Metering system for solid particulate

An improved air handing system for a particulate metering system is provided. The system includes a flow path with an inlet in communication with an intake and an outlet in communication with one or more discharge points. A blower can be in communication with the flow path at the intake and provide an air flow to the flow path. The system can include a plenum within the flow path and in fluid communication with the blower. A plurality of ports can be disposed on the plenum and within the flow path. Each of the ports can be in communication with a discharge point. The system can further include air flow directing members within the flow path. Each of the air flow directing members can be in communication with a separate one of the ports and one of the discharge points.

BACKGROUND

I. Field of the Disclosure

A metering system for solid particulate is disclosed. More specifically, but not exclusively, an air production and handling system for a metering system with variable blend and variable application rate controls for particulate matter, such as dry fertilizers, is disclosed.

II. Description of the Prior Art

Particulate metering systems often use pneumatics to meter particulate to a field. More specifically, a flow of air generated by an air source, such as a blower, is directed through an airflow path, after which particulate enters the airflow. Thereafter, the air-particulate mixture is directed to a discharge point and metered to the field. Particulate metering is complicated by the desire to simultaneously meter at separate discharge points with varying rates and blends of different particulate. In most instances of multi-row metering, the distances vary from the air source to the discharge points of each unit row. Therefore, further complications arise with generating sufficient airflow to meter particulate to the unit rows while maintaining consistent application rates. Still further, the particulate traveling through an airflow path of the metering implement experiences wall friction, requiring greater upstream air pressure and increased power consumption to meter the particulate. Losses and frictional effects within the system also increase the likelihood of lag and clogging. Many desire to reduce the power consumption of the particulate metering implement while controlling and/or ensuring consistent application rates across all of the unit rows.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides an air handing system for a particulate metering system. The air handling system includes a flow path with an inlet in communication with an intake and an outlet in communication with one or more discharge points. A blower can be in communication with the flow path at the intake. The blower provides an air flow to the flow path. A plenum within the flow path and in fluid communication with the blower is provided. A plurality of ports can be disposed on the plenum and within the flow path. Each of the ports can be in communication with a discharge point. The system includes air flow directing members within the flow path. Each of the air flow directing members can be in communication with a separate one of the ports and one of the discharge points. The plenum is shaped to provide graduations and to proportion the air flow velocity across the ports.

The system can include at least one directional bend in the flow path within each of the air flow directing members. Further, a plurality of particulate ports can be connected to each of the air flow directing members. Each of the particulate pol is conveys particulate into the flow path.

The system can further include a mixing area comprised of a confluence of particulate and the flow path within each of the air flow directing members. The mixing area can occur after a directional bend in the flow path within each of the air flow directing members.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the air handling system includes an air origin generating an air flow path. A plenum having a plurality of discharge ports is provided. The plenum can be in fluid communication with the air origin and comprise a first portion of the air flow path. The system can include a plurality of particulate accelerators comprising a second portion of the air flow path. Each of the particulate accelerators is connected to one of the discharge ports of the plenum. Further, each of the particulate accelerators can be comprised of an air inlet, a plurality of particulate inputs, an air-particulate output, and a flow-directing member. The system can further include a plurality of discharge lines comprising a third portion of the air flow path. Each of the discharge lines can be connected to the air-particulate output of each of the particulate accelerators. The flow-directing member of each of the particulate accelerators imparts at least one directional bend in the air flow path within each of the particulate accelerators.

The particulate accelerators can have a flow angle defined between a direction of the air flow path at the inlet and a direction of the air flow path at the air-particulate output. The flow angle can be acute. Further, the flow-directing member of each of the particulate accelerators suspends particulate being suspended within a fluid bed within each of the discharge lines.

According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a plurality of particulate accelerators is provided. Each of the plurality of particulate accelerators can include an inlet configured to receive a flow of air from an air source and an outlet configured to provide a flow of a mixture of the flow of air and one or more types of particulate. Each of the particulate accelerators can include a main body associated with the inlet and the outlet. The main body can have a curvilinear back wall and define an enclosed volume. The main body of each of the particulate accelerators can be substantially cylindrical. Each of the particulate accelerators can further include a plurality of side openings disposed on the main body. Each of the plurality of side openings can be configured to receive a type of particulate from one of a plurality of particulate sources. Each of the particulate accelerators can still further include a mixing area comprised of a portion of the enclosed volume of the main body below the side openings. The curvilinear back wall can impart at least one directional bend in the flow of air between the inlet and the mixing area. A confluence of the particulate and the flow of air occurs within the mixing area.

