Justification of the design and regime parameters of a mobile grain dryer

Abstract

Relevance. Improving the efficiency of grain drying is possible by increasing the intensity of moisture evaporation from the processed material and reducing energy costs. In this regard, the task was set to study a small-sized mobile installation for drying grain, which would meet the requirements of small-scale agricultural production, as well as to substantiate drying modes.
Methods. As a result of the analysis of a priori information, as well as taking into account the relevant requirements, the factors that most affect the grain drying process were identified. At the proposed installation, laboratory studies were carried out in the drying mode of wheat of the Moskovskaya 39 variety. During the research, measurements of the corresponding parameters were carried out. A systematic approach was used to generalize the theoretical and experimental results of the study.
Results. An installation for drying grain in conditions of small-scale farms is proposed. During the drying process on this installation, the following is ensured: a uniform supply of heated air to the entire area of the grain layer undergoing heat treatment; continuous removal of moisture formed on the surface of the grain. In this paper, expressions are proposed for determining the power required for drying grain and the specific power consumption with a decrease in grain moisture. The studies carried out made it possible to identify the dependences of the specific power consumption and moisture removal on the temperature and speed of the drying agent, drying exposure. The dependences obtained made it possible to establish that this installation, at the optimum temperature of the drying agent of 60 ± 2.5 °C, is adjustable within 8 ± 2.5 W· h/kg·% specific energy consumption and provides 5% moisture removal. The developed installation has operational parameters acceptable for small farms.