WO2019036523A1 - Séparateur de ligne de marchandises doté d'une assistance pneumatique pour systèmes de distribution d'air - Google Patents

Séparateur de ligne de marchandises doté d'une assistance pneumatique pour systèmes de distribution d'air Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019036523A1
WO2019036523A1 PCT/US2018/046784 US2018046784W WO2019036523A1 WO 2019036523 A1 WO2019036523 A1 WO 2019036523A1 US 2018046784 W US2018046784 W US 2018046784W WO 2019036523 A1 WO2019036523 A1 WO 2019036523A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
chamber
pneumatic
input port
output ports
air
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2018/046784
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Roger A. Montag
Original Assignee
Montag Investments, LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Montag Investments, LLC filed Critical Montag Investments, LLC
Publication of WO2019036523A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019036523A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01C—PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C7/00—Sowing
    • A01C7/08—Broadcast seeders; Seeders depositing seeds in rows
    • A01C7/081—Seeders depositing seeds in rows using pneumatic means
    • A01C7/082—Ducts, distribution pipes or details thereof for pneumatic seeders
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01C—PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C7/00—Sowing
    • A01C7/08—Broadcast seeders; Seeders depositing seeds in rows
    • A01C7/081—Seeders depositing seeds in rows using pneumatic means
    • A01C7/084—Pneumatic distribution heads for seeders

Definitions

  • TITLE COMMODITY LINE SPLITTER WITH PNEUMATIC ASSIST FOR AIR DELIVERY SYSTEMS CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • the present invention relates generally to the delivery of particulate material using air.
  • the present invention relates to a commodity line splitter having a pneumatic assist for accurately controlling the division of a flow of particulate material from a single line into multiple lines.
  • Another object, feature, or advantage is to enable longer and multiple line runs extending from a limited or smaller number of primary runs.
  • Yet another object, feature, or advantage is to provide a pneumatic assisted splitter that creates suction at output ports and boosts line pressures thereby extending the length of line runs of an air delivery system for granular agricultural materials.
  • An aspect of the present disclosure includes a pneumatic assisted splitter for granular materials transported using air.
  • the pneumatic assisted splitter includes a central portion having a chamber diverging from an input port to output ports configured to carry granular material using air.
  • the chamber has a top and opposite bottom wall spaced apart by opposing side walls.
  • a pneumatic input port having a discharge end is operably connected at the confluence of the input port and output ports.
  • the pneumatic input port is configured to introduce pressurized air into inlets of each output port to create vacuum at the inlet of each output port and increase velocity through each output port.
  • a pneumatic assisted splitter for granular materials transported using air.
  • the pneumatic assisted splitter includes a central portion having a chamber diverging from an input port to output ports configured to carry granular material using air.
  • the chamber has a top and opposite bottom wall spaced apart by opposing side walls.
  • a pneumatic input port is disposed in a wall of the chamber generally at a confluence of the output ports.
  • the pneumatic input port is configured to introduce pressurized air into the chamber for creating suction at the output ports and boosting downstream line pressure and velocity.
  • a method for pneumatically controlling split of granular material from a single input into multiple outputs includes providing a splitter having a central portion with a chamber diverging from an input port to output ports, where the chamber has a top and opposite bottom wall spaced apart by opposing side walls, and a pneumatic input port in one wall of the chamber disposed generally at a confluence of the output ports.
  • a granular material suspended in a stream of pressurized air is introduced into the input port and a pressurized stream of air is introduced into the pneumatic input port.
  • a split in proportions of the granular material introduced through the input port across the output ports is controlled using the pressurized stream of air introduced through the pneumatic input port and suction created at the output ports.
  • a granular material splitter for mounting on the frame of a commodity delivery device using an air delivery system to move granular material through metered lines.
  • the granular material splitter includes a central portion having a chamber diverging from an input port to output ports configured to carry granular material using air from the air delivery system.
  • the chamber has a top and opposite bottom wall spaced apart by opposing side walls.
