Simulation and Optimization Experiment: Working Process of a Cleaning Device for Flax Combine Harvester
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsIn order to depth study of flax combine harvester cleaning device in the separation of cleaning operations in the process of different operating parameters on its scavenging effect, the manuscript coupled CFD-DEM simulation technology to simulate the cleaning process. Three-factor, three-level design of experiments was carried out to seek the optimal parameters combination of cleaning device, and the optimal parameters combination was verified by field tests. The research methodology in this manuscript is innovative and detailed, and the research conclusion is of great significance to the mechanized harvesting of flax. However, this work has following weaknesses.
1. in the introduction section authors need to give a detailed description of the research motivation behind this work.
2. It is suggested to clarify the innovation of this paper in the introduction. The article points out that this paper can effectively fill the gaps in relevant theoretical research, but it does not clearly point out the shortcomings of the existing research and what gaps can be filled in this paper?
3. It is recommended that the description of the pictures in the text be more specific, (e.g., Figure 11, the changes in velocity and position of the particles in Figure 12 are not described in detail)
4. In section 2.4.3 of the article, the 3D dimensions of the discrete elemental model of the particles to be created and the modeling process need to be clearly stated.
5. “2.4.3 Parameterization in EDEM” is inappropriate, and it should also be parameter setting in EDEM.
6. The references should be updated. Some closely related and new references should be added.
7. There are too many test standards used in the field trial, so one or two of the most suitable ones should be selected.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageThe article contains a high number of tenses and grammatical errors, and it is recommended that the article be carefully touched up.
Author Response
Dear reviewer,
Thank you for offering us an opportunity to improve the quality of our submitted manuscript (Simulation and Optimization Experiment of the Working Process of the Cleaning Device of a Flax Combine Harvester). We appreciated very much the reviewer’s constructive and insightful comments. In this revision, we have addressed all of these comments. We hope the revised manuscript has now met the publication standard of your journal.
We highlighted all the revisions in yellow colour.
On the next pages, our point-to-point responses to the queries raised by the reviewer are listed.
Comment1：in the introduction section authors need to give a detailed description of the research motivation behind this work.
Response：In the introduction part, we explain the movement and significance of this study by adding the problems faced by flax harvesting and the problems in the operation process of flax combined harvesting machinery currently in the market.
Comment2: It is suggested to clarify the innovation of this paper in the introduction. The article points out that this paper can effectively fill the gaps in relevant theoretical research, but it does not clearly point out the shortcomings of the existing research and what gaps can be filled in this paper?
Response: In the introduction part of the paper, the experimental method adopted in this research and the innovation of the optimization design idea of the grain cleaning device in this research are explained in detail.
Comment3: It is recommended that the description of the pictures in the text be more specific, (e.g., Figure 11, the changes in velocity and position of the particles in Figure 12 are not described in detail).
Response: We agree with your point of view. In the simulation analysis of the operation process of the flax cleaning device in this paper, we combined the velocity cloud image to make a more in-depth analysis of the movement speed and position distribution of the flax threshing material particles at each moment, and based on this, we can judge and predict the operation quality of the cleaning device.
Comment4: In section 2.4.3 of the article, the 3D dimensions of the discrete elemental model of the particles to be created and the modeling process need to be clearly stated.
Response: We think your suggestion is very necessary, so we have made corresponding supplements and improvements to the discrete element model modeling of each component of pelleted material and the stacking and filling process of particles in section 2.4.3 of the article. The added and modified parts are marked in red in the article.
Comment5: “2.4.3 Parameterization in EDEM” is inappropriate, and it should also be parameter setting in EDEM.
Response: Thank you for your correction and feedback. The problem you mentioned does involve misuse of terminology. In EDEM software, parameter setting should be used instead of parameterization. We have corrected this error and made sure to use the correct terminology in subsequent answers. The changes are highlighted.
Comment6: The references should be updated. Some closely related and new references should be added.
Response: Your advice is very valuable. In order to fully present the latest research and findings in the current field, while ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the references, we have carefully reviewed the references, added the latest and relevant ones to them, and the new references have been highlighted in the paper.
Comment7. There are too many test standards used in the field trial, so one or two of the most suitable ones should be selected.
Response: Thank you for your advice. Admittedly, many test standards can be used in joint field trials, so in order to make the study more targeted and implementable, we chose to retain one or two of the most appropriate standards and delete the others.
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsIn this study, the author conducted a comprehensive study on the effect of different operating parameters on the cleaning efficiency of the cleaning device of flax combine harvester in the process of separation and cleaning by numerical simulation experiments. In my opinion, this paper meets the requirements of this journal in both scientific and experimental aspects, and it is suggested that it can be published after some minor revisions.
1. In view of the importance of the cleaning device of flax combine harvester in the separation process, the working principle and design concept of the device are further provided in section 2.1 of this paper. In this way, we can better understand the factors that affect the working quality of the cleaning device.
