Performance of Fluted Roll Metering Devices in Seed Drills with Ammonium Sulphate and Diammonium Phosphate

Abstract

The effect of flute diameter, helical angle, active roll length, and fluted roll speed on flow evenness and rate obtained from fluted roll metering devices in seed drills with ammonium sulphate and diammonium phosphate fertilizers was studied. In conclusion, flute diameter, helical angle, active roll length, and fluted roll speed had a significant effect on the flow evenness and rate of both fertilizers. In order to obtain even flow, the roll flutes should be designed with a diameter of 14 mm and a helical angle of 20 for the two fertilizers. The fluted roll metering device should be run with active roll lengths of 5 and 10 mm at roll speeds between 10 and 65 rpm for ammonium sulphate and between 20 and 50 rpm for diammonium phosphate.