  • a pneumatic input port is centrally disposed in a wall of the chamber generally between the input port and the output ports. The pneumatic input port is configured to introduce pressurized air into the chamber to boast downstream pressure in the metered lines and create suction within the chamber.
  • FIG. 1 is an illustration of a top perspective view of an implement having an air system, splitter and tools for delivering a commodity to the soil.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a splitter in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pneumatic input port of the splitter with the pneumatic input tube removed from the pneumatic input port for illustrative purposes.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the top wall of the chamber of the splitter with the top wall of the pneumatic input port removed for illustrative purposes.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the top wall of the chamber of the splitter also forming the bottom wall of the pneumatic input port for illustrating openings into each output port.
  • FIG. 6 is an end view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5.
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the bottom wall of the chamber, diverter and inlets to each output port.
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary input tube attached to the input port of the splitter.
  • FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a splitter in accordance with another illustrative aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the splitter of FIG. 9.
  • FIG. 1 1 is an end view of the splitter of FIG. 9 taken from the input side of the splitter.
  • FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the splitter of FIG. 9 with the pneumatic input tube removed for illustrating an adjustable orifice at the pneumatic input port.
  • FIG. 13 is another top perspective view of the splitter of FIG. 9 with the pneumatic input tube removed for illustrating the adjustable orifice at the pneumatic input port in another position.
  • FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of a splitter in accordance with another illustrative aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of the splitter of FIG. 14.
  • FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of a splitter in accordance with another illustrative aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of the splitter of FIG. 16 with the pneumatic input tube removed for illustrating an adjustable orifice at the pneumatic input port.
  • FIG. 18 is another top perspective view of the splitter of FIG. 16 with the pneumatic input tube removed for illustrating the adjustable orifice at the pneumatic input port in another position.
  • Commodity carts are limited in the number of metered or primary runs for distributing product by an air conveyance method. This problem is exacerbated as the size of booms increases to increase single-pass coverage. Further complications arise due to need to increase application rates with the increase in speed of travel through the field. As a result, the number of runs/lines extending across a boom continue to increase as does the length of each run. Increasing the number and length of primary and secondary lines can present interference problems on a folding implement because of space constraints. Not only does routing the lines become difficult but such routing is an impediment to efficient, uniform product flow and an uncluttered appearance. In an attempt to address these issues, line splitters can be used. However, the use of line splitters creates several problems.
  • the flow from the input to output side of the splitter is split as many times as there are outputs. This means that the input is split in half in the case where there are two outputs and split into thirds in the case where there are three outputs.
  • the split ratios through a splitter are poor at best due generally to the density differences between granular material and the air in which it is suspended.
  • line losses increase with longer runs and with each splitter.
  • some of these issues can be compensated for by running larger lines, increases pressures, and so forth.
  • each attempt at remedying typically comes with its own inherent set of issues. For example, increasing line sizes complicates line routing, boom folding and boom designs. Increasing the air pressure requires increased horsepower, and significantly so for longer runs.
  • FIG. 1 therein is shown a portion of a soil treatment implement 10 having a main frame 12 which includes a center section 14, an inboard wing section 16, 16' hinged to the center section 14, and an outboard wing section 18, 18' hinged to the center sections 16, 16' .
  • the right and left sides of the implement 10 is generally the mirror image of each other.
  • a central hitch 20 is connected to the front of the center section 14 and supports the frame 12 for forward movement over the ground.
  • Folding cylinders 34, 34' and 36, 36' pivot the wing sections 16, 16' and 18, 18' about left and right-side pivotal axes between an unfolded frame field-working position (shown) and a folded frame field-working position. In the folded position, the outboard wing sections 16, 16' and 18, 18' are folded adjacent the left and right side of implement 10.
