Dual-Turbine Pneumatic Air Curtain System for Pre-Header Seed Loss Mitigation in Mechanized Canola Harvesting: Integration of Computational Fluid Dynamics and Field Validation

1 Canola seed shattering during mechanized harvesting constitutes a critical yield-limiting factor, with losses reaching 10–50% of potential production due to pod dehiscence and mechanical disturbance. This study presents a novel dual-turbine pneumatic air curtain system designed to recover shattered seeds within the critical 300 mm pre-header zone where 90% of losses occur. The system comprises twenty penetration probes integrated into a pressurized distribution manifold mounted directly beneath the cutting blade assembly, generating a coherent air curtain through 135-degree angled rectangular nozzles (8 cm² cross-section). Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations employing the Realizable k-ε turbulence model and Lagrangian discrete phase tracking validated system aerodynamics, confirming jet velocities of 15–20 m/s at 290 Pa static pressure sufficient to impart 4.9×10⁻⁵ N drag force per seed. Field trials on GMO 401 canola (seed moisture 8.2–10.5%, plant density 58 plants/m²) demonstrated 42–48% reduction in header losses compared to conventional harvesting, decreasing seed spillage from 125–150 g/m² to 62–78 g/m². Statistical analysis (ANOVA, p<0.05) confirmed significant treatment effects with strong correlation (r=0.87) between air velocity and recovery efficiency. System power consumption of 130 W enables practical integration with standard combine hydraulic systems, offering economically viable loss mitigation for wide-header applications.