A plenum in fluid connection with the air source and the plurality of particulate accelerators is provided. The plenum can have a plurality of ports. The inlet of one of the particulate accelerators is connected to one of the ports on the plenum. The air source provides the flow of air to each of the particulate accelerators.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates a particulate metering implement100. While the figure shows a particulate metering implement, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosure covers other types of implements, including but not limited to, seed meters, seed planters, nutrient applicators, and other agricultural equipment. The implement100can be mounted upon a towable trailer or other suitable structure such as a toolbar, or integrally formed with a particulate application system. The implement can include a frame assembly102, upon which particulate containers104and106can be mounted. For user accessibility to the particulate containers104and106, a platform108and ladders110can10be provided.

A top surface of the particulate containers104and106can include openings (not shown) covered by one or more lids112. The lids112can be opened and/or removed to permit loading of particulate into and/or servicing the particulate containers104and106. In an exemplary embodiment, an edge of the lids112can be pivotally connected to the particulate containers104and106with one or more hinges116. One or more clamps114can be mounted on the particulate containers104and106proximate to the opposing edge of the lids112to releasably secure the lids to the containers. To assist in opening the lids112, a handle118can be connected to the lids112proximate to the clamps114. Upon opening and/or removal of the lids112, one or more screens (now shown) can be disposed within the openings of the particulate containers104and106to prevent debris from entering the same.

The particulate metering implement100can include an air production and handling system200. The air production and handling system200can be disposed between and below a portion of the particulate containers104and106.

Referring toFIGS. 2A and 2B, an exemplary air production and handling system200is illustrated. The air production and handling system200can include a blower202driven by a blower motor (not shown) to produce an airflow. In an embodiment, a representative blower can operate at 20 horsepower (HP) and produce a volumetric flow rate 120-150 cubic feet per minute (CFM) per row in operation. The disclosure also contemplates the blower202operating at variable revolutions per minute (RPM). In such instances, the blower202can require less horsepower than operating at a constant RPM. Operating the blower202at a constant RPM and/or variable RPM can be tailored to the specific demands of a given application.

The blower202can be coupled to a plenum208via an extension204and a bracket206. As shown illustratively inFIG. 4, the extension204can have an inlet222and an outlet224. The inlet222side of the extension204can be connected to the blower202at a flanged interface218via corresponding mounting holes on the extension204and the blower202. The mounting holes232configured to be joined by nuts and bolts, or other means such as pinning, clamping, and the like. The extension204can be comprised of a plurality of triangular-shaped surfaces226designed to impart desired flow properties as air enters the plenum208. The disclosure envisions alternative characteristics for the extension204, including but not limited to, a circular cross-section, a nozzle, an expander, and the like. The extension204can be made of steel, but the disclosure contemplates other materials such as aluminum, polymers, composites, ceramics, and the like. An outlet224side of the extension204can have a flanged plate220with slots228. The plate228can connect the extension204to the bracket206through the slots228and connecting holes230, as shown illustratively inFIGS. 3 and 4.

After exiting the extension204, the air generated by blower202can enter an intake247of a plenum208of the air production and handling system200, as shown illustratively inFIGS. 3 and 5. The plenum208can include a plenum cover210removably connected to a plenum base216. When installed, the plenum cover210can be sealed to the plenum base216with a gasket214contoured to outer edges of the same. To install or uninstall the plenum cover210, the plenum cover can include a plurality of downwardly extending flanges212adapted to mate with flanges244extending outwardly along the length of the sidewalls234of the plenum base216. In particular, gaps between the flanges244on the plenum base216can receive to the plurality of downwardly extending flanges212on the plenum cover210, after which the plenum cover210can be slid laterally into a locked position. Thereafter, pins248can be installed to ensure the plenum cover210remains in the locked position.