  • Commodity delivery applicators indicated at 40 are spaced transversely along main frame tube structure 42 of the main frame 12. As shown, the implement 10 is a granular material applicator with applicators 40 on front transverse tube structure 44 of the frame 12. Granular material delivery tubes 48 are supported from applicators 40 for delivering particulate or granular material(s) (e.g., dry fertilizer, seed, etc.) to the surface and/or within (e.g., banded) the ground.
  • particulate or granular material(s) e.g., dry fertilizer, seed, etc.
  • An air delivery system such as fan 50
  • fan 50 can be mounted on the implement 10 provides material metered from a tank 46 or trailing commodity cart (not shown) to the applicators 40.
  • granular materials carried on the implement 10 or another cart are metered to a plurality of primary air and commodity delivery conduits or runs connected to conventional metering and fan structure 50 on the implement 10.
  • the primary runs extend to a rear primary run connection on the main frame.
  • Primary runs 65-72 supported from the center section 14, wing section 16 and wing section 18 continue the generally fore-and-aft extending straight line runs from the implement 10 at locations just over horizontal plane of the main frame 12.
  • primary runs 65'-72' in a mirror image to primary runs 65-72, supported from the center section 14, wing section 16' and wing section 18' continue the generally fore-and-aft extending straight line runs from the implement 10 at locations just over horizontal plane of the main frame 12.
  • Eight primary runs 65-72 are used to feed sixteen delivery applicators 40.
  • eight splitters 80 are provided to divide each of the primary runs 65-72 into eight secondary runs.
  • the eight primary runs 6965'-72' are used to feed sixteen applicators 40' .
  • Each primary run 65'-72' is divided into eight secondary runs using eight splitters 80' .
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a 32-row applicator configuration, it is to be understood that applications of the present disclosure can be applied to any number of row applicators. Traditionally the longer the boom and the greater the number of applicators gives rise to complexities and deficiencies that are addressed by the present disclosure.
  • Each splitter 80 includes a pneumatic input port 106, as best shown in FIGS. 2-18.
  • Each pneumatic input port 106 is connected to a fan 50 supported by the main frame 12 on wing section 16.
  • Each pneumatic input port 106 can be connected to fan 50 on implement 10 or another towed implement.
  • An air delivery system 60, 60' can be operably attached to fan 50 or another source for providing pressurized air to each splitter 80.
  • Each pneumatic output port 56 in the manifold is connected in communication with the pneumatic input port 106 on each splitter 80 via conduit 58.
  • the configuration of the opposite wing section 18 is a mirror image of wing section 16.
  • the fan manifold on wing section 18 can be connected to fan 50 or a separate fan supported by the main frame 12 on wing section 18.
  • the fan 50 can be electrically, hydraulically, or pneumatically driven.
  • the fan 50 provides a stream of air to each splitter 80. Unlike the air from the air delivery system, the stream of air from fan 50 does not
  • FIGS. 2-8 illustrate the splitter 80.
  • the splitter 80 includes a central portion 82 having a chamber 84 diverging from input port 86 to output ports 88, 89. Granular materials suspended in a stream of air are passed through input port 86 and split into two separate streams into output ports 88, 89.
  • Chamber 84 has a top wall 90 and opposite bottom wall 92 spaced apart by opposing side walls 94, 96.
  • a diverter 98 is disposed between inlets 100, 102 of each of the output ports 88, 89. Diverter 98 has an apex 104 that originates at the union between inlets 100, 102 and extends toward input port 86 in the bottom wall 92 of chamber 84.
  • the apex 104 of diverter 98 is centrally disposed between the inlets 100, 102 and the width of chamber 84 along its bottom wall 92.
  • the portion of bottom wall 92 of chamber 84 located between side wall 94 and diverter 98 approximates the tubular contour of the bottom half of the cross-section of the inlet 100 into output port 88 where the central portion 82 is connected to the output ports 88, 89.
  • the portion of bottom wall 92 of chamber 84 located between side wall 96 and diverter 98 approximates the tubular contour of the bottom half of the cross-section of the inlet 102 into output port 89 where the central portion 82 is connected to the output ports 88, 89.
