Seed Flow Chamber for Seed Conditioning, Processing, and Drying in a Treatment System

Abstract

A seed flow chamber for handling seed and grain commodity, especially for use with a seed treatment applicator. Seed flow is received through an upper inlet opening configured to receive a flow of seed and discharged through a lower discharge opening. A diverging guide member splits the seed flow. A converging guide member disposed below the diverging guide member reunites the seed flow prior to discharge. The converging member has a downward sloping surface and an air vent, such as a plurality of airflow apertures connected to a plenum. The air vent is configured to communicate with an air supply. A vacuum ventdisposed below the diverging guide memberis configured to communicate with a vacuum source. A fan system recirculates air between the air vent and the vacuum vent. Dehumidifier may condition the air supply to assist with drying.

Claims

1. A seed flow chamber for separating seed from debris in a seed inlet stream the seed flow chamber comprising: a. an upper inlet opening; b. a lower discharge opening; c. a seed flow divider disposed within the seed flow chamber directly below the upper inlet opening, wherein a seed inlet stream may fall without obstruction under the force of gravity from the upper inlet opening unto the seed flow divider; d. a first seed deflector disposed below the seed flow divider; and e. a first vacuum vent disposed below and partially surrounded by the seed flow divider.

2. The seed flow chamber of claim 1, further comprising: a. a filter disposed between the first vacuum vent and a vacuum source.

3. The seed flow chamber of claim 2, wherein the seed flow divider is operable to divide the seed inlet stream into a first divided seed flow stream and a second divided seed flow stream.

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21. The seed flow chamber of claim 1, wherein the seed flow divider is operable to divide a first seed inlet stream into a first divided seed flow stream and a second divided seed flow stream.

22. The seed flow chamber of claim 21, further comprising: a. A second seed deflector disposed within the seed flow chamber opposite the first seed deflector; and b. wherein the first seed deflector and second seed deflector are operable to recombine the first divided seed flow stream and the second divided seed flow stream into a single recombined seed flow stream while the seed falls through the seed flow chamber under the force of gravity.

23. The seed flow chamber of claim 1, further comprising: a. an airflow path defined between a plurality of perforations of the first seed deflector and the first vacuum vent; b. a seed flow path defined by the upper inlet opening, the seed flow divider, the first seed deflector, and the lower discharge opening; and c. wherein the airflow path crosses the seed flow path at a generally perpendicular angle.

24. A method for preventing debris, such as chemical and dust, from entering an atmosphere from a treated seed, the method comprising: a. treating a seed flow with an agrochemical to create a treated seed flow; b. introducing the treated seed flow into the seed flow chamber of claim 1; and c. removing debris through a first vacuum vent.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising the step of: a. retaining debris in a filter disposed between the first vacuum vent and a vacuum source.

26. A seed flow chamber for separating seed from debris the seed flow chamber comprising: a. a first sidewall; b. a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall; c. a seed flow divider disposed within the seed flow chamber extending from the first sidewall to the second sidewall, the seed flow divider operable to divide a first seed flow into two separate seed flows; d. a first seed deflector disposed below the seed flow divider and extending from the first sidewall and the second sidewall; e. a second seed deflector disposed below the seed flow divider and extending from the first sidewall and the second sidewall; f. wherein the first seed deflector and second seed deflector together are operable to reunite the two separate seed flows into a reunited seed flow prior to discharge through a lower discharge opening; and g. a first vacuum vent disposed in the first sidewall.

27. The seed flow chamber of claim 26, further comprising: a. a second first vacuum vent disposed in the second sidewall.

28. The seed flow chamber of claim 26 wherein the seed flow divider is operable to direct the two separate seed flows over a peripheral portion of the seed flow divider.

29. The seed flow chamber of claim 26, further comprising: a. a lower discharge opening extending from the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

30. The seed flow chamber of claim 29, wherein the first vacuum vent is disposed directly above the lower discharge opening and partially surrounded by the seed flow divider.

31. A method for preventing debris, such as chemical and dust, from entering an atmosphere from a treated seed, the method comprising: a. treating a seed flow with an agrochemical to create a treated seed flow; b. introducing the treated seed flow into the seed flow chamber of claim 26; and c. removing debris through the first vacuum vent.

32. The method of claim 31, further comprising the step of: a. retaining the debris in a filter disposed between the first vacuum vent and a vacuum source.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] Aspects are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0035] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of the seed flow chamber connected to the fan system with ductwork, and an enlarged cross section view of the flow chamber with seed flowing downward and dust and debris being removed.