As shown illustratively inFIG. 5, the plenum base216can contain opposing sidewalls234, a bottom wall236and a distal wall246. A plurality of apertures238can be disposed within the bottom wall236of the plenum base216. The plurality of apertures238can be arranged in two rows along the length of the plenum208. The two rows of apertures238along the length of the plenum base216can be staggered longitudinally, as shown illustratively inFIGS. 2A, 3 and 5, to maximize compactness of the particulate accelerators300disposed below the plenum and/or to impart the desired airflow characteristics within the plenum208. The plurality of apertures238can be elliptical in shape. The disclosure, however, envisions other arrangements and/or shapes of the plurality of apertures without detracting from the objects of the disclosure. For example, the plurality of apertures238can be arranged in one row along the length of the plenum base216, or the plurality of apertures238can be circular or rectangular in shape. The disclosure also contemplates the plurality of apertures disposed the sidewalls234and/or10the plenum cover210.

The sidewalls234can be trapezoidal in shape. In other words, at an edge of the plenum base216proximate to the intake247, the sidewalls234are greater than the height of the same proximate to the distal wall246. The tapering of the plenum base216can maintain the appropriate pressure and airflow characteristics along its length as air exits the15plenum208through the plurality of apertures238.

A plurality of outlet pipes240can be connected to the bottom wall236of the plenum base216. Each of the plurality of outlet pipes240can be associated with each of the plurality of apertures238. The outlet pipes240can be cylindrical in shape, but the

disclosure envisions different shapes, including oval, ellipsoid, rectangular, square, and the like. The outlet pipes240can be secured to the bottom wall236by means commonly known in the art, including but not limited to, pinning, welding, fastening, clamping, and the like. The outlet pipes240can be oriented such that an acute angle exists between the major axis of the outlet pipes240and the bottom wall236of the plenum base216. The orientation of the outlet pipes240can impart the appropriate flow characteristics as air transitions from the plenum208to a particulate accelerator system300.

After passing through the plenum208and outlet pipes240, air generated by the blower202can enter a plurality of particulate accelerators300. As shown illustratively inFIGS. 5 and 6, each of the plurality of particulate accelerators300can connect to each of the plurality of outlet pipes240through securing means engaging holes242and308on the outlet pipes240and a particulate accelerator300, respectively.

Referring toFIG. 6, each of the plurality of particulate accelerators300can be comprised of two opposing halves302and304and secured by means commonly known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, the two opposing halves302and304are joined by a plurality of snap-fit mechanisms310and a plurality of opposing holes312through which bolts, screws, pins, and the like, can be engaged. A gasket (not shown) can be disposed between the two halves302and304to provide a seal. Though two halves can provide for ease of manufacturing, the present disclosure envisions a unitary construction of the particulate accelerator300. Further, the particulate accelerator300can be made of steel, but the disclosure contemplates other materials such as aluminum, polymers, composites, ceramics, and the like.

Extending outwardly from each opposing half302and304of the particulate accelerator300can be a cylindrical flange346. Each cylindrical flange346can include an inner surface314and an outer surface316, with which a ringed gasket306can be removably engaged. In particular, the ringed gasket306can have an inwardly extending gap319created to two generally coaxial surfaces318and320, as shown illustratively inFIGS. 7A and 7B. The two generally coaxial surfaces318and320are sized and shaped to create an interference fit with the outer surface316and the inner surface314of the cylindrical flange346, respectively. The ringed gasket306can also include an inner surface324and a sloped surface326adapted to receive a short auger tube410or a long auger tube412, discussed in detail below. The ringed gaskets306can provide a seal between the plurality of short and long auger tubes410and412and the particulate accelerators300, as shown illustratively inFIG. 9. The ringed gaskets306can maintain the seal while permitting relative movement of the short auger tubes410and/or long auger tubes412within the particulate accelerator300due to movement of the system as the particulate containers104and106are emptied, experience vibration, and the like. The present disclosure contemplates the short auger tubes410and the longer auger tubes412can be connected to the cylindrical flanges346through other means commonly known in the art, including but not limited to, pinning, clamping, fastening, adhesion, and the like.