  • bottom wall 92 of chamber 84 located between side walls 94, 96 approximates the tubular contour of the bottom half of the cross-section of the output of input port 86 wherein the central portion 82 is connected to the output of input port 86.
  • the surface topography of bottom wall 92 of chamber 84 approximates the bottom half of the cross-section of input port 86 at the upstream end of the central portion 82 and approximates the bottom half of the cross- section of output ports 88, 89 at the downstream end of the central portion 82.
  • top wall 90 and bottom wall 92 of chamber 84 are configured, in one aspect, with generally the same surface topography.
  • a duplicate of, or one at least similarly fashioned akin to, bottom wall 92 of central portion 82 could be rotated so that side walls 94, 96 are downfacing as opposed to upward facing.
  • top wall 90 of chamber 84 has opposing side edges operably connected to side walls 94, 96 of central portion 82.
  • the output of input port 86 is operably connected to bottom wall 92, side walls 94, 96 and top wall 90 at the upstream end of central portion 82.
  • top wall 90 of chamber 84 located between side walls 94, 96 approximates the tubular contour of the top half of the cross-section of the output of input port 86 wherein the central portion 82 is connected to the output of input port 86.
  • a diverter 99 is disposed between inlets 100, 102 of each of the output ports 88, 89. Diverter 99 has an apex 105 that originates at the union between inlets 100, 102, also downstream edge 124, and extends toward input port 86 in the top wall 90 of chamber 84. The apex 105 of diverter 99 is centrally disposed between the inlets 100, 102 and the width of chamber 84 along its top wall 90.
  • top wall 90 of chamber 84 located between side wall 94, downstream edge 124 and diverter 99 generally approximates the tubular contour of the top half of the cross-section of the inlet 100 into output port 88.
  • portion of top wall 90 of chamber 84 located between side wall 96, downstream edge 124 and diverter 99 generally approximates the tubular contour of the top half of the cross-section of the inlet 102 into output port 89.
  • the contour of top wall 90 and bottom wall 92 are configured, as best illustrated in FIG. 4, to diverge flow from a single tube into the outgoing tubes, in this case a pair of output ports 88, 89, whereby particulate suspended in air traveling through the central portion is equally or nearly equally split from a single flow stream into a double flow stream.
  • Downstream edge 124 of top wall 90 terminates at an elevation above side walls 94, 96 and below the top portion of inlets 100, 102. In one aspect, downstream edge 124 terminates between 1/4 to 1/3 of the way down from top edge 126, 128 (to the bottom) of the inlets to both output ports 88, 89. In another aspect, downstream edge 124 terminates between 1/3 to 1/2 of the way down from top edge 126, 128 (to the bottom) of the inlets to both output ports 88, 89. In still another aspect, downstream edge 124 terminates between 1/5 to 1/3 of the way down from top edge 126, 128 (to the bottom) of the inlets to both output ports 88, 89.
  • downstream edge 124 terminates between 1/6 to 1/3 of the way down from top edge 126, 128 (to the bottom) of the inlets to both output ports 88, 89. In one other aspect, downstream edge 124 terminates between 1/6 to 1/2 of the way down from top edge 126, 128 (to the bottom) of the inlets to both output ports 88, 89.
  • a gap exists between top edge 126, 128 of the inlets to both output ports 88, 89 and the downstream edge 124 of top wall 90 wherethrough a pressurized gas, such as pressurized air, devoid of particulate or granular materials, is introduced. Decreasing the size of the gap can increase velocity of the pressurized air introduced through the inlet of each output port 88, 89.
  • Pressurized air is introduced into pneumatic input chamber 85 through pneumatic input port 106 spaced between top wall 118 of pneumatic input port 106 and top wall 90 of chamber 84, then through the gaps between top edge 126, 128 and downstream edge 124 of top wall 90.
  • a pneumatic input tube 107 is operably attached at its second end 1 10 to pneumatic input port 106 for introducing pressurized air from the pneumatic input tube 107 into pneumatic input port 106.
