Utvärdering av ett silotorksystem för spannmål utrustat med omrörare

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the stir drying method, for drying of grain during Swedish conditions. The evaluation was done during the harvest year 2004, on four farms with stir driers. The driers were evaluated for their energy consumption, design, stirring effectiveness and how much time the farmer has to spend on every tonne of grain. A comparison was also done with conventional Swedish high temperature driers. Totaly six batches of grain from stir driers were examined, mostly winter wheat, but also barley and wheat. Fore every batch the water content during harvest and after drying, were measured. Tests were also done for microbes and germination. The six batches were harvested at average moisture contents from 17 to 20 %. No quality damages were detected during drying in the examined dryers, but not all of the batches were dried to 14 % moisture content, which might have caused quality problems later on. In those dryers with high air temperatures the inside of the roof were covered with condensed water. Much dust was also covering the inside of the roof and the upper part of the wall. After drying, there were differences depending on the work of the stirring device. The differences were accorded to the working time of the stirring device. Less difference in moisture content were measured fore those batches with long working time of the stirring device. The specific energy consumption was measured to 5780 kJ/kg H2O, depending on the heat source. The total time fore every tonne of grain, that the farmer have to spend for unloading and a quick check of the dryer, were from 20 seconds per tonne to 2,8 minutes. That is the same or slightly less than a conventional dryer on a farm of the same size.