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8Cillustrate a particulate accelerator300in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The particulate accelerators300can have an inlet330and an outlet332. The inlet330can connect to one of the plurality of outlet pipes240of the plenum208via holes308. Similarly, the outlet322can connect to a discharge tube via holes309, after which the particulate mixture can be metered to a field in any manner commonly known in the art. The connection can be through a screw, frictional fit, or any other means so as not to significantly impede the airflow through the outlet pipe240, the inlet330, the outlet332and/or the tubes. In an embodiment, releasable locking pins (245ofFIGS. 11 and 13) can engage the holes308and can provide for quick installation and/or removal of a particulate accelerator300on the plenum208and/or the discharge tubes on the particulate accelerator300, thereby increasing the modularity of the system. Further, to assist in positioning the particulate accelerator300on the outlet pipe240and/or the discharge tubes on the particulate accelerator300, raised portions334can be provided proximate to the inlet330and the outlet332.

The inlet330and the outlet332can be associated with an inlet tube336and outlet tube338, respectively. The inlet tube336and outlet tube338can extend outwardly from a generally cylindrical main body340. The main body340can be integrally formed or removably connected to the inlet tube336and/or the outlet tube338. One or more triangular members347can provide structural support for the inlet tube336and/or the outlet tube338.

The main body340can have curved back wall342comprising an arc from the inlet tube336to the outlet tube338. Adjacent to the curved back wall342can be opposing side walls348. The opposing side walls348can be parallel to one another and generally parallel to the direction of airflow through the particulate accelerator300. The cylindrical flanges346discussed above can extend outwardly and perpendicularly from each of the opposing side walls348. The cylindrical flange346can have a center opening344adapted to receive particulate from the particulate handling subsystems400and401.

The particulate handling subsystems400and401can each include a gearbox402, a cartridge404, and either a short auger tube410or a long auger tube412, as best shown illustratively inFIG. 9. Referring toFIGS. 9-11, the cartridge404can include an input slot406sized and shaped to receive particulate from particulate containers104and106. The cartridge404can be constructed of two halves for ease of manufacturing or can be a unitary construction. Extending outwardly from the cartridge404of the particulate handling subsystems400and401is a short auger tube410and long auger tube412, respectively. Within each cartridge404and auger tube410or412can be an auger408operatively connected to a gearbox402. An opposite end of the auger tubes410and412can be disposed within the gasket306of the particulate accelerator300, creating a passageway for particulate from the input slot406of the cartridge404to an interior of the particulate accelerator300.

In operation, particulate contained within each of the particulate containers104and106passes through a plurality of gates122and124disposed within bottom trays120, as best shown illustratively inFIG. 10. The disposed below the bottom trays120are the input slots406of cartridges404of particulate handing subsystems400and401. The particulate passes through the plurality of gates122and124into the cartridges404. Referring now toFIGS. 10 and 11, the gearboxes402receive an input force from a motor (not shown) via drive shaft414. The gearboxes402can transfer the input force to the plurality of augers408, each disposed within one cartridge404. The augers408can rotate and force the particulate through the short auger tubes410and/or long auger tubes412into the particulate accelerators300. Upon reaching the particulate accelerators300, the particulate from each of the particulate containers104and106can mix and descend vertically within the particulate accelerators300due to the force of gravity.

In concurrent operation with the particulate handling subsystems400and401, the blower202can generate a flow of air through the plenum208. After passing through the plenum208and the outlet tubes240, the flow of air can enter a particulate accelerator300through the inlet330and inlet tube336, as shown illustratively inFIG. 12. Due to the shape of the particulate accelerator300, particularly the angle350between the inlet tube336and the outlet tube338, the air can track in a flow pattern around the curved back wall342. In an embodiment, the angle350between the major axis351of the inlet tube336and the major axis353of the outlet tube338can be acute. In another embodiment, the angle350can be between thirty and sixty degrees. The disclosure also contemplates that angles350can be at a right angle or obtuse angle based on the desire flow characteristics through the particulate accelerator300.