  • Top wall 118 of pneumatic input port 106 is configured with an arcuate upstream edge having generally the contour of a portion of a tube cross-section.
  • Downstream edge of top wall 1 18 is configured with a pair of contours of a portion of a tube cross-section.
  • top wall 118 is configured, as best illustrated in FIG. 3, to diverge flow from a single tube, the pneumatic input tube 107, into the outgoing tubes, in this case a pair of output ports 88, 89, whereby pressurized air traveling through the central portion between top walls 90, 1 18 is equally or nearly equally split from a single flow stream into a double flow stream.
  • the first end 108 of pneumatic input tube 107 has a tubular cross-section and second end 110 has a compressed tubular cross-section matching that of the opening of pneumatic input port 106.
  • splitter 80 receives pressurized air into both pneumatic input tube 107 and input port 86.
  • Pressurized air introduced into input port 86 includes a commodity/product in the form of particulate or granular matter.
  • Pressurized air introduced into pneumatic input tube 107 does not include a commodity/product in the form of particulate or granular matter.
  • Pressurized air can be provided by a fan, such as fan 50, or multiple fans.
  • First end 108 of pneumatic input tube 107 has a tubular or generally round cross-section whereas second end 1 10 has a reduced cross-section as compared to first end 108.
  • the reduction in the cross-section of pneumatic input tube 107 accelerates the pressurized air as it is introduced through pneumatic input port 106, into pneumatic input chamber 85, and divided equally or nearly equally by volume into the inlets of output ports 88, 89.
  • pressurized air creates a vacuum or suction at the inlet to output ports 88, 89 acting upstream on the pressurized air (containing granular material) within chamber 84.
  • vacuum and suction are used interchangeably.
  • the pressurized air and granular material within chamber 84 is divided equally or nearly equally (i.e., each cubic inch of air has the same amount of granular material) into and discharged through output ports 88, 89.
  • Diverters 98, 99 aid in balancing or dividing flow of pressurized air and granular material from a singular flow stream into a pair of flow streams, or more than a pair of flow streams depending upon the configuration of splitter 80.
  • the pressurized air introduced from pneumatic input tube 107 also makes up for the split or division of the air flow from singular input tube 86 to multiple output tubes, such as a pair of output tubes 88, 89.
  • input tube 122 includes surface undulations, divots, dimples or irregularities to create a turbulent flow which aids in keeping a homogenous blend of two or more types of particulate.
  • FIGS. 9-18 illustrate a splitter 80.
  • the splitter 80 includes a central portion 82 having a chamber 84 diverging from input port 86 to output ports 88, 89 configured to pass granular material there-through using air.
  • Chamber 84 has a top wall 90 and opposite bottom wall 92 spaced apart by opposing side walls 94, 96.
  • a diverter 98 is disposed between inlets 100, 102 of each of the output ports 88, 89.
  • Diverter 98 has an apex 104 extending into chamber 84.
  • the apex 104 of diverter 98 is centrally disposed between the inlets 100, 102 and the width of chamber 84.
  • a pneumatic input tube 107 is centrally disposed in the top wall 90 of the chamber 84 generally between the input port 86 and the apex 104 of diverter 98.
  • the pneumatic input tube 107 is disposed in dead center of the bottom wall 92 of the chamber 84, immediately in front of the apex 104 of the diverter 98.
  • the pneumatic input tube 107 can be configured in either the bottom wall 92 or top wall 90 of the chamber 84.
  • the pneumatic input tube 107 is configured to introduce a stream of pressurized air into the chamber 84 from fan 50.
  • the pneumatic input tube 107 has a first end 108 configured to secure to a pneumatic supply conduit 58 and a second opposite end 110 affixed to the pneumatic input port 106.
