CROP DRYING EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERIES

I. INTRODUCTION
Agricultural crops are plants that are grown or intentionally managed by
man for some purpose (Bareja, 2010). A plant or plant product that can be
grown and harvested extensively for profit or subsistence. By use, crops fall into
six categories: food crops, for human consumption; feed crops, for livestock
consumption; fiber crops, for cordage and textiles; oil crops, for consumption or
industrial uses; ornamental crops, for landscape gardening; and industrial and
secondary crops, for various personal and industrial uses.
Post-production operations of crops, especially grains include harvest,
pre-drying, threshing, transport, pre-cleaning, drying, cleaning and sorting,
packaging, storage and processing. One important operation is drying which is
the process of reducing the moisture content of the product to an equilibrium
moisture level to suppress the growth and development of harmful bacteria that
cause deterioration and spoilage.
Dying is the process that reduces grain moisture content to where it is
safe for storage. It is the most critical operation after harvesting a crop. Delays
in drying, incomplete drying or ineffective drying will reduce grain quality and
result in losses. Drying can be done naturally or with the use of mechanical
dryers. Natural drying method consists essentially of exposing the threshed
products to the air (in sun or shade). Through the progress of agriculture
mechanization, mechanical dryers are now produced and being widely use to
satisfy the need of increasing production, unfavorable weather conditions, and
large quantities of grain that needed to be dry for a short period of time. This
method consists of exposing the grain to a forced ventilation of air that is
heated to a certain degree in special appliances.
II. DISCUSSION
A. Process/Systems of Rice Drying
Processes of Rice Drying from IRRI, 2013
1. Moisture Removal
In paddy grain, moisture is present at two places: at the
surface of the grain, surface moisture’ and in the kernel, internal
moisture. Surface moisture will readily evaporate when grain is
exposed to hot air. Internal moisture evaporates much slower because
it first has to move from the kernel to the outside surface. As a result,
surface moisture and internal moisture evaporate at a different rate.
This difference results in a different drying rate; the rate at which
grain moisture content declines during the drying process. The drying
rate is normally expressed in %/hr. Typical drying rates of grain
dryers are in the 0.5%/hr to 1%/hr range.

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There are three different periods which will occur consecutively in
time:
a. Preheating period (drying rate is slowly increasing): When wet
grain is exposed to hot air, initially only a very slight change in
MC is observed. This happens because all the heat provided in
the drying air is used to heat up the grain to the drying air
temperature.
b. Constant-rate period (drying rate is constant in time): Once the
grain is at the drying temperature, water starts to evaporate
from the surface of the grain. During this period, all the heat
from the drying air is used to evaporate surface moisture and
the amount of moisture removed from the grain is constant in
time. It is therefore called the constant-rate period. During this
period, grain temperature is constant as well.
c. Falling-rate period (drying rate declines over time): As time
passes, it takes more time for internal moisture to appear at
the surface, and evaporation of water is no longer constant in
time. As a result, drying rate will decline, and some of the heat
from the drying air will heat up the grain. For paddy grain, the
falling-rate period typically occurs at around 18% grain
moisture content.
2. Drying Rate and Temperature
Above 18% MC the grain drying rate can be increased (that is,
drying will occur faster) by providing a higher temperature without
major changes in grain temperature. Below 18% MC increase in
drying air temperature will not only increase the drying rate but will
increase grain temperatures and potentially damage the grain.
Therefore, higher drying air temperatures can be used to dry grain
quickly down to 18% MC (to remove "surface moisture") but lower
temperatures should be used to remove internal moisture from the
grain.
3. Uniform Drying
During the drying process there is always variability in MC of
individual grains. Especially in fixed-bed dryers the grains at the air
inlet dry faster than at the air outlet resulting in a moisture gradient
in the grain bulk at the end of the drying process. For production of
good quality grain or seed, this variability should be kept as low as
possible. Frequent stirring in sun drying, grain turning in fixed bed
dryers or circulation in re-circulating batch dryers will improve
uniformity of drying, minimize the re-wetting of dried grains and thus
maintain grain quality.
4. Tempering

