Abstract
1. The flow of fertilizer in the side-delivery hopper can be divided into five flowing layers-from i to v. The flowing layer i on the bottom is the leading one and generates other layers ii -v. These layers differ each other with respect to the flowing velocity and quantity, but there are close mutual relations among them.
2. As the flow makes a detour from iv to i, mixed fertilizers are inclined to be seperated one by one in the course of flowing. The discontinuity of flow is so remarkably lowered as compared with in case of the downward-delivery hopper, that there remains no layer which does not move, and the flow presents a single type regardless of sorts of fertilizers. But there are some respective differences of fluidity among various fertilizers, which are due to the differences of their shearing characteristics.
3. The results of this experiment suggest some practical methods to improve fertilizer distributors. Because of the intensity of shearing effects, the side delivery mechanism is proved to be effective than the downward-delivery one for preventing stagnation of the flow. The shapes and structures of agitators should be amended so as to stimulate the flow of layers iii-v. For the control of discharge, it is preferable to adjust the opening of the gate than the revolving speed of the delivery mechanism.
