Minimum Velocity, Pressure-Balanced Flow Control in a Multi-Primary System

Modern air seeders in their simplest form involve an air supply system that receives granular product (seed and fertilizer) from a large holding tank, propels the product through several distribution lines, and delivers the product to the soil. Currently the conveying air runs faster than is usually required to reduce the risk of plugging. However, this results in wasted power in the air supply system, and also wasted inputs through either damage or misplacement. Better control of the air supply would reduce waste and increase yields. This project involves continuously monitoring the overall air seeding system, and making automatic, predictive changes to the system as needed. The system will demonstrate the benefits of controlling the distribution line pressure to make pressure equal from line to line, while also ensuring minimal power consumption in the air supply system. The technologies developed through this research will reduce risks for producers, reduce the energy consumed, and reduce the yield losses associated with the air seeder failing to properly deliver seeds to the ground.

Faculty Supervisor:

Scott Noble

Student:

George Dodds

Partner:

CNH Canada. Ltd.

Discipline:

Engineering - mechanical

Sector:

Construction and infrastructure

University:

University of Saskatchewan