CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

This chapter includes the background of the study, the problem that needs to be

solved, the purpose and aim of the research, its scope and limitation and the significance

of the study involving the beneficiary of this project. This chapter provides a summary of

information and data of all the essential contents concerning this research.

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Since then, grains are traditionally sun-dried to remove its high moisture content

and make it suitable for storage throughout a longer time period. Sun drying of grains has

been commonly practiced in a tropical country like Philippines. Proper drying expands the

opportunities to different kinds of agricultural commodities stored temporarily and serves

as a big factor that will help seek better markets without quality deterioration [1]. Stored

grains having high moisture content will lead into low-quality products and shorter time of

storage [2]. As a result of making use of the traditional way when it comes to drying grains,

farmers and producers are commonly faced with hard situations regarding the use of the

usual method.

1
 Zambales 1073
Bulacan 4096

Province
Bataan 7424
Aurora 22557
Nueva Ecija 38459
Pampanga 60805
Tarlac 124368
0 25000 50000 75000 100000 125000
in metric ton

Figure 1.1 Annual Volume of Corn Production by Province, Central Luzon: 2017

(Source: Philippine Statistics Office, 2017)

Figure 1.1 presents the production of corn at every province in terms of volume

(metric ton) in 2017. It shows that Bataan produced huge amount of corn. Later, this data

will be added to tell how big the amount of the grains was produced in Bataan.

Table 1.1 2017 Palay Performance

(Source: Department of Agriculture – Bataan)

Production Area Harvested Average Yield

Province/Municipality (mt) (ha) (mt/ha)
Annual Annual Annual
Philippines 19,276,347.00 4,811,808.00 4.01
Central Luzon 3,614,807.00 720,929.82 5.04
Aurora 100,179.00 23,839.00 4.20
Bataan 136,269.00 30,074.82 4.53
Bulacan 378,088.00 82,801.00 4.57
Nueva Ecija 1,884,091.00 324,042.00 5.81
Pampanga 429,406.00 92,288.00 4.65
Tarlac 579,013.00 135,075.00 4.29
Zambales 127,761.00 32,810.00 3.89

2
 It is shown in Table 1.1 the amount of production of palay grains in Bataan, it also

shows how big the production was at every province of Central Luzon in 2017. In Bataan,

as stated by the Department of Agriculture office, many farmers are still using the

conventional way of drying grains.

Bataan, as an agricultural land should have an enough supply and means to produce

a low cost but high-quality rice in the market, but due to uncontrollable situations

frequently happening nowadays like unfavorable weather conditions, farmers and traders

are having a hard time to achieve it affecting both the supply and consumers.

The local government is offering a mechanical grain dryer wherein farmers can dry

grains but they have to bring it to a designated place and that alone introduces a downside

to the offer where it will take days before getting their dried grains. There are also

mechanical dryers out there in the market but most of them farmers are not capable of

paying for such a machine.

A data from the Department of Agriculture office says that there are only fourteen

mechanical grain dryers within the whole province of Bataan. One flat bed dryer in each

municipality of Dinalupihan, Hermosa and Orani and two flatbed dryers in City of Balanga

and Samal. There are also four drying machines, Recirculating Dryer with Biomass

Furnace, in Bataan operating in Dinalupihan, Orani and two in Balanga City. There is also

another mechanical grain dryer known as Mobile Flash Dryer operating in Dinalupihan

and Orion. Each mechanical grain dryer has its unique way of drying grains.

Philippines is a tropical country with a huge landmass good for producing abundant

supply of grains to sustain its population as well as the economy. According to the

Department of Agriculture office in Bataan, rice grains must be dried before storage and

3
the moisture content must be set to its safe level (14% moisture) as soon as possible to

avoid deterioration of quality and spoilage during storage.

When it comes to the conventional way of drying grains (sun drying or field

drying), there are lots of factors to be considered before proceeding to the process. First,

there should be a large and open area where grains will be laid and fully exposed to the sun

rays. Second, it should not be laid in an area where there is a high vulnerability to any kinds

of unwanted contaminants. Lastly, there should be a favorable weather condition during

the entirety of the process.

900 775
Amount of Rainfall, mm

800 629
700
600
500 404.6
348
400
300 209.8 219
200 114.4
9.6 9.4 10.4 32.2 42.8
100
0

Month

Figure 1.2 Average Amount of Rainfall in Bataan Monthly

Source: Climate-Data. Org

This table presents the average amount of rainfall in Bataan per month. Based on

the graph shown, the months between May to November is a grueling season for every

farmers and traders to dry grains due to the large amount of rainfall.

