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

Year 2017, Volume: 13 Issue: 1, 39 - 47, 26.12.2017

İsmail Serkan Kolcu Adnan Değirmencioğlu

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 (CV, %) and skewing ratio (left to right or right to left ratio of
the granular material applied). Central Composite Design (CCD) which is
rotatable and one of the designs in Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used
in order to optimize the distribution uniformity. Two different fertilizers
(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 (corresponding to power take-off linearly), the fertilizer flow rate and
the impeller angle. The dependent variables were the coefficient of variation
(CV, %) and skewing ratio (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

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