[0036] FIG. 2 depicts a topside perspective view of a seed flow chamber with the third sidewall shown as transparent.

[0037] FIG. 3 shows a topside perspective view of a seed flow chamber with the third sidewall shown as transparent.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a seed conditioning process.

[0039] FIG. 5 depicts a topside perspective view of a vertically stacked, modular seed flow chamber configured as a seed processing system.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a seed processing system method.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a seed drying system method.

[0042] FIG. 8 is an air pressure flow chart.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] As noted above, numerous problems with existing solutions for treating, mixing, drying, and conditioning within the seed treatment process can be solved by the use of a seed flow chamber.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 1, the seed flow chamber 10 divides a single seed flow stream 160 into multiple distinct seed flow streams 165, which are then recombined into a single mixed seed flow stream 167. The single seed flow stream 160 enters the seed flow chamber 10 through the seed inlet 15. The seed can be delivered to the seed flow chamber 10 by a conveyor, such as a belt conveyor, auger, or elevator. Alternatively, the seed can flow by force of gravity directly out of a box or hopper positioned above the seed flow chamber 10.

[0045] In order to divide the single seed flow stream 160 into a divided seed flow stream 165, a seed divider 100 is mounted within the seed flow chamber 10. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the seed divider 100 has a generally V-shaped cross section. Alternative cross sections for the seed divider 100 could be U-shaped or otherwise arcuate.

[0046] Each side of the seed divider 100 has a downwardly sloping wall, to direct a portion of seed to a first side of the seed flow chamber and a second portion of seed to a second side of the seed flow chamber. As shown in FIG. 1, the seed divider 100 has a first downwardly sloping wall 112 and a second downwardly sloping wall 114.

[0047] Once divided, the divided seed flow stream 165 falls under the force of gravity until contacting a seed deflector 150, 155. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the divided stream may contact either the first seed deflector 150 or the second seed deflector 155. The first and second seed deflectors 150, 155 redirect the divided seed flow stream 165 into a single mixed seed flow stream 167. The first seed deflector 150 is illustrated in FIG. 2 as being straight, and inwardly and downwardly angled. The second seed deflector 155 is illustrated in FIG. 2 as being stepped. In the stepped embodiment, the second seed deflector 155 has sloped portions 157 that are sloping downwardly and inwardly with vertical portions 158 between the sloped portions. The single mixed seed flow stream 167 discharges under the flow of gravity through the seed discharge 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the seed deflectors 150, 155 may have an angle of 45 degrees relative to horizontal. After exiting the seed flow chamber 10 through the discharge opening 20, the seed flow may be further director by a chute 36.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 1, the seed flow chamber 10 can be connected to a fan system 250 to provide air flow through the seed flow chamber in order to clean or dry the seed. In order to introduce the pressurized air into the seed flow chamber 10, the seed deflector 150, 155 can be perforated as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The perforated seed deflectors 150, 155 have a plurality of airflow apertures 159 through the seed deflectors. These airflow apertures are configured in a size, shape, and distribution to allow sufficient flow of air through the seed flow chamber 10. In one embodiment, the airflow apertures 159 are smaller than the diameter of the seed. The size of the airflow apertures 159 can be adjusted based on the seed type or seed size, to achieve sufficient airflow without allowing seed to pass through the airflow aperture. As shown in FIG. 3, the airflow apertures 159 can be extended apertures that stretch across the surface of the seed deflector 150. Alternatively, the airflow apertures 159 can be disposed in the vertical portion 158 of seed deflector 155.

[0049] The positive pressure side of the fan system 250 is connected to the seed flow chamber 10 to provide pressurized air through a pressurized air ductwork 225 through a pressurized air port 220 into the seed flow chamber, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The flow of the pressurized air is shown by arrows 222A and 222B. The pressurized air port can be configured to deliver the air through a plenum 151 in the seed deflector 150, 155 as shown in FIG. 1. The plenum 151 is in communication with the air supply through the pressurized air port 220. The pressurized air exits the plenum 151 through the air vent, such as the airflow apertures 159.

