Numerical Simulation of the Seed Pelleting Process in a Drum Apparatus
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32515/2414-3820.2026.56.37-48Keywords:
seeds, pelleting, nozzles, device, drum apparatus, spraying, distribution, productivity, parameters, numerical simulation, Discrete Element Method, Lagrangian Multiphase ApproachAbstract
The article presents the results of numerical simulation of the seed pelleting process in a drum apparatus using the Simcenter STAR-CCM+ software environment.
To describe seed motion and the application of the nutrient composition, a combination of the Discrete Element Method (DEM) and the Lagrangian Multiphase Approach (LMP) was employed. The developed model made it possible to reproduce the processes of seed mixing, spraying of the nutrient solution, droplet deposition on the seed surface, and formation of the pelleting coating. During the study, the effects of drum rotational speed, pelleting composition flow rate, seed bed height, and blade inclination angle on coating uniformity and apparatus productivity were evaluated. Based on the numerical experiment, regression relationships were obtained that adequately describe the seed pelleting process and make it possible to predict changes in efficiency criteria depending on the operating modes of the apparatus.
It was established that the best pelleting quality indicators are achieved at a drum rotational speed of 14–15 rpm, a pelleting composition flow rate of 18–20 mL/min, a seed bed height of 0.22–0.26 m, and a blade inclination angle of 8–10°. Under these conditions, process productivity reaches 50–52 kg/min, the non-uniformity of pelleting coating formation does not exceed 2.5–3.0%, and energy consumption is reduced by 15–18%. The obtained results can be used to substantiate the design and technological parameters of drum pelletizers and to improve the efficiency of pre-sowing seed treatment.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Elchyn Aliiev, Nataliia Ponomarenko, Tymofii Rud
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