Centrifugal fertiliser spreaders : a new method for their evaluation and testing
Résumé
Mineral fertiliser spreading is mainly carried out by centrifugal spreaders, which are simple and efficient. Making prototypes, developing and working out setting tables, etc. are operations that rely on transverse bench tests. The distribution cuve obtained in this way shows the quantities spread in relation to the distance to the spreader's axis of work. This is a curve simplifying real spreading conditions, which only represents the final result of spreading when it is carried out in ideal conditions, in a straight line and with optimum overlapping between runs. The size of the test bench to be used is also extremely important and therefore requires a hall in which climate conditions are controlled. The area of this facility increases expoentially with the working width of appliances to be tested. So, a new test device has been devises with the prime objective of providing characteristic spatial values of spreading. The configuration and operating method of this bench help cut down the size of the hall needed. Investment, maintenance and air conditioning costs are therefore greatly reduced.