[0050] The negative pressure side of the fan system 250 is connected to the seed flow chamber 10 to provide vacuum pressure through a vacuum ductwork 215 through a vacuum air port 210 in the seed flow chamber, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The vacuum air port 210 can be connected to a separate vacuum vent (not shown) or the vent can be the same as the vacuum air port. The flow of the vacuum pressure is shown by arrow 212A. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the seed flow chamber 10 has two pressurized air ports 220 (the second pressurized air port is not shown in the Figure). The two pressurized air ports 220 are disposed on opposing walls of the seed flow chamber 10. The seed flow chamber 10 embodiment of FIG. 2 also has two vacuum ports 210 (the second vacuum port is not shown in the Figure). The two vacuum ports 210 are disposed on opposing walls of the seed flow chamber 10. Additionally, the vacuum port 210 or vacuum vents can include a screen or filter to regulate the particle size that can exit the seed flow chamber 10 through the vacuum port 210 or vacuum vent.

[0051] FIG. 2 shows the seed flow chamber is illustrated as a box having four sidewalls: a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a third sidewall, and a fourth sidewall. A first inlet port and a second inlet port in opposing sidewalls. The processing chamber. The first sidewall has a first pressurized air inlet port. The first pressurized air inlet port, located at the first side of the aspirator chamber. Additional embodiments of the seed flow chamber 10 include curved or polygonal cross section.

[0052] Referring to the seed flow chamber 10 as illustrated in FIG. 2, the seed flow chamber 10 has a first sidewall 40 having a pressurized air port 220. The second pressurized air port 220 is located at a second side of the aspirator chamber. Specifically in FIG. 2, the second pressurized air port 220 is located in the second sidewall 42. A first vacuum port 210 is disposed in a third sidewall 44, for removal of a portion of the dust and debris 170. A second vacuum port 210 is disposed in a fourth sidewall (shown as transparent in FIG. 2), for removal of a portion of the dust and debris 170. The seed flow chamber 10 has an upper wall (not shown) that has a seed inlet opening 15. The lower wall 48 has a central aperture defining a seed discharge 20. The seed divider 100 is an inverted v-shaped flow divider extending from the third sidewall to the fourth side wall. The first seed deflector 150 is perforated and positioned lower than the flow divider. The first seed deflector 150 is mounted to the second sidewall 42 of the seed flow chamber at an angle that is downwardly slanted toward the center of the seed flow chamber. As illustrated, the angle of the first seed deflector 150 is 45 degrees relative to horizontal. The first seed deflector 150 extends between the third sidewall 44 and the forth sidewall 46. Being downwardly slanted, the first seed deflector 150 has an upper portion near the second sidewall 42 and a lower portion near the seed discharge 20 of the lower wall. A second seed deflector 155 is positioned below the seed divider 100. The second seed deflector 155 is mounted to the first sidewall 40 of the seed flow chamber at an angle that is downwardly slanted toward the center of the seed flow chamber. The second seed deflector extends between the third sidewall 44 and the forth sidewall 46. Being downwardly slanted, the second seed deflector 155 has an upper portion near the first sidewall 40 and a lower portion near the seed discharge 20 of the lower wall.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the airflow through the seed deflectors 150, 155 varies depending on the configuration of the seed deflector. The first seed deflector 150 is shown as straight and inwardly and downwardly angled. The airflow apertures 159 are shown as elongated apertures that extend longitudinally across the angled face of the first seed deflector 150. The pressurized air enters the seed flow path through the seed flow stream, rather than with the seed flow (such as an air conveyor) or against the seed flow (thereby disrupting the seed flow). The airflow path 222 passes through the seed flow stream at an angle approximately perpendicular to the seed flow path. As such, the dust and debris 170 is blown out of the seed flow stream and toward the vacuum port 210. The vacuum port 210 is located below the seed divider 100, which prevents seed from being vacuumed out of the seed flow chamber 10.

[0054] FIG. 4 shows steps of a seed conditioning process that can be used with the seed flow chamber 10 disclosed above. For context, the seed conditioning process takes place upstream of the seed treatment applicator. First, a stream of seed is provided into the seed flow chamber 10, as shown in Step 410. This seed flow stream could be provided by a hopper or bin disposed above the seed flow chamber 10. Alternatively, the seed flow stream could be provided by a seed conveyor or auger. Next, the stream of seed is divided with a seed divider 100, as shown in Step 420. Pressurized air is introduced through each seed flow stream, as the seed flow stream descends through the seed flow chamber 10, as shown in Step 430. The pressurized air removes dust and debris 170 from the seeds, as shown in Step 440. The dust and debris 170 are blown away from the seed flow stream toward the vacuum port 210, where the dust and debris 170 are removed from the seed flow chamber 10.