The study responded with matters regarding the drying of grains in off-season or

rainy season and the necessary large area where the operation of field/sun drying will be

conducted.

4
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The main problem that the study wanted to show is the negative effects of delayed

grain drying process due to farmers and traders depending on sun drying as means of

reaching the safe level of moisture content for storage. It also wanted to show the

inconsistency of the conventional method as it depends on an uncontrollable temperature

and weather condition.

There is a need to design and fabricate an efficient grain drying equipment that can

be easily operated by farmers and traders and the machine should be low cost and requires

less maintenance.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

1.3.1 General Objective

To design and fabricate a machine that can be reliable in any season in terms of

drying grains without having to consider the weather condition and a machine that will not

degrade the quality of the grains.

1.3.2 Specific Objective

1. To fabricate a machine that can be a substitute to the traditional grain

drying.

2. To fabricate a machine that can dry grain efficiently.

3. To develop a machine with a device that monitors the temperature while the

machine is operating to prevent over drying of the grains.

5
 4. To evaluate and test the effectiveness of the machine by using heated air for

drying grains.

5. To analyze the differences between traditional drying and artificial drying

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Philippines is currently the 3rd country in the world ranked as the most vulnerable

to climate change [3]. Extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall, flooding and many

more can cause delay to the operation of drying rice grains.

Drying grains are so important to the point where the government spend so much

money for the sole purpose of making a place just to dry grains by field drying, with this

project it can eliminate the main problem of providing a large area just to produce quality

rice.

This study aims to design and fabricate equipment that will help to dry grains even

in off-season or rainy season by putting the grains in a container while heated air from a

heat source is passing through it. The hot air passing through will absorb the moisture in

the grains.

Specifically, this research study will be beneficial to the farmers the first beneficiary

of this study as they are the primary producer of grains especially to those who perform the

process of traditional sun drying, Traders that do not have large open area to use for sun

drying, and farmers that worry on how to and when to dry their grains after harvesting

during the off – season as this equipment can be used anytime and can dry grains within a

shorter time.

6
 Businesses that the primary services and products are focused on grain drying,

Entrepreneur that see the benefits of this research can earn profit by developing and mass

– producing the machine, local government of cooperative with enough grain dryers and

to consumer that can benefit in low – cost rice grains by the effects of lesser shortage due

to contribution of mechanical dryer to the total production and to the next researchers who

needs deeper understanding regarding drying rice grains mechanically.

1.5 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

The project study entitled “Moisture Removing Machine for Drying Grains” aims

to create a device that uses heated air for removing the moisture in grains specifically the rice grains

also known as palay. This will also evaluate the quality of grains between sun-dried and

heated air drying.

This machine will use heated air for drying grains fueled by biomass as a source of

heat it will use two fans, Fan A for pushing the heated air going to the drying chamber and

Fan B for collecting the air from the grains that will use for recirculating. And covers the

assessment of the required temperature for drying grains, grains will carry by the used of

tray and to check the moisture content of the grain there is digital moisture meter for

monitoring the moisture content.

This will only dry rice grains to test its efficiency and effectiveness. The design

capacity will be limited to a certain amount of rice grains that can be dry at a time and it

will take hours to dry grains and still much lesser that traditional drying that takes up to 3

7
days. Grains soaked in water can still be dried but it will take too much time, fuel and the

quality will not be as high as the newly harvested crops.

This machine can dry other grains like mongo and corn but no record will be taken

from it, all the records acquired from rice grains will be taken into considerations, this

research is only subjected to dry grains and electricity will be used to ran the fan.

8
 Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter of the research analysis shows deeper and elaborated foundation of

the study. Importance of the recent progress in the industry including different types and

classifications of available working design intends to further discuss to this chapter. This

also contained recent studies and researches with obtained methodologies and results

regarding grain dryers.

2.1 PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE INDUSTRY OF GRAIN DRYING

In Figure 2.1, the process of drying can be performed either traditionally or

mechanically, with respect to technological complexity and capacity. Types of dryer varies

to its application, either farm or commercial level [4]. When it comes to drying grains using

the traditional method, it can only be differentiated by the presence of the sun rays where

one makes use of it while the other can operate without it.