2. In this paper, the author discussed the influence of different operating parameters on the cleaning efficiency of the cleaning device of the flax combine harvester. Although the experimental results show that different parameters have a greater impact on the cleaning effect, it is recommended to further analyze and explain in the introduction to clarify how the operating parameters affect the cleaning effect of the cleaning device.
3.In section 2.4.3, it is suggested that the author add actual pictures of the material under the established threshing material model for each component of flax.
4. In section 2.4.3 simulation parameter Settings, please list the contact parameters between each particle material (including collision recovery coefficient, dynamic friction, and static friction).
5. In section 3.2.3, for the analysis of the interaction of different factors, it is suggested that the author combine the response surface and the test data to specifically analyze the changing trend of the impurity content at different levels of each factor.
6.There are some long, wordy or redundant expressions in the paper, please carefully check the sentence structure of the paper, and make sure that the coherence and fluency between the sentences. Avoid too many long sentences and try to use concise and clear expressions.
Author Response
Dear reviewer,
Thank you for offering us an opportunity to improve the quality of our submitted manuscript (Simulation and Optimization Experiment of the Working Process of the Cleaning Device of a Flax Combine Harvester). We appreciated very much the reviewer’s constructive and insightful comments. In this revision, we have addressed all of these comments. We hope the revised manuscript has now met the publication standard of your journal.
We highlighted all the revisions in yellow colour.
On the next pages, our point-to-point responses to the queries raised by the reviewer are listed.
Comment1：In view of the importance of the cleaning device of flax combine harvester in the separation process, the working principle and design concept of the device are further provided in section 2.1 of this paper. In this way, we can better understand the factors that affect the working quality of the cleaning device.
Response：We think this suggestion is very appropriate to further provide the working principle and design concept of the device for readers to better understand which factor have a great impact on the operating quality of the device. For this reason, we have further introduced the working principle of the device in detail in Section 2.1, including device composition, structural design and working method.
Comment2：In this paper, the author discussed the influence of different operating parameters on the cleaning efficiency of the cleaning device of the flax combine harvester. Although the experimental results show that different parameters have a greater impact on the cleaning effect, it is recommended to further analyze and explain in the introduction to clarify how the operating parameters affect the cleaning effect of the cleaning device.
Response：Although the experimental results show that different parameters have a great influence on the cleaning effect, we agree that it is necessary to further analyze and explain how these operating parameters affect the cleaning effect of the cleaning equipment in the introduction. Therefore, in the introduction part of the paper, we give that the wind speed of the fan, the vibrating screen frequency, and the vibrating screen amplitude of these three factors have a greater impact on the working effect of the cleaning device. At the same time, we elaborate the influence mechanism of each working parameter on the working effect of the cleaning equipment in detail in section 2.2, and give relevant research and theoretical support.
Comment3：In section 2.4.3, it is suggested that the author add actual pictures of the material under the established threshing material model for each component of flax.
Response：We have added a solid picture of the threshed material next to the 3D discrete element model of each threshed material to illustrate the reliability of the model.
Comment4：In section 2.4.3 simulation parameter Settings, please list the contact parameters between each particle material (including collision recovery coefficient, dynamic friction, and static friction).
Response：We believe that your opinion is very necessary to make the establishment of the model in the paper more reliable. Therefore, in Section 2.4.3, we improved the contact parameters between each group of particles by referring to literature.
Comment5：In section 3.2.3, for the analysis of the interaction of different factors, it is suggested that the author combine the response surface and the test data to specifically analyze the changing trend of the impurity content at different levels of each factor.
Response：In Section 3.2.3, we have made a preliminary discussion of the interaction between the different factors, but it is necessary to analyze the influence of each factor on the impurity content in more detail. According to your suggestions, we further analyzed the variation trend of impurity content under different levels of each factor by combining the response surface and the velocity cloud map of threshed material during the test.
Comment6：There are some long, wordy or redundant expressions in the paper, please carefully check the sentence structure of the paper, and make sure that the coherence and fluency between the sentences. Avoid too many long sentences and try to use concise and clear expressions.
Response：We took the following measures to check the sentences in the paper: first, we reviewed each sentence to identify and simplify the parts that were too long or repetitive; second, we reorganized the structure of the sentences to make them more concise; and finally, we conducted a comprehensive language review of the paper to ensure that the vocabulary and expressions used in the paper were accurate, concise and in line with the requirements of journal writing.
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsIn this paper, the structural parameters of the cleaning device of the flax combine harvester were optimized through simulation tests. The idea is interesting and the obtained result is valuable. This paper may be accepted if the following problems can be clarified.
1. Abstract is too descriptive and lengthy. Please add some quantities to it and shorten it through focusing on the main point, and note that abstract section should be kept to around 200 words.
2. The purpose, significance and background of the study are more clearly stated in the introduction. Explain why to study the effect of different operating parameters on the cleaning effect of the cleaning device of the flax combine harvester in the separation cleaning operation, so that the reader can have a clear understanding of the importance of the research.
3. In Section 3.2.4 of the paper, in the comparison between the optimal parameters of the device and the operation process of general parameters, the cleaning effect data of the flax cleaning device under different operating parameters should be clearly presented, and the results should be comprehensively interpreted, and the influence degree of different operating parameters on the cleaning effect, including possible reasons and mechanisms, should be explained.
4. In my opinion, this conclusion about the effect of device cleaning is too strong and beyond the scope of your data. I suggest a more euphemistic term.
5. Check for overly long or complex sentences in your paper and break them down or reorganize them as necessary. Make sure the sentence structure is clear and clear, avoid using too many clauses and modifiers, and make the sentence more concise and easier to understand.
6. Please improve the acknowledgments at the end of the article.
7. In the conclusion, in addition to summarizing the methods and results adopted, please strengthen the contribution made by this study to the improvement and optimization of the cleaning device of flax and other small grain crops.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageThe language of the paper is relatively standard, and there are not too many obvious grammatical errors.
Author Response
Dear reviewer,
Thank you for offering us an opportunity to improve the quality of our submitted manuscript (Simulation and Optimization Experiment of the Working Process of the Cleaning Device of a Flax Combine Harvester). We appreciated very much the reviewer’s constructive and insightful comments. In this revision, we have addressed all of these comments. We hope the revised manuscript has now met the publication standard of your journal.
We highlighted all the revisions in yellow colour.
On the next pages, our point-to-point responses to the queries raised by the reviewer are listed.
Comment1：Abstract is too descriptive and lengthy. Please add some quantities to it and shorten it through focusing on the main point, and note that abstract section should be kept to around 200 words.
Response：We removed redundant descriptive content, focused on the main ideas and key results of the paper, and ensured that the abstract accurately communicated the core content of the research. At the same time, carefully edit the abstract, remove lengthy sentences and unnecessary parenthetical, to ensure that the abstract of about 200 words, meet the requirements.
Comment2: The purpose, significance and background of the study are more clearly stated in the introduction. Explain why to study the effect of different operating parameters on the cleaning effect of the cleaning device of the flax combine harvester in the separation cleaning operation, so that the reader can have a clear understanding of the importance of the research.
Response：We agree with your comments in the introduction, and we have further clarified the purpose, significance and background of the research in the revised draft, so that readers can have a clearer understanding of the importance of the research. In addition, we explain the motivation and significance of this study by adding the problems faced by flax harvesting and the problems in the operation process of flax combined harvesting machinery currently existing in the market.
Comment3: In Section 3.2.4 of the paper, in the comparison between the optimal parameters of the device and the operation process of general parameters, the cleaning effect data of the flax cleaning device under different operating parameters should be clearly presented, and the results should be comprehensively interpreted, and the influence degree of different operating parameters on the cleaning effect, including possible reasons and mechanisms, should be explained.
Response: According to your suggestions, we have made the following modifications to part 3.2.4. First, we comprehensively analyzed the experimental results by combining the simulation pictures and experimental data of the operation process of the device under optimal parameters and general parameters, and compared the specific values of the cleaning loss rate and impurity rate of the device before and after optimization, as well as the distribution and velocity changes of particle materials in the device. To find out the optimization mechanism of cleaning device.
Comment4: In my opinion, this conclusion about the effect of device cleaning is too strong and beyond the scope of your data. I suggest a more euphemistic term.
Response: According to your suggestion, we have modified the conclusion and described the operation of the optimized cleaning device in euphemistic language.
Comment5: Check for overly long or complex sentences in your paper and break them down or reorganize them as necessary. Make sure the sentence structure is clear and clear, avoid using too many clauses and modifiers, and make the sentence more concise and easier to understand.
Response: We took the following measures to check the sentences in the paper: first, we reviewed each sentence to identify and simplify the parts that were too long or repetitive; second, we reorganized the structure of the sentences to make them more concise; and finally, we conducted a comprehensive language review of the paper to ensure that the vocabulary and expressions used in the paper were accurate, concise and in line with the requirements of journal writing.
Comment6：Please improve the acknowledgments at the end of the article.
Response：At the end of the paper, we have perfected and improved the part of acknowledgments, adding the thanks to the funding funds, test personnel and test equipment providers.
Comment7：In the conclusion, in addition to summarizing the methods and results adopted, please strengthen the contribution made by this study to the improvement and optimization of the cleaning device of flax and other small grain crops.
Response：In the conclusion part, we strengthen the innovation in the method of this study, highlight the contribution and significance of this study to the optimization design of the cleaning device of the flax combine harvester, and discuss the practical significance of using the optimized cleaning device in improving efficiency, reducing losses and improving the quality of flax harvest.