[0055] The fan system 250 can introduce recycled air through the seed flow path through the seed deflector 150, 155. A potential advantage of the recycled air is the presence of a positive pressurized air source and a negative pressurized air source. The positive pressurized air blows the dust off of the seed. The negative pressurized air sourcethe vacuumremoves the dust and debris 170 from the seed flow chamber 10. By positioning the vacuum port 210 under the seed divider, as shown in FIG. 2, the seed flow stream flows around the vacuum port 210 and is not removed from the seed flow chamber 10 through the vacuum port. The recycled air is filtered and reintroduced into the seed treatment chamber as pressurized air. The dust and debris 170 is collected in a debris container 290. The air travels through a fan 255. Dampers or louvers 253 may be provided to regulate the volume of pressurized air. In one embodiment, the fan may have a air capacity of 200-1200 cubic feet of air per minute. Appropriate ductwork connects the filtering system 255 to the vacuum port 210 and the pressurized air port 220. In one embodiment, a pressurized air release or removal port 230 is provided to release approximately 10% of the filtered, pressurized air into the atmosphere, this is shown schematically in FIG. 8. Bleeding off a portion of the pressurized air creates a net vacuum pressure in the seed flow chamber 10. In this embodiment, 90% of the recycled, filtered, and pressurized air is introduced into the seed flow chamber 10. 10% off the pressurized, filtered air is released into the atmosphere. The fan system 250 includes appropriate pressure regulating mechanismsuch as louvers or regulating valves (not shown)for delivering an appropriate air pressure. The air pressure should be sufficient to discharge dust and debris 170 from the seed, without disrupting the seed flow through the seed flow chamber 10. The appropriate air pressure may depend on the size, shape, weight, and flow rate of the seed.

[0056] In another embodiment, the fan system 250 comprises a pressurized air generating component and a vacuum-generating component, where the components are distinct units. The pressurized air-generating component can be electric, pneumatic, mechanical, or other compressed air generators. The vacuum-generating component could be electric, pneumatic, mechanical, or other vacuum pump. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the fan system 250 comprises a singular fan unit 255 capable of generating the air supply and the vacuum source.

[0057] In another embodiment, the seed deflectors 150, 155 are arcuate, stepped, or disposed at various angles to promote efficient transfer of seed through the seed flow chamber 10 without seed damage or promoting residual seed remaining in the seed flow chamber 10. In another embodiment, the seed divider 100 is arcuate, U-shaped, or otherwise configured to divide the seed flow stream into multiple distinct flow streams. In another embodiment, the vacuum port 210 is disposed near the top of the seed flow chamber 10. In this configuration, the vacuum port 210 remains away from the seed flow path to prevent whole seeds from being removed through the vacuum port 210. In another embodiment, the seed flow chamber 10 is cylindrical or has a circular, hexagonal, octagonal, or similar cross section. In such embodiments, the vacuum port 210 is disposed away from the seed flow path and the pressurized air port 220 is disposed to introduce the pressurized air through the seed flow path.

[0058] The following are potential advantages of the seed conditioning system: [0059] a. Removes dust and seed particulates, which prevents dust and debris plugging up of treating equipment or planting equipment; [0060] b. Seed treatment is not applied to loose particulates, thereby preventing treated dust particles from entering the environment; and [0061] c. Limits wasted seed treatment fluids.

[0062] The seed flow chamber 10 can also be used as a seed processing system 235 for the mixing, polishing, and drying of freshly treated seed. In this operation, the seed flow chamber 10 is positioned downstream of the seed treatment applicator. FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a seed processing system 235 containing three modular seed flow chambers 10A, B, C. The seed processing system is downstream of the seed sourcesuch as a hopper 240. The seed processing system is also downstream of the seed metering devicesuch as a seed wheel 242. The seed processing system is also downstream of the seed treatment applicator 244. A frame 246 supports the vertically stacked hopper 240, seed wheel 242, seed treatment applicator 244, and seed processing system 235.

[0063] FIG. 6 shows steps of a seed conditioning process that can be used with the seed flow chamber 10 disclosed above. First, a seed flow of wet, freshly treated seed is provided to the seed flow chamber 10, as shown in step 610. The single stream of seed 160 is divided into at least two distinct seed flow streams 165, as shown in step 620. Then the single flow of seed is recombined into a reunified seed flow stream 167, as shown in step 630. The process of dividing and reunifying is effective to rub the seeds together, to provide an even mixing and complete coating of the seed treatment fluid about the individual seeds.

