Mathematical Modelling of Airflow in an Aerated Soya Bean Store under Non-uniform Conditions

A mathematical model and software were developed for simulation of airflow in an aerated soya bean storage of high capacity, considering non-uniformity of the seed mass. The resultant non-linear partial differential equation for pressure was solved using successive iterations with a finite element technique. The software uses an iterative process to search for the system design point, located in the performance curve of the aerator fan. To obtain the empirical relationship between the permeability coefficient and the depth factor, experimental equipment was built to reproduce existing conditions in a silo. Numerical simulations of the operation of aerated soya bean storage of different layouts were made.