Optimization of the Distribution Uniformity of a Single-Disc Granular Broadcast Spreader

Authors : İsmail Serkan KOLCU, Adnan DEĞİRMENCİOĞLU

Pages : 39-47

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Publication Date : 2017-12-26

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The objective of this study was to optimize the distribution uniformity performance of a single-disc granular broadcast spreader. The performance indicators were considered to be the coefficient of variation insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(CV, %); and skewing ratio insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(left to right or right to left ratio of the granular material applied);. Central Composite Design insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(CCD); which is rotatable and one of the designs in Response Surface Methodology insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(RSM); was used in order to optimize the distribution uniformity. Two different fertilizers insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(urea and triple super phosphate); were used and a total of 20 experiments for each fertilizer were conducted. Each experiment was triplicated. The independent variables considered in this study were the peripheral speed of the disc insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(corresponding to power take-off linearly);, the fertilizer flow rate and the impeller angle. The dependent variables were the coefficient of variation insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(CV, %); and skewing ratio insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(either right to left or left to right distribution);. Mathematical functions in polynomial form were developed based on the principles of RSM that allowed conducting reduced number of experiments as compared to full factorial design. The optimum levels of the variables were obtained and verification tests were also achieved. It was concluded that the three variables considered in this study affect the distribution uniformity performance of the broadcast spreader.  
Keywords : Mathematical modeling, response surface methodology, skewing, fertilizer