ballistic qualities of the product becomes more critical. This case study uses data-mined
information from Ravensdown Fertiliser Co-op Ltd, a major fertilizer supplier. This article examines and researches
products used by arable and grassland farmers and studies the effect of changes in product characteristics on spread bout
width from these newer spreaders.
Ballistic modeling, based on particle density, size, and shape was used to test the distance fertilizer particles travel at
various velocities. Fertilizer particle velocities were measured by high speed photometry using both common fertilizers
and common spreaders found in New Zealand. Spreading equipment was pattern tested using the New Zealand
Spreadmark method. Ballistic modeling of particles proved appropriate in ideal conditions. Fertilizer manufacturers
believe that spreader operators often fail to take account of physical characteristics of products being spread and target
the widest bout width possible. This can lead to an in-field Coefficient of Variation (CV) which is much greater than 15%
and leads to sub-optimal utilization of fertilizer, where variations in particle size distribution occur. Similar situations
have been experienced when spreading fertilizer blends; where blends previously spread successfully, at narrower bout
widths now separate. Ballistic models could provide bout width recommendations for products and blends, for a range of
applicators and reduce crop striping.
Description
Keywords
Science & Technology, Life Sciences & Biomedicine, Agricultural Engineering, Agriculture, Ballistic modeling, Centrifugal separation, Coefficient of variation(CV), Fertilizer spreaders, Twin-disk, SEGREGATION
Citation
APPLIED ENGINEERING IN AGRICULTURE, 2015, 31 (3), pp. 405 - 413 (9)