[0064] As shown by arrow 635, the process of dividing and recombining the seed flow streams can be repeated a desired number of times. The embodiment of FIG. 5 shows three modular, vertically stacked seed flow chambers. Each modular flow chamber provides mixing through the dividing and recombining steps. The seed flow out of the seed discharge 20 of the first seed flow chamber 10A flows to the seed inlet 15 of the second seed flow chamber 10B.

[0065] The seed processing system decreases the energy requirements of a seed treatment system. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the seed flows by gravity, undergoing the volumetric measuring in the seed wheel 242, treatment application in the seed treatment applicator 244, and then three drying and mixing cycles through the seed process system 235. The seed flows through all of these modules under the force of gravity.

[0066] The seed processing system 235 could be used to replace or supplement a mixing, drying drum. For example, the seed processing system 235 could be used with a drum that is physically shorter than standard mixing drying drums or with a drum that is configured to retain the seed for a shorter mixing and drying time. If used with a drum, the seed processing system could be used upstream or downstream of the mixing drum.

[0067] In another embodiment of the seed processing system 235, the hopper 240 is a weigh hopper and a variable rate knife gate is disposed below the hopper. In one embodiment of the seed processing system 235, one or more of the modules has a pressurized air port 220 for introducing conditioned air. In another embodiment, the seed processing system 235 has a vacuum port 210 and a pressurized air port 220 for managing the introduction of conditioned to make the drying cycle more efficient.

[0068] Potential advantages of the seed processing system include: [0069] a. More energy efficiency compared with the use of a mixing drying drum; [0070] b. The seed processing system takes up less square feet of floor space compared with a traditional mixing drying drum; [0071] c. The total power requirement for the seed treatment system may be lower; [0072] d. The seed processing system allows better air control, specifically allowing for the introduction and air flow management for using conditioned air.

[0073] The seed flow chamber 10 can also be used as a seed drying system. The seed drying system is located downstream of the seed processing system. A seed drying system process is shown in FIG. 7. First, a stream of seed is provided to a flow chamber, as shown in Step 710. Then the stream of seed is divided, as shown in Step 720. Pressurized, conditioned air is introduced through the divided stream of seed, as shown in Step 740. The pressurized, conditioned air can pass through a vented seed deflector 150, 155 in order to pass through the flow of seed. In one embodiment, the air flow path between the vented seed deflector 150, 155 and a vacuum source is approximately perpendicular to the seed flow path over the downward sloping seed deflector 150, 155. The pressurized, conditioned air can be provided to the seed flow chamber 10 through communication with the fan system 250. A dehumidifier 257 can be in communication with the air supply to provide conditioned air to the seed flow chamber 10, this is shown schematically in FIG. 8. If desired, the step of dividing the stream of seed, introducing pressurized, conditioned air through the divided stream of seed, and recombining the seed into a single stream of seed can be repeated, as shown in Step 745. Vertically stacking the modular seed flow chamber 10 would facilitate this step of repeating the drying process.

[0074] In one embodiment, the seed drying system comprises a plurality of seed flow chambers 10. In this embodiment, the seed flow chambers are vertically arranged such that seed flows under the force of gravity from the seed outlet opening 20 of a first seed flow chamber 10 into the seed inlet opening 15 of a second seed flow chamber 10. In this modular arrangement, any number of seed flow chambers 10 could be arranged. If desired, a conveyor could transport seed between a first vertical stack of seed flow chambers to a second vertical stack of seed flow chambers. The number of seed flow chambers through which the seed must pass is related to the seed retention time and will affect the amount of drying.

[0075] In one embodiment, the seed flow chamber 10 is an air flow chamber. The air flow chamber is a seed flow chamber 10 having an air port 220 and a vacuum port 210, as discussed above. The air may be directed through the converging surface, such as through the airflow apertures 159 of the seed deflectors 150, 155. The fan system 250 can be configured to recycle and filter the air to prevent chemical and dust from entering the atmosphere.

[0076] Advantages of the seed drying system may include: [0077] a. More flowable seed, which less sticky before entering containers; [0078] b. More complete drying, [0079] c. Quieter operation than vibrator on a box; [0080] d. Operation of the seed drying system may be complete in 35-40 seconds compared with up to 10 minutes with a staging hopper system.

[0081] Conditioned air can be produced by a dehumidifier, for example a compressor based dehumidifier having an evaporator coil. The dehumidifier can be integrated directly into the fan system 250 or be disposed within the air transportation ductwork.

[0082] It is understood that other embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein various embodiments are shown and described by way of illustration only. As will be realized, the concepts are capable of other and different embodiments and their several details are capable of modification in various other respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of what is claimed as the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.