Some factors relating to the transfer of the simple oil barrel grain dryer to the Ghanaian farmer

Abstract

This is a report on some of the technical factors relating to the use of a 300 kg capacity fuel wood fired grain dryer. The study revealed that, on the average, the drying rates for shelled and unshelled maize were 1.1 and 1.3% per hour per 100 kg, respectively. The apparent drying constant for thin layer drying in this dryer was found to be 0.336. Seed viability tests conducted also revealed that the dryer does not kill the embryo when used to dry seed maize. On the construction of the dryer, the study revealed that the optinum height of the drying floor above the stone chips was 15 cm. The optimal bed sizes for shelled and unshelled maize were found to be 6 to 8 cm, and 15 to 20 cm, respectively. The dryer was also found suitable for pepper; drying at a rate of 0.3% per hour. Notes on the use, maintenance and cost of the dryer have been provided. Some modifications in the design of the dryer to improve the drying characteristics have been suggested