While air is tracking in a flow pattern around the curved back wall342, the air can mix with the blend of particulate descending vertically in the particulate accelerator300, as discussed above, and can force at least a portion of the particulate mixture through the outlet332. Any portion of the air-particulate mixture not ejected through the outlet332can track in a flow along the curved front wall349of the main body340, after which the air-articulate mixture and air can rejoin subsequent airflow from the inlet330proximate to the inlet tube336.

An acute angle354can exist between the major axis353of the outlet tube338and a vertical axis355bisecting the center opening344of the particulate accelerator300. The acute angle354can result in a greater distance for the particulate to descend vertically prior to contacting a bottom portion of the curved back wall342. The greater distance can provide increased time for the air, which can be tracking in a flow pattern around the curved back wall342, to impart horizontal force on the particulate mixture. Due to the advantageous shape of the particulate accelerator300, the configuration can create a fluid bed to suspend the particulate as the particulate exits the outlet332and into a discharge tube (not shown). The fluid bed and particulate suspension can reduce the effects of wall friction between the particulate and the discharge tube. In particular, the fluid bed and particulate suspension can counteract the gravitational force on particulate traveling in the generally horizontal discharge tube and can minimize interaction between the particulate and the bottom and/or other portions of a tube. The configuration can minimize lag and increased backpressure due to wall friction and/or partial clogging. The fluid bed and particulate suspension can further eliminate complete clogging, resulting in improved particulate discharge and overall efficiency of the metering system100.

Referring toFIG. 13, the process described above can simultaneously occur in each particulate accelerator300disposed along the length of the plenum208. In an exemplary embodiment, the plenum208can include eighteen outlet tubes240to more efficiently meter eighteen row units in a field. The disclosure, however, contemplates that the plenum208can include any number of outlet tubes240. In another exemplary example, the plenum208can include thirty-six outlet tubes240. In yet another exemplary example, one or more of the particulate accelerators300can be removed from the plenum208by disengaging the locking pin245, after which the outlet tube can be capped. In such an instance and other variants contemplated by the present disclosure, the particulate metering implement can be scaled up or down to any number of particulate accelerators300based on the needs and the context of the application (e.g., desired number of operating rows).

Referring toFIGS. 14 and 15, a dual particulate accelerator system500is provided. The dual particulate accelerator system500can include a first particulate accelerator501and a second particulate accelerator502. The structure and function of each of the particular accelerators501and502can be identical to the structure and function of the particulate accelerator300described above.

The dual particulate accelerator system500can include an inlet504, an inlet-outlet interface506between the first particulate accelerator501and the second particulate accelerator502, and an outlet508. The dual particulate accelerator system500can include a baffle518disposed proximate the inlet504. The baffle518can restrict the flow of air through inlet tube507to impart the desired airflow characteristics in the first particulate accelerator501. The present disclosure contemplates that the baffle518can be placed at any point within the flow of air to impart the desired airflow characteristics. The baffle518can be self-regulating, adjustable and/or controlled by any means commonly known in the art, including but not limited to, mechanical, electrical, electronic, pneumatic, and hydraulic controls.

The first particulate accelerator501can include an inlet504, an inlet tube507, and an outlet tube511. A first particulate accelerator main body503can be integrally formed to the inlet tube507and/or the outlet tube511of the first particulate accelerator501. The first particulate accelerator main body503can be comprised of two halves are secured together through a plurality of clasps, snaps or other means commonly known in the art, or composed of a single structure. The first particulate accelerator501can be made of steel, but the disclosure contemplates other materials such as aluminum, polymers, composites, ceramics, and the like. The first main body503of the first particulate accelerator can be generally cylindrical in shape. The first main body503can have first curved back wall20510comprising an arc from the inlet tube507to the outlet tube511of the first particulate accelerator501. Extending outwardly from the first main body503can be cylindrical flanges513, upon which a gasket520can be disposed. The cylindrical flange513can have a center opening516.

The distal portions of the short auger tubes410and the long auger tubes412can25create an interference fit with the gaskets520. The auger tubes410and412can be connected to the cylindrical flanges520through other means commonly known in the art, including but not limited to, frictional fitting, pinning, clamping, fastenings, adhesion, and the like.