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 When the drying of grain is temporarily stopped the moisture
within the grain equalizes due to diffusion. When drying is restarted,
the drying rate becomes higher compared to continuous drying. The
process of stopping intermittently is called tempering. In addition
during tempering the moisture differences between grains equalize.
Tempering therefore also ensures that moisture gradients in the grain
bulk that develop during drying in certain dryer types are minimized.
To maintain grain quality, including a tempering period is
recommended to allow for redistribution of internal moisture in the
grain. In modern re-circulating grain dryers, grain is not dried
continuously but goes through a cycle of drying followed by
tempering. This improves drying rates, grain quality and reduces
energy costs.
Systems and Drying Equipment/ Machineries for Rice from IRRI,
2013; Gummert & Rickman:
Drying can be done using either traditional or mechanical
drying systems that have varying technological complexity and
capacities for either farm or commercial level.

Figure 1: Systems of Rice Drying

Source: http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/extension-aben/documents/eb35.pdf verified 12/2012

1. Traditional Drying System- Thin layer of paddy is spread directly

under the heat of the sun on a concrete pavement or any other
suitable materials. This includes:
a. Sun drying - Sun drying is a traditional drying method for
reducing the moisture content of paddy by spreading the
grains under the sun.

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 Figure 2: Sun Drying
Sopurce: http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/extension-aben/documents/eb35.pdf verified 12/2012

Options for sun drying

i. Mat drying - Used in small to medium-scale drying where
threshed grains are placed on mats, nets, or canvas.
ii. Pavement drying - Often used in large-scale drying for
grain collectors and millers, where grains are laid on
pavements specifically made for drying.
b. Field drying and stacking - A method for pre-drying hand-
harvested crops before threshing where farmers cut rice
panicles in the field and stacked them in small piles on top of
the crop stubble.
2. Mechanical Drying System - Grains are placed in a drying bin
where heated air is blown though a drying chamber from the fuel
burning unit.

B. Types and Classification of Drying Equipment/ Machineries for

Rice
Mechanical drying system is done through:
1. Heated air drying- Employs high temperatures for rapid drying.
The drying process is terminated when the desired final moisture
content is reached. It uses batch dryer, re-circulating batch dryer,
or continuous flow dryer.
Systems of Operation form PAES 201:2000
a. Batch Type - mechanical grain dryer wherein the grain in fixed
volume is held in the drying chamber in batches until the grain
reaches the desired moisture content.
i. Flat Bed Dryer- Shallow bed batch type dryer wherein a
fixed volume of grain is held stationary in a horizontal
grain holding bin. Usually have rectangular bins with
plenum chamber underneath (flat-bed dryer, box dryer,
inclined bed dryer) or circular bins with central duct.

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 Figure 3: Flat Bed Dryer
Source: http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/extension-aben/documents/eb35.pdf
verified 12/2012

ii. Recirculating - Batch type dryer equipped with

conveyors to circulate and/or mixed fixed volume of
grain during the drying operation.
a) Cross flow: Grain moves downwards, air across
b) Mixed flow: Air flows from inlet to outlet ducts
c) Vertical Bin: batch type dryer wherein a fixed volume
of grain is held stationary in a vertical grain holding
bin.
Figure 4: Vertical Bin Dryer Figure 5: Recirculating Batch Type Dryer

Source: Belonio Source: Rice Knowledge Bank

b. Continuous Flow - dryer in which the material being dried
moves through the drying chamber in a substantially
continuous stream and is discharged without being
recirculated. The granular product is passed continuously
through a drying chamber utilizing agitator until the product

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reaches the specified moisture content reduction per pass and
subsequent cooling is affected through the tempering bins
before subjecting to another pass.

Figure 6: Continuous Flow Dryer

Source: Rice Knowledge Bank
i. Concurrent-flow - continuous flow dryer wherein the
product being dried moves in the same direction as
drying air
ii. Counter-flow - continuous flow dryer wherein the grain
being dried move in one direction and the drying air
moves in the opposite direction
iii. Cross-flow - continuous flow dryer wherein the flow of
air is transverse to the direction of flow of the grain
being dried
iv. Mixing - continuous flow dryer wherein the drying bin is
similar to columnar drying bin except that it includes
louvers causing mixing to occur as the grain flows
through the system.