  • the pneumatic input tube 107 is affixed to the central portion 82 of chamber 84 at an angle between 30-45 degrees relative to the bottom wall 92. In another aspect, the pneumatic input tube 107 is affixed to the central portion 82 of chamber 84 at an angle between 20-30 degrees relative to the bottom wall 92. Still in another aspect, the pneumatic input tube 106 is affixed to the central portion 82 of chamber 84 at an angle between 45-60 degrees relative to the bottom wall 92. Still in another aspect the pneumatic input tube 107 is angled toward the input port 86.
  • Splitter 80 is configured with output ports 88. In one aspect, splitter 80 includes two output ports 88, 89.
  • splitter 80 includes three output ports with a diverter spaced between the inlets to each.
  • Splitter 80 includes at least two input ports, one port for receiving a flow of pressurized air without granular material and a second port for receiving a flow of pressurized air with granular material.
  • splitter 80 includes three input ports, two ports for receiving a flow of pressurized air without granular material and a third port for receiving a flow of pressurized air with granular material.
  • Chamber 84 of the splitter has an inner surface 110 that is generally smooth and without engineered surface undulations, dimples or irregularities.
  • the internal surface of chamber 84 can be configured to include surface undulations, dimples or irregularities.
  • Splitter 80 can be fabricated from a non-corrosive, plastic or metal.
  • a splitter 80 similar in design and function to the splitter 80 shown in FIGS. 9-13, is fabricated from plastic and depicted in FIGS. 14-15.
  • a bracket can be affixed to splitter 80 for securing it to frame 12.
  • Bracket can include a hinge member whereby the entirety of the splitter 80 can pivot about the hinge member attached to frame 12.
  • input port 86 and output ports 88 have the same diameter (e.g., input port 2" diameter and each output port 2" diameter).
  • the input and output ports can have different diameters (e.g., input port 2" diameter and each output port 1-1/2" diameter).
  • the chamber 84 has a cross-sectional width at it widest point equal to the total combined width of the output ports 88 and at its narrowest point equal to the diameter of the input port 86.
  • the chamber 84 has the same cross- sectional height as the output ports 88 and the input port 86.
  • Pneumatic input port 106 can have the same diameter as the output port 88 and input port 86.
  • the pneumatic input port 106 can have a smaller diameter than the output port 88 and input port 86.
  • the diameter of the pneumatic input port 106, input port 86 and output port 88 can be different from each other. Changing the size of the pneumatic input port 106 into the chamber 84 changes the rate at which air (i.e., energy) from fan 50 is introduced into the chamber 84. Assuming a constant fan 50 RPM, a smaller diameter pneumatic input port 106 increases the velocity of air into the chamber 84, whereas a larger diameter pneumatic input port 106 decreases the velocity of air into the chamber 84.
  • the diameter size of the pneumatic input port 106 can be different or the same based on the energy input into the chamber 84 that is desired for each splitter 80. Adjusting orifice size of the pneumatic input port 106 can be beneficial to, for example, compensate/adjust for different granular materials, line pressure, atmospheric conditions, line size/diameter, run distance, application rates, and implement ground speed. Generally, it is desirable to have the air introduced into the chamber 84 through the pneumatic input port 106 at a higher velocity than the air entering the chamber 84 through the input port 86. One way to increase the velocity of the air entering the chamber 84 through the pneumatic input port 106 is to decrease the size of the orifice of the pneumatic input port 106 as shown in FIGS. 12-13.
  • the orifice size of the pneumatic input port 106 is fully open in FIG. 12 and partially closed in FIG. 13.
  • the opening and closing of the orifice of the pneumatic input port 106 can be accomplished by inserting an orifice sizing plate 1 12 of the type shown in FIGS. 12-13.
  • the orifice size plate 112 can be adjustable in position relative to the orifice of the pneumatic input port 106 by being manually or automatically moved under operation of a controller from an open position (see FIG. 17) to a partially closed position (see FIG. 18).
  • orifice diameters can range, for example, from .25", .29", .36", .43" up to the inner diameter of the pneumatic input tube 107.
