Airflow resistance of chopped michantus on drying platform

Abstract

Measurement and analysis of airflow resistance are essential for the engineering design of systems to dry or aerate agricultural products. This work investigates the measurement of airflow resistance as a function of airflow velocity for two types of chopped miscanthus. Chopped miscanthus physical properties (moisture content, bulk density, and particle size distribution) were measured and analyzed for their effects on airflow resistance. Chopped miscanthus with a bed depth of 0.57 m was stored in a drum 0.83 m × 0.60 m (height × diameter) and aerated with ambient air at different velocities ranging from 0.073 to 0.461 m s-1. Bulk density was considered an important parameter in relation to pressure drop of chopped miscanthus. Shedd's curves were developed for both types of chopped miscanthus. Airflow resistance increased with the increase in airflow velocity, as affected by bulk density (moisture content, particle size and shape), and was in the range between ASABE standard values for ear corn and shelled corn