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 Figure 7: Schematics of the four major types of high temperature grain
dryers: cross flow, concurrent-flow, counter flow and mixed flow (Source:
Bakker-Arkema et.al)
a) Baffle-Type - similar in design to the non-mixing type
dryer except that it is equipped with sheet metal
baffles which creates turbulence and mixing of
grains.
b) LSU-Type - consists of a vertical compartment in
which there are rows of air channel, air channels are
shaped like an inverted V.
v. Non-mixing type - continuous flow dryer wherein the
grains in the drying bin flows through the column in a
straight path.
a) Flash dryer - special continuous flow dryer types,
which are used as first stage dryers in two-stage
drying systems.
Heating System
a. Method of Heat Introduction

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 i. Direct - the flame heats directly the drying air and is
forced through the drying chamber by means of a fan or
blower.
ii. Indirect - the drying air is being heated through a heat
exchanger in order that the product of combustion will
not mix with the drying air and the product
b. Fuel Source
i. Conventional
ii. Non-conventional
2. Low temperature drying.
a. In-store drying - Paddy with MC below 18% can be slowly dried
in storage bins using aeration with
slightly pre-heated air (3−6K above
ambient temperature). Farm to
commercial level, capacity depends
on storage structure.
Drying time: days to weeks.
Pros: Good quality, low energy usage,
storage included
Cons: Second stage dryer, long drying
time
Figure 8: In Store Drying
Source: IRRI. International Rice Research Institute. Paddy drying systems.
Prepared by Gummert, M with input from Rickman, JF (2004), updated by M
Gummert (2011)
b. Grain cooler - Cools the grain to safe storage conditions
instead of drying it, allowing
grains to be conserved for
longer periods.

Source: IRRI. International Rice

Research Institute. Paddy drying
systems. Prepared by Gummert, M
with input from Rickman, JF (2004),
updated by M Gummert (2011)

Figure 9: Solar Grain

Dryer
Source: IRRI. International Rice Research Institute. Paddy drying systems.
Prepared by Gummert, M with input from Rickman, JF (2004), updated by M
Gummert (2011)

C. Parts and Functions of the Different Rice Dryers

Main components of dryer
1. Drying bin - holds the grain for drying and in in-store drying. It
also serves as the storage bin after drying.

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2. Fan or Blower - the most critical component of a dryer used for
moving the air through the dryer and the grain
3. Air distribution system - The purpose of the air distribution
system is to deliver the drying air to the drying zone in the dryer
and to remove the moisture that was extracted from the grains. In
suction systems they also collect the dust that is created after the
air leaves the drying section. For fixed bed dryers usually positive
pressure systems are used to blow the air through the grain bulk
while re-circulating and continuous-flow dryers usually have
negative pressure (suction) based air distribution systems.
Major elements:
a. Plenum chamber- a chamber into which a fan delivers the
drying air before it enters the grain bulk. The purpose of the
plenum chamber is to let the air calm down before it enters the
air distribution system in order to guarantee an equal
distribution of pressure and temperature of the drying air
throughout the drying section.
b. Air ducts- the cheapest solution for distributing the air in the
grain bulk. Because of their uneven air distribution at the
inlets they should only be used with low initial grain MC, e.g.
for low-temperature drying in second stage dryers.
c. Air channels
4. Heating system - for pre-heating the drying air
5. Burner - supplies the needed heat for drying by burning either a
fossil or biomass fuel
a. Direct Method - the flame heats directly the drying air and
forced through the drying chamber to the grain mass by means
of fan or a blower.
b. Indirect Method - drying air is being heated through a heat
exchanger in order that the product of combustion will not mix
the drying air and the grains.
6. Heat Exchanger - converts heat from the fuel or flue gas into clean
air
7. Tempering Bin - is where the grains are held temporarily after
each drying pass to allow the grains to rest and equilibrate the
moisture within the layer of the grain itself.
8. Plenum Chamber - is the component placed before the drying bin
to convert the velocity pressure of the air into a static pressure
thereby allowing a much uniform distribution of air within the
cross-section of the bin.
9. Safety Control Network - it includes accessories such as the
moisture meter, thermometer, manometer and others that monitor
the condition and control the grains being dried
10.Conveyors - are used to load and unload the grains into and from
the dryer.

