Grain Leg Capacity Calculator
Here's a table that outlines the essential elements for calculating grain leg capacity, covering the primary factors involved and a basic formula.
| Parameter | Description | Typical Values / Units | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bucket Size (Capacity) | Volume each bucket can hold | Liters or cubic inches | Determines how much grain each bucket can carry; larger buckets increase capacity but may require adjustments to speed or spacing. |
| Bucket Spacing | Distance between each bucket on the belt | Centimeters or inches | Affects the number of buckets passing per minute; closer spacing generally increases capacity but requires higher belt strength and proper spacing. |
| Belt Speed | Speed at which the belt moves | Meters per minute or feet per minute | Higher speeds increase capacity but can reduce efficiency if buckets are spaced too far apart. |
| Belt Width | Width of the conveyor belt | Centimeters or inches | Wider belts accommodate larger or more buckets, impacting total capacity. |
| Belt Strength | Strength and material of the belt | Depends on material (e.g., rubber, fabric) | Must be strong enough to handle the weight of full buckets, especially at higher speeds or with heavier materials like grain. |
| Bucket Material | Material of the buckets (metal, plastic, etc.) | Depends on application | Durability is essential, as abrasive materials like grain can wear down buckets; metal buckets are more durable but heavier. |
| Bucket Shape | Shape of buckets (standard, V-shaped, deep) | Various | Deeper or specialized shapes hold more material but may increase weight and require stronger belt tension. |
| Grain Type | Type of grain (corn, wheat, soybeans, etc.) | Varies | Different grains have different densities and flow characteristics; dense grains like corn may increase weight capacity limits. |
| Angle of Elevation | The angle at which the belt elevator operates | Degrees | Steeper angles can reduce efficiency or spillage; ideal angle usually ranges between 45 to 60 degrees depending on facility design. |
| Material Density | Density of the grain | Kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³) | Heavier grains add load to each bucket and require the belt to support the additional weight; affects the overall capacity calculation. |
| Bucket Fill Percentage | Percentage of bucket filled with grain | Typically 80-90% | Buckets are rarely filled to full capacity to avoid spillage; overfilling can decrease efficiency and increase wear. |
| Elevation Height | Height the grain needs to be elevated | Meters or feet | Helps determine the required belt length and affects power requirements; taller elevators require more power and stronger construction. |
| Capacity Formula | Basic calculation for capacity | (bucketsize×bucketfill(bucket size × bucket fill % × buckets per minute) ÷ bushel conversion factor(bucketsize×bucketfill | Example: for a 1-liter bucket, 0.8 fill percentage, 100 buckets per minute: capacity in bushels per hour = (1×0.8×100×60)÷35.2391(1 × 0.8 × 100 × 60) ÷ 35.2391(1×0.8×100×60)÷35.2391 |
Quick Formula for Grain Leg Capacity Calculation
To find the grain leg capacity in bushels per hour:
- Determine the number of buckets per minute by dividing belt speed (in cm/min) by bucket spacing (in cm).
- Calculate hourly volume using the bucket volume, fill percentage (typically around 80%), and buckets per minute.
- Convert to bushels (1 bushel of corn is approximately 35.2391 liters).
Example Calculation
For a setup with:
- Bucket capacity: 1 liter
- Bucket spacing: 20 cm
- Belt speed: 200 cm per minute
- Fill percentage: 80%
Steps:
- Buckets per minute: 200 cm/min ÷ 20 cm = 10 buckets per minute.
- Capacity in liters per hour: 1 liter × 0.8 fill × 10 buckets × 60 minutes = 480 liters per hour.
- Capacity in bushels per hour: 480 liters ÷ 35.2391 = approximately 13.62 bushels per hour.
This table and the example provide a foundational understanding of grain leg capacity calculation, enabling adjustments based on specific grain and equipment characteristics.