Effects of operating factors on branch chipping performance and parameter optimization based on an orthogonal experimental design

A typical blade-type branch chipper was used to study the effects of rotor speed, feed mass and branch diameter class on chipping performance. Chipping efficiency and the qualified particlesize rate (percentage of output particles ≤30 mm) were adopted as evaluation indices. Singlefactor tests and an L9(3^3) orthogonal experiment were carried out to analyze the influence of each factor on these performance indices. The results showed that branch diameter class had the most significant impact on performance: small-diameter branches significantly improved both chipping efficiency and the qualified particle-size rate. Rotor speed and feed mass exhibited positive effects within appropriate ranges, each with an optimal interval. The orthogonal test confirmed a significant synergistic effect among the three factors, and the optimal parameter combination was determined to be a rotor speed of 2500 r/min, a feed mass of 6.5 kg per batch, and small branch material. These results provide a theoretical reference for improving the performance of branch chippers.