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 Accessories - include the receiving bin, paddy cleaner, tempering
bins, bagging machine, autoweigher, and others (Belonio, 2004).

1. Paddy pre-cleaner. Pre-cleaners usually consist of a scalper that

lets through the grain but retains straw and a smaller second
screen that removes small stones and other impurities.
2. Moisture meter. Keeps track of grain moisture content during drying
to avoid over drying or incomplete drying.
3. Conveyors and elevator. Circulate or discharge grains in order to
improve the efficiency of the drying operation and reduce labor costs.
4. Dust collection system. Remove dust in and around the dryer.
Batch type mechanical dryer

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 Figure 10: Batch Type Mechanical Dryer
Source: http://www.knowledgebank.irri.org/training/fact-sheets/postharvest-
management/drying-fact-sheet-category/item/re-circulating-batch-dryer-fact-sheet.
1. Fan/Blower - air moving device that is used to force heated air
through the mass of grains at the desired air flow rate and pressure
2. Plenum Chamber - air pressure is developed for uniform distribution
of the heated air through the grain mass
3. Drying Bin - to hold the grain for drying and in in-store drying also to
serve as the storage bin after drying.
4. Air Distribution System - delivers the drying air to the drying zone in
the dryer and to remove the moisture that was extracted from the
grains.
5. Heating System - depending on the availability and cost different fuels
can be used for heating the drying air such as kerosene, diesel,
liquified petroleum gas (LPG), biomass like rice hull, or electricity.
Continuous flow mechanical dryer
1. Dryer/drying zone - In the drying zone the grain moves downwards
between two perforated metal sheets while the air moves horizontally
through the grains.
2. Tempering bins - grain is moved to tempering bins for around 24
hours after each pass until the desired MC is reached. Sometimes the
tempering bins are equipped with aeration facilities to cool down the
grain with some additional low-temperature drying effect.
3. Conveyors - conveyors move grain in a conduit by means of an air
stream. The airstream pushes grain in a positive pressure system and
pulls grain like a vacuum cleaner in negative pressure systems.
4. Elevator - continuously transfers hot, dry grain from the dryer

Figure 11: Continuous Flow Drying

Plant
Source: Wimberly, 1983

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Re-circulating batch dryer
1. Drying and tempering bin - for holding the grains
2. Bucket elevators and conveyors - for circulating, loading, and
unloading grains
3. Burner - for heating the drying air
4. Electronic controller and on-line moisture meter - for controlling the
drying operation
Solar Bubble Dryer
1. Solar Panels - These are the fundamental segments of the system.
These panels charge the batteries. To gain more power, several such
solar panels are wired together to make a structure what is known as
a solar array. The general size of the solar array will determine the
amount of energy produced.
2. Charge Controllers - Despite the fact that charge controllers come in
distinctive types and sizes, they act upon same functions, chief
among which is to restrict the panels from overcharging the batteries.
Electric vehicles also have controllers.
3. Batteries - The energy produced by the solar electric systems is stored
via batteries, which can be used as and when required.
4. Inverters - Last but not the least, role of the inverter in a Solar
Electric System is to convert the DC energy stored in the battery to
AC power, so you can use the same in your home. Basically, inverters
are categorized as per their wattage for charging.