Likewise, the second particulate accelerator502can include an inlet tube509, an outlet tube517, and an outlet508, as also shown illustratively inFIGS. 14 and 15. The inlet tube509of the second particulate accelerator502can be connected to the outlet tube517of the first particulate accelerator501at inlet-outlet interface506. A baffle519can extend from the outlet tube511of the first particulate accelerator501, though inlet-outlet interface506, and into the second particulate accelerator502, as best shown illustratively inFIG. 15. The baffle519can restrict the flow of air through inlet tube509to impart the desired airflow characteristics in the second particulate accelerator502. The baffle519can be self-regulating, adjustable and/or controlled by any means commonly known in the art, including but not limited to, mechanical, electrical, electronic, pneumatic, and hydraulic controls. A baffle356can also be implemented on particulate accelerator300consistent with the above disclosure, as shown illustratively inFIGS. 9 and 10.

A second particulate accelerator main body505can be connected to the inlet tube509and/or the outlet tube517of the second particulate accelerator502. The second main body505can be comprised of two halves are secured together through a plurality if clasps or any other means commonly known in the art, or composed of a single structure. The second particulate accelerator502can be made of steel, but the disclosure contemplates other materials such as aluminum, polymers, composites, ceramics, and the like.

A second main body505of the second particulate accelerator502can be generally cylindrical in shape. The second main body505can have second curved back wall512comprising an arc from the inlet tube509to the outlet tube517of the second particulate accelerator502. Extending outwardly from the second main body505can be cylindrical flanges515, upon which a gasket520can be disposed. The cylindrical flange515can have a center opening514.

The distal portions of the short auger tubes410and the long auger tubes412can create an interference fit with the gaskets520. The auger tubes410and412can be connected to the cylindrical flanges520through other means commonly known in the art, including but not limited to, frictional fitting, pinning, clamping, fastenings, adhesion, and the like.

In operation, particulate from a short auger tube410and a long auger tube412can be forced by an auger408into the first particulate accelerator501through the center opening516. Upon reaching the particulate accelerator501, the particulate mixture, consisting of a controlled ratio of a plurality of particulates, can descend vertically within the first main body503due to the force of gravity. The same process can occur in the second particulate accelerator502.

Still referring toFIGS. 14 and 15, air can enter the first particulate accelerator501through the inlet504and the inlet tube507. Due to the shape of the first particulate accelerator501, air can track in a flow pattern around the curved back wall510towards the outlet tube511. In the process, air can mix with the particulate mixture descending vertically in the first particulate accelerator501and can force at least a portion of the air-particulate mixture through outlet tube511.

The air-particulate mixture exiting the first particulate accelerator501can enter the inlet tube509of the second particulate accelerator502. The air-particulate mixture can track in a flow pattern around the curved back wall512towards the outlet tube517and outlet508. In the process, the air-particulate mixture can further mix with a second particulate mixture descending vertically in the second particulate accelerator502and can force at least portion of the air-particulate mixture through outlet tube517.

The air-particulate mixture exiting outlet508can include a blend of particulates mixed in the first particulate accelerator501and a blend of particulates mixed in the second particulate accelerator502. In an exemplary embodiment, the process can permit fine control of four types of particulate without sacrificing loss of airflow efficiency. After the particulate mixture and air enters a discharge tube (not shown) connected to the outlet tube517, the particulate mixture can be metered to a field in any manner commonly known in the art. The process described above can simultaneously occur in each dual particulate accelerator systems500disposed along the length of the plenum208.

The disclosure is not to be limited to the particular embodiments described herein. In particular, the disclosure contemplates numerous variations in the type of ways in which embodiments of the disclosure can be applied to providing and/or handling air flow within a particulate metering system with variable blend control and variable application rate control. 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 that are considered included in the disclosure. The description is merely examples of embodiments, 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. For the foregoing, it can be seen that the disclosure accomplishes at least all of the intended objectives.

The previous detailed description is of a small number of embodiments for implementing the disclosure and is not intended to be limiting in scope. The following claims set forth a number of the embodiments of the disclosure disclosed with greater particularity.