Browsing by Author "Wilson, Kwaku Kallai"
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- ItemDesign, development and evaluation of a continuous-flow mixing grain dryer(2011) Wilson, Kwaku KallaiA low-cost, 250kg to 1-tonne capacity continuous-flow mixing grain dryer (LSU type) was designed and developed. The dryer consists of three main parts: 1) the drying chamber made of inverted V-shaped ducts, to which the plenum inlet is connected; 2) the blower, with a 750 W (1 hp) electric motor and centrifugal fan which provides the drying air; 3) 1 kW electric heater, 4) discharge rollers powered by a 3kW electric gear-motor with a 37.5:1 reduction gearbox. Trials conducted between April and June, 2011 showed that paddy rice, at initial moisture content (MC) of 19.7%- 26.6% dried to 11.8%- 13.5% respectively. Sun drying was also carried out as control. The drying period for the mechanical drying ranged from 4.8-5.7h and that for sun drying was 5h. The moisture reduction rate ranged form 1.16-2.41%/h for the mechanical drying and 2.18% for sun drying. Milling recovery and head rice yield from mechanical drying were better than for sun drying. The heat efficiencies of drying the four consignments ranged from 36.40%-62.70%. Although power consumption was not measured, the operating cost would reduce if a biomass (rice husk) burner is used instead of electrical energy.