D. Safety Operations
Batch Type and/ Continuous Flow Dryer
1. The user or operator is responsible for reading, understanding,
and following the manual’s safety instructions. All accidents can
be avoided.
2. The equipment owner needs to provide guidance and go through
the instructions prior to commissioning of the equipment and at
least once a year with all the employees before they are allowed to
use the equipment. Untrained users/operators expose themselves
and bystanders to the risk of serious or fatal injuries.
3. Use the equipment only for its intended purpose.
4. Do not modify the equipment in any way. Unauthorised
modifications may impair the functionality and / or safety and
affect the product’s service life. Any modification of the product
voids the warranty.
5. Keep children and unauthorised persons away from the work area.

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6. Keep first aid means available at all times and make sure you
know how to use them.
7. A fire extinguisher must be readily available at the work site. Keep
it in a visible place.
8. Electrical equipment: Before electrical equipment maintenance,
adjustment or repair, disconnect the plugs, set all switches to the
neutral or OFF position, stop the motors remove the ignition key
or disconnect the power supply, and wait for all moving parts to
stop.

Fire safety from Dryer Machinery User Guide of MEPU, 2017

The most common safety risk associated with a grain dryer is
fire. In addition to significant property damage fire can cause
personal injuries. These key measures help to reduce the risk of fire:
1. Make sure that air supplied into the heat source of the grain dryer
is clean. Prevent debris from getting into the dryer air.
2. Make sure that exhaust air from the grain dryer is not mixed with
the heat source intake air.
3. Guide the air from the pre-cleaner and the dust fan into the
cyclone. Guide the debris from the cyclone into a contained
section.
4. During the drying season regularly clean the dryer machinery and
the heat source carefully. Take into consideration the
requirements of different grain varieties in respect of cleaning.
5. After the end of the season carefully clean the dryer. Pay
particular attention to the cleanliness of the heat source and the
hot air ducts.
6. Ensure electrical safety.
7. Never store or keep ignition sources near the grain dryer.
8. Keep the surroundings of the grain dryer clean and tidy.
9. Check and clean the heat source before the beginning of the
season.

Automatic Batch Dryer of SUKUP, 2015

1. Learn how to use controls and operate equipment.
2. Do not let anyone operate unit without thorough training of basic
operating and safety procedures. Always follow a proper lockout
procedure.
3. Periodically check all mechanical and electrical components. Keep
unit in good working condition.
4. Handle equipment and parts with care. Wear protective clothing to
avoid injury from sharp metal edges.

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5. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses,
gloves, hardhat, steel-toe boots, ear protection and dust mask as
required by local, state and national regulations. Keep unit well
maintained according to procedures outlined elsewhere in this
manual.
Continuous Flow Dryer of Brock Co, 2014
1. Never wear loose-fitting clothing or flowing scarves around moving
parts. Keep long hair secured. Wear suitable footwear for grain
handling areas. Keep shoestrings secured.
2. Restrict or prohibit jewelry (some types of rings, earrings, and
body jewelry that poses an entanglement hazard.
3. Do not stand in the suction area of the Dryer Fan while it is
operating.
4. Work alert after adequate rest. Never operate equipment if you are
tired or distracted. Any worker who is tired and/or under pressure
increases his/her chances of having an accident. Give extra
breaks and/or varied jobs to all workers.
5. Never operate the dryer if intoxicated or under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
6. Never work alone after all other personnel have left the site. You
may find yourself injured and unable to reach help or a way out.
Never work in obviously dusty-moldy grain without a respirator.
Always wear an adequate dust mask or respirator, and ventilate
the work area. Use a respirator capable of filtering fine dust. Be
aware that your tolerance to a given material may be limited, and
that you should not deliberately and knowingly expose yourself on
the idea that it will not hurt you. Later in life, you may have used
up all your tolerance.
7. Never work alone when inside a dryer or during clean-out. No
matter what the breathing protection, always station a second
person on safety standby outside.
Recirculating Automatic Batch Grain Dryer of GT Mfg. Inc.
1. Keep all guards and shield in place.
2. Inspect your drive before adding power and know how to shut
down in an emergency.
3. Stop all moving parts before allowing anyone to approach the
equipment for cleaning, unplugging, adjusting, performing
maintenance or any other duty.
4. Replace all safety shields/guards before restarting.
5. Replace all safety shields/guards as they become worn, damaged,
unusable, missing or lost.
6. Read and understand the Operator’s Manual before operating the
unit.

