THE DEPENDENCE OF CHANGES IN OZONE CONCENTRATION INSIDE CORN GRAIN HEAP ON THE INITIAL PARAMETERS OF THE PROCESS
Studies have been conducted to identify the dependence of changes in ozone concentration inside the corn grain on the duration of ozonation and gas emission time. The experiment was carried out in a relatively hermetic metal container simulating a silo-type grain storage, which is most often used for temporary storage of wet grain heap before subsequent drying of the material. The ozone-air mixture was supplied from below so that ozone would gradually force out the lighter air filling the entire volume. The container being empty and loaded with corn grain was filled with gas. This showed that the process of reducing the concentration of the oxidant proceeds differently. Hence, the organic material affects the decomposition of ozone and its duration inside the grain storage. Kernel components oxidize upon contact with the gas. Part of the ozone penetrates into the grain and accumulates in it. Therefore, as the heap is saturated with the gas, the time of its emission from the grain storage changes. It is established that the process is influenced by the initial parameters of the grain, especially its humidity. In order to reduce the consumption of ozone-air mixture, the gas supply can be periodically stopped. However, it is necessary to determine the time over which the oxidizing agent retains its properties in the grain heap, so that the ozonation process is not interrupted. As a result of research it is revealed that it is more expedient to carry out the ozonation by periods of grain saturation with ozone-air mixture followed by ventilation with air with the ozonizer turned off until the ozone concentration drops to a level close to the MPC. Then the treatment should be resumed. In this case it is recommended to continue the ozonation for at least 33 minutes with the ozonizer shutdown intervals of not more than 10 minutes, which ensures the continuity of treatment of wet corn grain with ozone.