Improvement of the design of the feed mixer and analysis of its performance
BACKGROUND: It has been proven by science and practice that feeding animals with complete feed mixtures can increase the productivity of feed. The preparation of loose feed mixtures has become most widespread. The analytical review of scientific and research works in the field of machinery and technology for the preparation of complete feed mixtures showed the advantage of using batch feed mixers. This is related to the fact that due to the circulation of feed components in a mixer, high quality of feed mixtures is achieved. At the same time, the issue of research and selection of reasonable parameters for improved ideological options in the direction of reducing energy and resource costs remains relevant. AIMS: Improvement of the design of a vertical batch mixer, elimination of cases of delay in unloading the finished mixture, which negatively affects productivity and the energy, labor and material costs associated with it. METHODS: The object of the research is the technology and design of a batch feed mixer. The cyclic and hourly average productivity of the mixer is studied. Mathematical expressions that describe the dependence of the loading and unloading duration on the mixer tankage are given. The influence of the mixer tankage on the mixer performance, expressed with a special coefficient, is analyzed. The coefficient range, which positively affects the performance of the facility, has been determined. RESULTS: It has been established that with the constructive and technological improvement of mixers and ensuring the proper operation, the tankage does not serve as the main factor for productivity increase. CONCLUSIONS: The maximum productivity of the vertical batch mixer is mainly ensured with the number of cycles of the auger and with the periodic forced supply of the mixture, whereas the quality of mixing depends on the angle of the vane opener.