Journal of Biosystems Engineering ISSN:1738-1266(Print) 2234-1862(Online) 바이오시스템공학

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine appropriate threshing and selection conditions for sorghum harvesting using a rice combine-harvester. Methods: Sorghum harvesting performance was tested using an actual rice combine. Through this test, the grain loss rate and the composition of crops according to the engine and fan speeds of the combine were investigated. Furthermore, the optimal threshing and selection conditions were determined by carrying out a harvest test based on the opening size factor of the concave in a test field. Results: The grain loss rate for the sorghum using a concave (18×18 mm) of the rice combine was the lowest at 0.1% at a chaffer angle of 40°, engine speed of 2000 rpm, and fan speed of 20 m/s, but the sorting sieve clogged frequently. Furthermore, as the engine speed and fan speed increased, the grain loss rate also increased. The sorghum harvesting test results of the combine according to the concave opening size showed that the grain loss rate was 0.5% at a driving speed of 0.5 m/s, with a concave opening diameter of 13 mm, a chaffer angle of 40°, a concave sieve oscillation frequency of 4.8 Hz, a fan speed of 20 m/s, and an engine speed of 2000 rpm. Conclusions: Findings showed that sorghum could be harvested using a head feeding rice combine.