Hemp seeds: analysis of cropping methods

Abstract

In the study, based on the analysis of existing methods for separating outer shells from the cores of seeds of various agricultural crops, promising technical and technological solutions have been identified. The application of these solutions will enable the efficient threshing of industrial hemp seeds.

It has been noted that the efficiency of shelling is achieved by considering the physical and technological properties of the seeds of the crop. Such properties include geometric dimensions, the structure of the shell and core, their strength, absolute and volumetric mass, frictional properties, moisture, oil content, etc. Ignoring any of these parameters significantly affects the final result of the shelling process.

It has been found that technical and technological solutions, which would provide shelling of seeds of different crops with the necessary level of universality and efficiency, are currently difficult to find. Instead, compromise solutions regarding the settings of existing mechanisms, taking into account the quality of the final product, do not provide the necessary level of processing efficiency. The obtained result is characterized by either low quality of the final product or significant losses of raw materials.

It has been established that each specific type of agricultural crop requires the use of a shelling method that takes into account the physical and technological properties of the seeds being processed. When developing equipment for hemp seeds shelling, it is advisable to consider the design features, advantages, and disadvantages of existing technical solutions for seed shelling machine.

The most promising method for shelling of industrial hemp seeds is the single impact method, which is implemented in centrifugal mechanisms. Targeted impact of the seed against a hard surface will enable the preservation of soft hemp cores.

Key words: hemp seeds, shelling, methods of seed shelling, centrifugal mechanisms.