Compare to the development made regarding the conventional method of drying

grains, the development in the side of mechanical dryers are vast and continuously

improving. Different dryers using dissimilar methods to either improve the machine lessen

the cost of operation, speed up the process, increase the capacity, etc. are introduced to the

industry.

9
 Sun Drying
Traditional
Field Drying Batch Dryer

Re-circulating
Heated Air Drying
Drying Systems Batch Dryer

Continuous Flow
Dryer

Mechanical In-Store Dryer

Low Temperature
Drying
Grain Cooler

Solar Drying Solar Bubble

Figure 2.1 Drying Systems

(Source: IRRI Rice Knowledge Bank)

2.1.1 Previous Study in Traditional Drying System

Sun drying is the most common drying method in Asia. In sun drying, the solar

radiation heats up the grains as well as the air that surrounds the grains. It also increases

the water evaporating rate of the grains [5].

In sun drying method, it is difficult to control the temperature. Due to difficulty in

temperature control, grains can easily overheat creating cracked grains which leads to have

a low-quality product [6].

Mat Drying is one of the recommended options for sun drying. The grains were

placed on mats, nets, or canvass to make it dry. It is the most sanitary way of sun drying

practice because grains somehow become isolated with stones and other dirt. In addition,

in case of sudden rainfall, grains can be easily collected. However, there is a risk of grains

getting wet from soil moisture [7].

10
 Pavement drying is literally constructed for drying. Also, it is a method that can dry

a high capacity of grains and can be mechanized by using wheel tractor but it can be easily

mixed with stone [8].

2.1.2 Previous Study in Mechanical Drying System

Traditional way of drying usually encounter troublesome, in order to increase the

quality of the product and less in labor cost, heated air dryer or mechanical dryer was

developed. In this method, drying can be performed at night and even in an adverse

weather. It also allows drying conditions to be set [9].

Heated air dryer retains high temperature for quick drying. Drying process is

completed when average moisture content reaches the desired final moisture content. In

order to enhance the working process of a mechanical dryer different types are made [10]

[11] [12].

Fixed-bed dryer is under heated air dryer that are usually used by farmers,

contractors, and small rice mills. Grain is dried by forcing air from below. A simple axial

flow fan powered by diesel engine or by an electric motor provides the drying air. The heat

that provides drying heat were kerosene burner or biomass stove. The dryer’s capacity

varies from one to ten tons [13].

In developed countries, re-circulating batch dryers have been used for a long time.

Most countries in Asia, private sector uses re-circulating batch dryer for a better quality of

grain and for carrying large amounts during peak season safely. Although, due to its dust

that came from the grain, it is recommended to pre-clean the grain prior to loading and

11
drying. Unlike flatbed dryer, the capacity of the recirculating dryer varies from two tons

up to twenty tons [14].

Conventional continuous flow dryer is not that common in Southeast Asia but it is

used by some larger milling enterprises that handle large volumes of grains. It has different

system of airflow with respect to grain consist of either mixing or non-mixing dryer [15].

Some type of dryers undergoes the process of low temperature drying. Wherein the

relative humidity on the grains is being controlled, aside from the temperature, there are

different factor that may affect the amount of moisture content such as pressure, etc.

Low-temperature drying tends to reach equilibrium moisture content, in this state

the amount of vapor from the top to deep bed is constant. This type of drying can avoid

high consumption of heat energy and sometimes doesn’t require any burner or furnace. The

heat from the radiant energy from the sun can be considered as a furnace on a low-

temperature dryer.

Compare to the traditional drying, solar drying also use solar energy as a heating

element for the dryer but by using some specified equipment accessories like medium

velocity fans and transparent cover it requires some sort of power to be used in the

equipment for every operation. One of the modern dryers innovated to increase the

performance of the dryer was Solar Bubble dryer.

2.2 AVAILABLE WORKING DESIGN

Through the years, government and institutes are developing more alternative grain

dryers that can be counterpart to traditional grain drying. There are so many grain dryers

12
with different type and way of drying that are available commercially. Further are the list

and types/classifications of grain dryer that are typically use and available in Philippines.

2.2.1 Continuous Flow Dryer

Continuous flow dryer is another type of dryer available commercially. Continuous

flow dryer has four different types and each type has unique way of drying grains. Its

operation has to be planned carefully and the maintenance of this equipment should be

properly monitored in order to fully utilize its expensiveness [16].

