DETERMINATION OF THE DEPENDENCE OF FEED MIXTURE HOMOGENEITY ON THE OPERATING PARAMETERS OF A VIBRATORY MIXER

The paper investigates the influence of the operating parameters of a vibratory mixer on the formation of feed mixture homogeneity and establishes quantitative patterns in the variation of the homogeneity coefficient depending on the kinematic and vibration characteristics of the process. The relevance of this study stems from the need to ensure high-quality feed mixtures with minimal time and energy expenditure, as the uniformity of the components directly affects feeding efficiency and the economic performance of livestock farming. The aim of the research is to establish a statistically justified multifactor dependence of the homogeneity coefficient on the operating parameters of a vibratory mixer and to determine rational operating modes. Experimental studies were carried out using a full factorial experimental design with variation of the paddle shaft rotational speed, container rotational speed, vibration mode coefficient, and mixing time. Based on the processing of experimental data, a second-order regression model describing the variation of the mixture homogeneity coefficient was developed. The statistical significance of the model parameters was evaluated using Student’s t-test, and its adequacy was verified using Fisher’s F-test at a confidence level of 0.95. According to the modeling results, rational operating modes of the mixer were determined, under which the homogeneity coefficient reaches δ = 0.932 at a paddle shaft rotational speed of 40.9 min-1 and a container rotational speed of 23.9 min-1. The minimum value of δ = 0.851 was observed at low values of the operating parameters. An effective operating region was established in which a technologically sufficient level of homogeneity (δ ≥ 0.9) is ensured. An analytical dependence of the mixing time t0.9 required to achieve a specified level of homogeneity was obtained, which makes it possible to predict process parameters and perform optimization. The correlation coefficient between experimental and calculated data is 0.87, confirming the adequacy of the developed mathematical model.