Design of a Portable Grain Dryer

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to design an electric grain dryer that will
remove moisture from sorghum, beans and maize. Grain's high
moisture content makes them difficult to store for an extended period.
Natural sun drying or natural air drying is a time-consuming process
that necessitates more time, space, and labor. The designed dry makes
use of a forced draught mechanism, the heated air from the blower is
passed through the grain-bed in the dryer. This electric grain dryer
design is intended for local traders, small-scale farmers, and domestic
users. The grain dryer's analysis and design will aid in the
preservation of grains for food consumption at a variable
temperature. Sorghum, wheat, and maize are among the grains
considered in this analytical design. A drying chamber, heating
element, fan, electric motor, frame, and three trays are among the
design parameters. The frame was designed to be made of 2mm mild
steel and have dimensions of (500 x 700 x 600) mm. The dryer has a 1
horsepower heating element, a 16-inch-diameter fan with a capacity
of 60 cubic feet per minute and three trays. The dryer was designed to
have a maximum capacity of 39kg per batch. Air temperature
condition of 40oC at entry was used. The dryer was designed to reduce
grain moisture content from 30 to 14 percent in fifteen minutes.