  • the pneumatic input tube 107 is 1- Winches in diameter the inner diameter of pneumatic input tube 107 is generally 1.23".
  • the orifice sizing plate 1 12 can used to decrease the size of the orifice generally from the size of the pneumatic input tube 107 to a desired orifice size of the pneumatic input port 106.
  • Chamber 84 is designed to add cross sectional diameter at each split within the air delivery system handling the granular materials.
  • the chamber 84 has a cross sectional diameter that is larger than the input port 86 diameter.
  • the splitter 80 with assistance from a stream of air passing through the pneumatic input port 106 pneumatically controls split of granular materials from a single input port 86 into multiple output ports 88. This is accomplished by introducing a granular material into the input port 86 suspended in a stream of air from fan 50 and introducing a pressurized stream of air from fan 50 into the pneumatic input port 106. Controlling a split in proportions of the granular material introduced through the input port 86 across the output ports 88 using the pressurized stream of air introduced through the pneumatic input port 106 is accomplished.
  • the stream of air from fan 50 is being divided across the number of output ports 88, the stream of air from fan 50 is supplemented with the stream of air from fan 50 introduced into chamber 84 through pneumatic input port 106.
  • the granular material is also divided across the number of output ports 88.
  • the granular material suspended in the air is not evenly split/divided across the output ports 88 in conventional splitters.
  • the stream of air from fan 50 is split in half in a splitter with two output ports 88 and in split in thirds in a splitter with three output ports 88.
  • each output port 88 either has half of the air or a third of the air that is introduced into the input port 86.
  • Air from fan 50 passing through the pneumatic input port 106 into chamber 84 adds air to (i.e., supplements) each stream so that the air passing into the input port 86 and out each output port 88 is equal.
  • the same volume of air introduced into the chamber from the input port 86 passes out each output port 88 in that each stream is supplemented with air from air entering the chamber 84 through the pneumatic input port 106 from fan 50 thereby addressing the pressure line loss issue commonly experienced in conventional air delivery systems.
  • the introduction of the air stream from fan 50 into the chamber 84 through pneumatic input port 106 creates a venturi effect within chamber 84.
  • the venturi effect creates a vacuum at the input port 86 thereby pulling by vacuum on the upstream side of splitter 80.
  • the introduction of the air stream from fan 50 into chamber 84 through pneumatic input port 106 also adds airflow into the chamber 84 to the downstream side of splitter into each of the output ports 88. Due to these effects, an even (i.e., near 50/50) split of granular material is achieved across each of the output ports 88.
  • controlling the split in proportions of the granular material across the output ports 88 can be achieved by changing an angle of the pneumatic input tube 107 relative to the wall 90, 92 of chamber 84.
  • controlling the split in proportions of the granular material across the output ports 88 can be achieved by changing the pressure of the pressurized stream of air from fan 50 introduced into the pneumatic input port 106.
  • the angle of the pneumatic input tube 107 can be altered to change the pressure and air flow characteristics within chamber 84.
  • a change in the rate of air flow from fan 50 passing into chamber 84 through pneumatic input port 106 can be altered to change the pressure and air flow characteristics within chamber 84.
  • the flow of air provided from fan 50 is configurable to add air pressure at any point in the air delivery system connected to fan 50.
  • the rate of air (i.e., energy) added can be changed by decreasing or increasing diameter size of the pneumatic input port 106 and tube 107. Due to the air (i.e., energy) being supplemented/added in each chamber 84, more than one splitter 80 can be configured into a single line. For example, the primary lines can be split more than once, which is not achievable using conventional splitters due to line losses and other factors.
  • fan 50 provides a stream of air to each pneumatic input port 106 on each splitter 80
  • other aspects include using more than one fan whereby one or more pneumatic input ports 106 can have different operational parameters based on differences in the operation of each fan.
  • One or more controllers can be configured to control the operation of fans 50, 50.
