Design of Energy-Efficient Equipment for Grinding Feed Grain for Compound Feed Production with Optimization of Structural and Technological Parameters

Abstract

In the conditions of modern small-scale feed mills, the key issue is to reduce energy consumption for the implementation of technological processes and improve the quality of finished products while maintaining the specified particle size distribution that corresponds to the specified recipe. Given this, the purpose of the current study is to develop a design for equipment for grinding feed grain that meets the energy efficiency requirements for equipment and ensures the preservation of material and technical resources of enterprises. A design solution for energy-efficient equipment for grinding feed grain has been developed, which is intended for implementation in the technological lines of small-scale enterprises. The proposed technical solution belongs to the means of mechanization of grain processing processes and can be effectively implemented in individual farms. The design and technological scheme of the grinder has been substantiated, which involves the use of a rotor with grinding elements with a beveled edge, a sieve, two decks, a vibrator and shock absorbers. It has been established that the division of the working chamber into four functional sectors provides a gradual intensification of the grinding process due to the sequential impact and abrasion action on the grain material. It has been proven that the use of grinding elements with a beveled edge contributes to an increase in the area of contact of the grain with the working bodies, which increases the efficiency of particle destruction and reduces specific energy consumption. The use of vibrational effects on the working chamber allows to reduce the adhesion of the material to the working surfaces, which, in turn, reduces the energy intensity of the process and the intensity of wear of the machine elements. The introduction of shock absorbers ensures a decrease in dynamic loads and increases the reliability and durability of the structure. The generalization of the obtained results shows that the proposed equipment provides: increased energy efficiency of the process of grinding feed grain; reduced specific electricity consumption; improved grinding quality and stability of the particle size distribution; reduced wear of the working bodies and increased machine life; reduced vibration load on the structure. Thus, the implementation of the developed equipment is an appropriate and promising direction for increasing the efficiency of compound feed production, especially in the conditions of small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises.