Completed projects and reports

Now showing 1 - 6 of 6

Modified rotary-pinch chopper system for improved harvesting efficiency : SRDC Grower Group Innovation Project final report
(2007) Smith, MA
Bin weight is becoming an increasingly topical issue for the Australian sugar industry, with millers and haul-out contractors seeking to improve the efficiency of their operations by hauling more cane per trip using existing infrastructure. This has meant that there is considerable pressure within the industry to reduce billet length. This program of work aimed to facilitate the adoption of feedtrain/chopper synchronisation through the development of a modified rotary-pinch chopper system. The design principle is based on the concept of obtaining variable length billets through one revolution of the chopper drum, not through manipulating feedtrain roller speed. The conceptual design of the proof-of-concept modified rotary-pinch chopper system was developed and presented to Corradini Engineering for review, detailed design and manufacture. After fabrication the ‘Corradini’ proof-of-concept chopper system was installed on a harvester that is used to cut billets for planting and as a backup commercial machine. Initial comparative trials were successfully undertaken at Fairymead Plantation in Bundaberg during the 2006 harvest season. A standard 15-inch chopper system with unsynchronised (variable) and synchronised (uniform) feedtrain setup was compared with the ‘Corradini’ proofof- concept rotary-pinch chopper system (MRPCS) with synchronised feedtrain setup. The functionality of the ‘Corradini’ proof-of-concept MRPCS was assessed with no differences in operational performance observed or noted by the machine operator when compared with a standard 15-inch chopper system. This included no recirculation of billets and a throw velocity identical to that of a standard 15-inch system. In the 2006 trials, the ‘Standard’ chopper variable billet length treatment resulted in the greatest packing density, with 380 kg/m3 ,and the uniform length billets the lowest with 365 kg/m3. The packing density of the ‘Corradini’ proof-of-concept MRPCS variable length billet treatment was found to be 375 kg/m3 . The corresponding average reduction in bin weight from the standard chopper variable length billets was found to be 1%. Alternatively, an increase in bin weight of 2.7% was found when compared with the standard chopper uniform length billets.
Factors influencing populations of Eumargarodes laingi and promargarodes spp. in sugarcane at Bundaberg and derivation of sequential sampling plans
(BSES, 1992) Walker, PW; Allsopp, PG
A survey of the margarodids Eumargarodes laingi Jakubski and Promargarodes spp. in sugarcane was carried out at Bundaberg. E. laingi cyst numbers were influenced by soil type; Promargarodes spp. numbers did not differ between soil types, but there were differences between cultivars. There were more E. laingi and Promargarodes spp. cysts in older crops. The number of times the previous fallow was ploughed and rotary hoed influenced E. laingi numbers, but not Promargarodes spp. numbers. There were fewer E. laingi cysts following a long fallow, but crop rotations did not affect E. laingi numbers. There were trends to lower Promargarodes spp. numbers following a long fallow or a sugarcane-rockmelon rotation. Fields treated with chlorpyrifos (emulsifiable concentrate) had lower numbers of E. laingi than those treated with controlled-release chlorpyrifos; Promargarodes spp. numbers were not influenced by insecticide applications. Soil pH and electrical conductivity, ripping during fallow, type of irrigation, and nematicides used did not affect numbers of E. laingi or Promargarodes spp.
Fibre characteristics of cane - results of measurements carried out at Bundaberg during 1986 season
(BSES, 1986) Noble, AG
During September, 1986 the decision was made to test for extreme fibre characteristics all cane varieties which are prospective Q canes, in the last season before release. The purpose of these tests was to obtain some indication which varieties were likely to cause handling problems during the milling process.
Fibre characteristics of cane - results of measurements carried out at Bundaberg during 1987 season
(BSES, 1987) Noble, AG
During September, 1987 a total of twenty-three samples of cane were tested for extreme fibre characteristics at BSES in Bundaberg. The main purpose of this testing program, which was introduced during 1986 season, is to screen all prospective Q canes prior to their release to obtain some indication which varieties are likely to cause handling problems during the milling process.
An economic evaluation of irrigation methods and programs 1997 : SRDC Final report BS148S
(1997) Willcox, T
The aim of the project was to produce economic and financial information to promote the adoption of more efficient irrigation practices in the Bundaberg district.The project was developed through workshops convened by the Bundaberg Cane Productivity Committee (BCPC). Irrigation consultants Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) were engaged to conduct the investigation with assistance from BSES, Bundaberg Sugar Limited and QDPI.The first activity was a workshop to confirm project objectives
The influence of time of harvest on yields and CCS and the subsequent ratoon crop
(1975) Moller, RB
This report deals with the second trial of the growth analysis trial programme on the Bundaberg Sugar Experiment Station. Full details of the purpose of this programme are outlined in Project Report 1973

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