Design, Fabrication and Performance Evaluation of Economic Grain Dryer

Abstract

Abstract

Drying of grains is very essential that is to be performed effectively and immediately after the harvest to retain the quality of the grain and to prevent infestation and germination. To achieve this objective an economic grain dryer made of available materials like air heater, air blower, feed regulator, and applicator was designed, fabricated and evaluated for its performance. Various parameters such as; relative humidity of hot air, air flow rate, and feed flow rate and inlet air temperature on the performance of grain dryer were measured to operationalize this mechanical dryer. The type of dryer to be used in our project is ‘Continuous cross flow type mechanical dryer’ (Direct moisture rejection). Results showed that relative humidity of hot air and inlet air temperature affected the performance of the dryer. The drying efficiency and fuel efficiency was 65.5 and 68.9% at 79% relative humidity and 40^oC inlet air temperature.

Keywords: Moisture content, relative humidity, mechanical dryer, drying efficiency, fuel efficiency

Cite this Article

Ramakrishnan PA, Rahul R. Design, Fabrication and Performance Evaluation of Economic Grain Dryer. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology. 2016; 5(1): 1–7p