| ABSTRACTThis study was carried out to determine the critical operational parameters for pneumatic handling of MR219 paddy seeds, with emphasis to seeding of system of rice intensification (SRI) seedling tray. The relevant physical and aerodynamic properties of MR219 seeds were studied. Twenty nozzle designs were developed based on the physical properties. A suitable operational vacuum pressure for single paddy seed picking was determined from established models based on one thousand kernel mass M1000, true density, sphericity and projected area of MR219 paddy seed. The performances of the twenty nozzle designs were evaluated experimentally using an automated platform consisting of screw mechanism, vacuum manifold, solenoid valve, vacuum pump and Atmel... |
