Design of A Pneumatic Granular Applicator For Paddy Field

Most operation related to the application granular agrochemicals in korea are manual and labour consuming. As a multipurpose granular applicator, a pneumatic granular applicator that can be attached to conventional ride -on machines for paddy field was designed in this study. Experiments and simulations were carried out for determine in the design factors with one fertilizer (DongBu 21-17-17) and one pesticide (SamKong Ivi). The maximum terminal velocity of granular chemicals was estimated as 14.2m/s. A better distribution pattern was obtained at the diffuser having only deflectors without dividing guides. The diffuser spacing 1.0m for the fertilizer and the diffuser spacing 0.8m for the pesticide at the boom height over 0.80m were acceptable for the uniform distribution. In the case that the forward speed of ride-on machines was 0.7m/s, the groove opening and the roller speed of the selected metering device were13mm -15mm at 2 rps for the fertilizer, and 9 mm-11mm at 0.25rps or the pesticide. This study suggested a method of developing a pneumatic applicator for granular agrochemicals.