PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF GRAIN MASS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE IN WORKING WITH GRAIN

Abstract

The article shows key physical properties of the grain mass: looseness, self-sorting and thermal-moisture conduction. Classical information was supplemented by practical and scientific observations of the author. The pile of millet and flax has such looseness that, if a person steps on its surface, he/she can plunge into it and be killed. The risk of death is connected with super-cooling and possible penetration of grains into respiratory ways. The situation can deteriorate, in case extra efforts and movements are made to get free, which could cause a quick sinking in grain. It is strictly forbidden to stay on the surface of grain pile during unloading by drift. The grain mass during transportation gets exfoliated in two triangle layers, which are different in quality. Self-sorting in a newly-formed grain pile during loading-unloading also has its peculiarities. The peripheral part of the pile, as a rule consists of light admixture and thin grain, while the central part – of high-quality grain. The author shows possible negative effects of thermalmoisture conduction. Knowledge of these characteristics can help work successfully with grain and avoid damage of grain due to its growing mouldy and self-heating.

Keywords

• grain-elevator
• self-sorting
• looseness
• thermal-moisture conduction
• the angle of natural slope
• grain
• pile
• grain mass