Figure 2.2 Different Types of Dryer under Continuous Flow

(Source: South Dakota State University, 2017)

From the figure above, it shows different types of continuous flow dryer and that

includes the following: cross flow, mixed flow, counter flow and concurrent flow. Each

dries grain in different ways.

In cross flow dryers the process starts by making the grain moves downward while

the air passes through it perpendicularly to direction of grain flow. This dryer can deal

13
better with clogging compare to mixed flow dryer. Compare to the former dryer, concurrent

flow dryers is used when faster grain drying process is required. The flow of the air used

to dry and the grains itself runs on the same direction.

Counter flow dryers operate the air flow’s direction to counters the grain’s course.

Since drying air continues to removes moisture all the way through the wettest region, the

system becomes energy efficient. While in mixed flow dryer, the nonstop mixing produces

high quality grains; concurrent and counter flow may occur within one dryer.

2.2.2 Natural Air Dryer

Figure 2.3 Drying Mechanism of Natural Air Dryer

(Source: North Dakota State University)

Natural air dryer is depending on the ambient temperature way of drying, it is an

unheated type air drying process where the grain is in the storage that uses the outside air

to dry the grain specially corn to the safe storage moisture (13 to 15%) [17].

Compared to other dryers that uses biomass (fossils, corn cobs, and etc.) to remove

the moisture of the grain, natural air dryer uses electricity to power the fan and the ambient

14
temperature outside to remove excess moisture. The use of the fan is depending on the

number of bushels in the storage. For every 500 bushels it needs a 1000 CFM or 1hp of fan

to be use (much deeper the grain, more HP will be needed).

The flow of the air will start at the bottom and it will pass through the perforated

floor to reach all the grain, the use of perforated floor is much efficient than using a duct

to distribute the air. Proper distribution of the air will result the more successful output of

the grain (it uses a high volume of air to dry down the grain gradually). The addition of

subsidiary of heat to the air helps to decrease the moisture of the grain [18].

2.2.3 Recirculating Bin Dryer

Figure 2.4 Schematic Diagram of Recirculating Bin Dryer

(Source: North Dakota State University)

Recirculating bin dryer is a high temperature dryer that uses heated air to dry the

grain, it used sweep auger (part of a dryer) to push the remaining at the bottom of a storage

bin toward the bin’s discharge sump opening. It rotates around the discharge opening to

sweep the grain toward that opening. Sweep auger may be supervised by the sensor of the

temperature or moisture meter. When the conditions meet the temperature or moisture

15
meter sensor will begin to operate the sweep auger to remove the grain at the bottom of the

bin as it dries.

After complete and finish the process around the bin, the sweep auger will stop

working until the sensor determines that the layer of that grain is dried. Then the dried

grains will be distributed and moved to the uppermost layer. The dried grain will be partly

moistened because of the moisture coming from the grain which results to decrease its

drying efficiency. When all the grain is dried it will be going to the cooling process and the

grain will cooled to the bin. The dried and cooled grain will be left to the bin and it’s

ordinary to dry a last grain using a continuous flow bin dryer [19]

2.2.4 Continuous Flow Bin Dryer

Figure 2.5 Drying Mechanism of Continuous Flow Bin Dryer

(Source: North Dakota State University)

Like a recirculating bin dryer, continuous flow bin dryer also uses a sweep auger to

remove the grain at the downside of the bin as it dries. Recirculating and continuous flow

bin dryer is connected the first bin is in recirculating and the second bin is the continuous

flow bin dryer. The dried grains will go the second bin for cooling process.

16
 Up to two points of moisture will be removed by the cooling of the grains if the

dryeration is used (describe a sequence of high speed, high temperature drying followed

by tempering) and the drying rate will increase about 60 percent for dryeration and 30

percent for in – storage cooling and it increases efficiency in terms of energy [20].

2.2.5 Reversible Air flow Dryer

Figure 2.6 Schematic Diagram of Reversible Airflow Dryer

(Source: North Dakota State University)

Reversible Airflow grain dryer has three main parts: the furnace where the fuel

where place, the blower assembly, and the drying bin. This dryer storage or capacity level

is 8 tons of paddies per batch. The fan used is axial flow type having a diameter of 900mm

and powered by a 22-25 of diesel engine or an 11kw electric motor. Reversible airflow

grain dryer is a type of dryer that uses heated air to dry the grains, the drying grains is

usually store in a drying bin with a depth of 50 to 60cm. and the heated air is produced by

the furnace where the source of heat was formed and it was delivered using fans. The drying

air which came from the fan that is blown into the bin is the combination of the hot air in

17
the furnace and the ambient air. The drying temperature used to dry the drying seeds is 40

to 43 degree Celsius [21].