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 7. Keep children, visitors and all untrained personnel away from the
machine while in operation.
8. Keep all shields and safety devices in place.
9. Stop machine to adjust, lubricate, service, clean or move.
10.Keep hands, feet and clothing away from moving parts. 6.
Disconnect electrical power before servicing.
11.Keep unit level when operating.
12.Maintain proper tire pressure when transporting machine.
Solar Bubble Dryer of IRRI
1. Find a location that is exposed the sun throughout the day, ideally
in 90° angle towards the path of the sun
2. Before spreading the drying tunnel check the ground and remove
any pointed objects that might damage the plastic. If uneven, try
to level the ground.
3. Spread the tunnel, pull at the ends to make sure it does not have
any folds, which would get the mixing roller stuck.
4. Assemble the photovoltaic system and connect the battery, solar
panels and blower to the controller, as indicated in the manual.
5. Position the solar panel so that it faces the sun (adjust it during
the day)
6. Load the drying tunnel, leave at least one meter after the blower
free of grains, and spread the grains evenly up to the sides of the
tunnel, when using the roller for mixing the grains will move a bit
to the center with every pass of the mixer. To avoid this you can
turn the blower off for mixing.
7. Close the tunnel and start the blower. Mix every hour for even
drying
8. Close the tunnel and start the blower. Mix every hour for even
drying
9. Close the tunnel and start the blower. Mix every hour for even
drying
E. Troubleshooting Procedures
The troubleshooting procedures are from various sources: KENTRA Grain
Systems, 2000 and IRRI
Table 1: Troubleshooting for Continuous Mixed Flow Grain Dryer

Problem Cause Remedy

Hot air temperature Dryer is started from Carry out fault reset
Overheat warning cold procedure
Grain temperature Hot grain temperature Set to correct value and
Overheat warning set value is too low carry out fault reset
procedure
Grain temperature Reset air temperature to
setting correct but correct value and carry out

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 drying air temperature fault reset procedure.
set too high for product
being dried
Grain feed failure Wet grain supply Restore wet grain supply
alarm during drying, interrupted and carry out fault reset
burner and procedure
discharge stop
Discharge blockage Dry grain build up in Clear discharge hopper
alarm during drying discharge hopper outlet and rectify cause of
blockage. Carry out fault
reset procedure
Burner will not Burner motor circuit Reset trip and investigate
start, no LOCKOUT breaker tripped cause
warning Fuel filter blocked or no Remove and clean dirty
fuel supply components and/ restore
fuel supply. Carry out fault
reset procedure
Burner ignites but Photocell dirty Clean or replace photocell.
flame goes out after Carry out fault reset
15 seconds, procedure
LOCKOUT warning
Flame ignites but is Too little combustion Check for loose or worn
very orange in color, air nozzles
possible black Build up of dust on Clean diffuser
smoke flame diffuser
Incorrect oil pressure Check and adjust
Flame ignites but is Too much combustion Check for restrictions in fuel
harsh and blue, air supply e.g. blocked oil filter
flumes from fan Blocked nozzle Clean nozzle
exhausting sting Build up of dust on Clean diffuser
eyes, possible white flame diffuser
smoke Badly adjusted diffuser Check and adjust
(KENTRA, 2000)

Mechanical Rice Dryer (IRRI)

Problem Potential cause Possible Measure

Long drying time Ineffective fan Fan testing, replace fan
Reduced airflow from Clean perforated sheets, bigger
turbulences or high plenum chamber and air
resistance of air ducts,
distribution system
Low temperatures Increase temperature within
acceptable limits
Uneven drying Too high air temperature Reduce air temperature,
in fixed bed dryers Mixing after initial drying
Improve temperature control
High fuel Ineffective fan or air- Improve air distribution