  • a separate control board can also be configured to each fan to operate each fan independently as one or more pneumatic input ports 106 may call for more or less air flow depending on the location of the splitter in each run/line or the number of rows. Lines can be extended in length far beyond what was previously attainable using conventional splitter techniques to includes boom lengths far in excess of 120 feet while maintaining/achieving the same accuracy and results for each line split regardless of its location along the length of each run.
  • Such performance characteristics of the splitter 80 enables lower application rates, while maintaining accurate splits at long distances across a boom, for various applications, including but not limited to cover crop applications.
  • granular material e.g., dry fertilizer, seed, etc.
  • kits that includes a plurality of splitters as disclosed herein and the necessary hardware (e.g., conduit, brackets, air manifold, etc.) for configuring existing commodity delivery implements with the splitters of the present disclosure for improving application accuracy and rates of a commodity on an existing commodity delivery implement.
  • necessary hardware e.g., conduit, brackets, air manifold, etc.
  • the present disclosure is not to be limited to the particular aspects described herein.
  • the present disclosure contemplates numerous variations in the type of ways in which aspects of the disclosure can be applied to a commodity line splitter with a pneumatic assist for accurately controlling the division of a flow of particulate material from a single line into multiple lines.
  • the foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or limit any of the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. It is contemplated that other alternatives or exemplary aspects are considered included in the disclosure.
  • the description is merely examples of aspects, processes or methods of the disclosure. It is understood that any other modifications, substitutions, and/or additions can be made, which are within the intended spirit and scope of the disclosure.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Soil Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Air Transport Of Granular Materials (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un diviseur à assistance pneumatique pour des matériaux granulaires transportés au moyen d'air. Le diviseur à assistance pneumatique inclut une partie centrale ayant une chambre divergeant d'un orifice d'entrée à des orifices de sortie, configurée pour transporter un matériau granulaire au moyen d'air. La chambre comporte une paroi supérieure et une paroi inférieure opposée, espacées par des parois latérales opposées. Un orifice d'entrée pneumatique est disposé dans une paroi de la chambre, généralement au niveau de la confluence des orifices de sortie. L'orifice d'entrée pneumatique est configuré pour introduire une pression destinée à créer une aspiration au niveau des orifices de sortie et commande le fractionnement de matériau granulaire à travers les orifices de sortie.
PCT/US2018/046784 2017-08-14 2018-08-14 Séparateur de ligne de marchandises doté d'une assistance pneumatique pour systèmes de distribution d'air WO2019036523A1 (fr)

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US201762545361P 2017-08-14 2017-08-14
US62/545,361 2017-08-14

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WO2019036523A1 true WO2019036523A1 (fr) 2019-02-21

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11284560B2 (en) * 2018-11-13 2022-03-29 Bourgault Industries Ltd. Singulating meter feeding multiple furrow openers

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3567288A (en) * 1969-02-03 1971-03-02 Curlator Corp Pneumatic fiber conveying system
US4553882A (en) * 1982-10-28 1985-11-19 Trutzschler Gmbh & Co. Kg Method and apparatus for pneumatically conveying fiber material
US20070079883A1 (en) * 2005-07-12 2007-04-12 Snipes Terry L Airflow divider with shutoff
US20160157419A1 (en) * 2014-12-03 2016-06-09 CNH Industrial Canada, LTD Selective fan shaped material distributor

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3567288A (en) * 1969-02-03 1971-03-02 Curlator Corp Pneumatic fiber conveying system
US4553882A (en) * 1982-10-28 1985-11-19 Trutzschler Gmbh & Co. Kg Method and apparatus for pneumatically conveying fiber material
US20070079883A1 (en) * 2005-07-12 2007-04-12 Snipes Terry L Airflow divider with shutoff
US20160157419A1 (en) * 2014-12-03 2016-06-09 CNH Industrial Canada, LTD Selective fan shaped material distributor

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11284560B2 (en) * 2018-11-13 2022-03-29 Bourgault Industries Ltd. Singulating meter feeding multiple furrow openers

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