Discharge arrangement for an axial flow rotary separator

Abstract

In an axial flow rotary separator, a rotor and a cylindrical housing are provided with material control elements so that, as is conventional, when the rotor is rotated, crop material in the annular space between rotor and housing is propelled downstream in a generally helical path. The lower portion of the downstream end of the wall of the cylindrical housing is notched or cut back to facilitate discharge of straw from the housing in a generally downward and rearward direction. The relief or notching of the lower portion of the cylindrical housing is defined by an 'exit' edge extending helically upstream from the downstream extremity or edge of the cylindrical portion of the housing wall, from a point somewhat below the axis of the rotor and extending (circumferentially) around the lower half of the housing and up to approximately the level of the rotor axis on the other side of the housing, and by a horizontal 'outlet' edge extending from the downstream extremity of the cylindrical wall portion upstream to meet the upstream end of the helical edge. The 'notch' so formed is triangular shaped in its flat development. The transverse opening defined by the downstream end of the cylindrical housing may be left open or may be partially closed by a transverse bulkhead extending over an upper portion of the opening so as to limit the axially rearward or downstream movement of the discharged material. To facilitate the discharge and flow of material, a crop material cutter is optionally provided close to the junction between the horizontal outlet and helical exit edges of the discharge opening or notch in the housing wall.