Analysis of dust diffusion from a self-propelled peanut combine using computational fluid dynamics

Self-propelled peanut combines can significantly improve the production efficiency of peanut harvesting. However, a large quantity of dust is discharged from peanut combines, leading to detrimental environmental changes. To evaluate the diffusion and distribution of dust from a peanut combine, dust discharged from a combine was sampled using an integrated atmospheric sampler that enabled laboratory measurements of dust concen-tration, particle size distribution, density, and shape factors. A 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model that coupled dust particles and the atmospheric flow was estab-lished. The simulation model was verified by comparing the simulated data with the measured dust concentrations on farm. The relationship between the dust discharge fac-tors and the spatial distribution of the dust concentration was analysed using the CFD model. The results showed that an increase in the angle between the dust outlet and the ground increases both the rate of dust deposition and the dust concentration near the combine. By contrast, a reduction in the dust outlet diameter decreased the dust concen-tration near the combine and rate of dust deposition. Moreover, the spatial dust concen-tration distribution and the dust concentration discharged from the dust outlet of the combine exhibited a linear relationship. This study provides a reference for the formula-tion and evaluation of dust suppression schemes for self-propelled peanut combines.(c) 2022 IAgrE. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Self-propelled peanut combines can improve production efficiency, but they also emit a large amount of dust, causing detrimental environmental changes. This study used sampling and simulation to evaluate the diffusion and distribution of dust from a peanut combine. The results showed that the angle between the dust outlet and the ground and the diameter of the dust outlet are important factors affecting the dust concentration and deposition rate. The study provides a reference for formulating and evaluating dust suppression schemes for self-propelled peanut combines.