Application of the discrete element method in modeling seed in a drum-type protectant

In the agro-industrial complex of Russia, various types of equipment for seed treatment are used, including drum-type, which are distinguished by simple design and less trauma to seeds during processing. However, existing models of drum seed protectants have a significant drawback – they do not mix the processed material intensively enough. This leads to the need to increase the flow rate of the work-ing fluid and reduce the concentration of the active substance to ensure uniform seed coating that meets agrotechnical standards. The study used complex analysis methods, including the development of mathe-matical models and computer modeling based on the discrete element method (DEM). The object of study was the process of seed treatment with preparations in a drum seed protectant. Numerical experiments in standard and experimental treatment chambers showed the effectiveness of the new technical solution. According to the modeling results, the seed speed ranged from 0.05 m / s to 3.6 m / s. There is a positive trend towards a decrease in the absolute speed of seed movement from 1.3 m / s to 1.1 m / s with stabi-lized seed movement in the drum. The presence time of seeds in the treatment chamber increased from 1.9 to 4.6 and amounted to an increase of 2.7 seconds. Uniform distribution of seeds throughout the vo-lume of the drum with intensive mixing is visually observed at the optimal operating mode of the seed pro-tectant, which is a combination of cascade and waterfall movement of seeds close to the critical movement of seeds, ensuring maximum seed lift. This indicates the feasibility of using this design solution when de-veloping a drum-type seed protectant.