Slurry Spreader Flow Control for Consistent Nutrient Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural vehicles for slurry spreading face inaccuracies in distributing slurry ingredients due to variations in thermodynamic state, spreader type, and vehicle speed, leading to inconsistent application on the soil.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing pressure sensors, a control unit, and a proportional valve to adjust the slurry flow based on real-time measurements of pressure difference, vehicle speed, and slurry composition, ensuring precise alignment with target spreading factors through closed-loop control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the valve opening is adjusted based on acquired ingredient content, then the ingredient distribution should match target amount, but the adjustment becomes inaccurate due to influence from thermodynamic state, spreader type, and vehicle speed
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback control mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors the actual ingredient content distributed by the slurry spreader device and compares it with the target ingredient content. Based on this comparison, the control unit automatically adjusts the valve opening to minimize the difference between actual and target distribution, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system compensates for variations in thermodynamic state, spreader type, and vehicle speed by dynamically adjusting the valve opening parameter. The control unit calculates the required valve opening based on real-time measurements of ingredient content, vehicle speed, and operating conditions, transforming the valve from a static component to a dynamically controlled element that adapts to changing parameters
2Productivity
If the slurry flow rate is increased to meet target spreading factor, then the application rate improves, but the inconsistency in ingredient deposition increases due to varying vehicle speed and thermodynamic state
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static to dynamic control by continuously adjusting the valve opening based on real-time measurements of vehicle speed, slurry thermodynamic state, and ingredient content. The control unit processes these dynamic parameters and modifies the valve position accordingly, enabling the system to maintain consistent ingredient distribution despite variations in operating conditions and vehicle speed
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit uses feedback from sensors monitoring ingredient content, vehicle speed, and thermodynamic state to continuously adjust the valve opening. This closed-loop control ensures that the slurry flow rate is dynamically optimized to maintain the target spreading factor, compensating for variations in vehicle speed and thermodynamic state to achieve consistent application
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method achieves precise and consistent slurry distribution by adjusting the slurry flow rate to match target values, accounting for variations in density, temperature, and tilt, thereby optimizing the application of nutrients on the soil.
Implementation Method 1
two pressure sensors (9, 10) suitable for measuring a pressure difference between two points (9a, 10a) of the conduit (6) respectively upstream and downstream of the valve (8)
Implementation Method 2
the pipe comprises a pump for pushing the slurry from the tank to the slurry spreader device
Data Source
AI summary
A method for optimising the amount of slurry that is spread on a soil to be fertilised by means of a vehicle comprising a slurry spreader device fed by a tank through at least one conduit, wherein the concentration of at least one slurry ingredient in the conduit is acquired, a pressure difference between two points in the feed conduit upstream and downstream of a valve and the speed of the vehicle are measured, an effective volumetric flow rate of the slurry is calculated as a function of the measured pressure difference and a target volumetric flow rate of the slurry is calculated as a function of a target spreading factor and concentration of the ingredient, the measured speed and a spreading width of the slurry spreader device, and the valve is adjusted as a function of the difference between the effective volumetric flow rate and the target volumetric flow rate.