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consumption distribution system system, use fan with higher
efficiency
Air-flow rates too high Reduce air flow rate to normal
levels (smaller fan)
Low germination rate Too high drying air Reduce air temperature
temperatures
Low germination potential Dry 1kg of the same crop in
of paddy the shade, make germination
test and compare with
machine dried sample
High number of Moisture gradient, re- Reduce delays in drying, don't
broken grains wetting after drying do field drying, dry
immediately after harvesting
Feeding of grain with Mix grain during drying in
different MC, re-wetting of batch dryers
dryer grain fractions

Troubleshooting a Flat-bed Dryer (IRRI)

Problem Potential Cause Possible Measure

Grain breakage upon Too high drying Adjust drying temperature to
milling temperature below 45oC.
Immediate milling after Wait 1day before milling.
drying
Loss of germination Too high drying Adjust drying temperature to
due to drying temperature below 42oC.
Non-uniformity of Packed bed due to Avoid stepping on the grain
final MC (more than excessive stepping over mass (use a wood board, if
2.5 %) Non-uniform material necessary).
(mixed wet and dry, clean Pre-clean the grain to remove
and dirty grain) gross impurities.
Non-uniform grain depth Adjust depth at local spot after
Perforated floor is partially 2/3 of the drying time is spent.
stuck (holes are filled with Clean the floor after three
dust) batches.
Too much ash in the 
plenum (under the Ash precipitation chamber Clean ash from the
bin) full of ash precipitation chamber
Exit spout of the furnace Move the spout farther from
too close to the fan inlet the fan inlet
Smoky combustion Excessive husk feeding Reduce feeding rate.
rate Check the air inlet supply.
Lack of secondary air for Use dry rice husk.
combustion
Wet rice husk

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Prolonged drying time Not enough airflow
Leakage of drying air Increase engine speed (diesel
Very wet intake paddy engine) or change pulley size
Close shed, not suited for (electric motor).
ventilation Close leak points.
Reduce grain layer depth.
Clear obstruction around the
shed.

Re-circulating Batch Dryer (IRRI)

Trouble Cause Counter Measure

Long drying time Ineffective fan Fan testing, replace fan
Reduced airflow from Clean perforated sheets,
turbulences or high bigger plenum chamber and
resistance of air air ducts,
distribution system
Low temperatures Increase temperature within
acceptable limits
Uneven drying Too high air temperature Reduce air temperature,
in fixed bed dryers Mixing after initial drying
Improve temperature
control
High fuel Ineffective fan or air- Improve air distribution
consumption distribution system system, use fan with higher
efficiency
Air-flow rates too high Reduce air flow rate to
normal levels (smaller fan)
Low germination Too high drying air Reduce air temperature
rate temperatures
Low germination Dry 1kg of the same crop in
potential of paddy the shade, make
germination test and
compare with machine
dried sample
High number of Moisture gradient, re- Reduce delays in drying,
broken grains wetting after drying don't do field drying, dry
immediately after
harvesting
Feeding of grain with Mix grain during drying in
different MC, re-wetting batch dryer
of dryer grain fractions

Continuous Flow Dryer (IRRI)

Trouble Cause Counter Measure

Long drying time Ineffective fan Fan testing, replace fan
Reduced airflow from Clean perforated sheets,

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 turbulences or high bigger plenum chamber and
resistance of air air ducts,
distribution system
Low temperatures Increase temperature within
acceptable limits
Uneven drying Too high air Reduce air temperature,
temperature in fixed Mixing after initial drying
bed dryers Improve temperature control
High fuel Ineffective fan or air- Improve air distribution
consumption distribution system system, use fan with higher
efficiency
Air-flow rates too Reduce air flow rate to normal
high levels (smaller fan)
Low germination rate Too high drying air Reduce air temperature
temperatures
Low germination Dry 1kg of the same crop in
potential of paddy the shade, make germination
test and compare with
machine dried sample
High number of Moisture gradient, Reduce delays in drying, don't
broken grains re-wetting after do field drying, dry
drying immediately after harvesting
Feeding of grain with Mix grain during drying in
different MC, re- batch dryer
wetting of dryer grain
fractions

III. REFERENCES
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