The process involves two periods:

The upward drying period, in this period the fan blows the heated air at the bottom

part of the bin with the use of air reversal chamber and blown air will discharge through

out of the chamber that connected to the lower side – plenum chamber and plenum chamber

under the floor. And the layers of the grain mass bringing the moisture vaporized upward

and it will exit on the top of the grains [22].

The downward drying period, in this period the fan blows the heated air at the top

to dry the peak part of the grain and bin will be fully covered to push air downward. And

the heated plenum chamber sets the heated air to enter the side – plenum chamber and the

top of the grain mass goes to the upper and lower of the grain mass and exits at the open

area of the lower side plenum. And it will continue to dry until the moisture of the grain is

in desired level [23].

2.3 RECENT STUDY WITH OBJECTIVE AND METHODOLOGY

Different studies and researches were conducted for the development of grain

drying. Names of studies and thesis titles are presented through a table including the scope

of the machine, its objective, methodology and the result of the study. It will clearly show

different techniques to drying grains efficiently.

18
19
20
21
2.4 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

Based on the researches and studies gathered in this chapter, it can conclude that

every place has different problem regarding grain drying that leads to different studies that

gives different drying techniques and processes.

From the table 2.1, reversible grain drying is more efficient than other drying

techniques as heated air will flow both on top and bottom reaching the equilibrium of the

moisture content. Using recirculation drying process is another efficient way of drying

grain, in this type, heated air that pass-through grains will be used for recirculation resulting

to less consume of furnace or biomass that produces heated air.

Review of related literature leads this research study in the development of creating

a prototype of a moisture removing machine using recirculating-reversible grain dryer.

This combination may result to higher efficiency, lesser grain drying span and better grain

quality without using too much consumption of biomass.

22
 CHAPTER 3

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

In this chapter are discussed and clearly stated the related concepts and key topics

from different branches of science that are related to the research. Also, every concept and

topic that involves mathematical formulas has been clearly stated.

3.1 HEAT TRANSFER & HEAT TRANSFER DEVICE

Heat transfer is the heat transfer process from the reservoir of high temperature to

the reservoir of low temperature. As far as the thermodynamic system is concerned, heat

transfer is the heat movement across the system’s boundary due to the difference in

temperature between the system and the environment. Due to temperature difference, heat

transfer can also take place within the system at different points within the system. The

temperature difference is considered ‘potential’ causing the heat flow and the heat itself is

called flux [34].

Figure 3.1 Diagram of a Heat Transfer

23
3.1.1 Modes of Heat Transfer

a. Conduction – it is the heat transfer between two solid bodies. It depends on

the hot and cold body temperature difference [35].

b. Convection – it is the heat transfer between the solid surface and the liquid

[36].

c. Radiation – it is when two bodies are separated by distance at different

temperature. There is a medium to transfer the heat in the case of conduction

and convection heat transfer, but there is no media in the case of radiation

heat transfer. The transfer of radiation heat occurs because of the

electromagnetic waves in the atmosphere [37].

3.1.2 Heat Transfer Devices

Dryer is a device that uses hot fluid commonly air to reduce the moisture content

of solid material. The equipment’s concepts will be used to interpret how the proposed

dryer will be used to reduce the grain’s moisture content [38].

 Drying Operation – it is a major process in industry. In industrial dryers,

different temperature levels and drying principles are used. Air is heated by

steam, gas or hot water, and then recirculated through the wet product, as a

common dryer type. As the wet product moistures, the air rises, its moisture

increases and its energy can become a useful heat source. This humid air is

to be drained or dehumidified by the standard procedure. Heat can be

removed from the moist with a heat pump. The air is dehumidified and

cooled. The extracted temperature can be increased and the dryer can be

heated [39].

24
3.1.2.1 Dryer Formulas:

Gross Weight = Bone-dry Weight + Moisture Weight

GW = BDW + MW (Equation 3.1)

Bone-dry Weight of entering material = Bone-dry Weight of leaving material

GWA – MWA = GWB – MWB (Equation 3.2)

Moisture removed from materials, mR

mR = MWA – MWB (Equation 3.3)

Moisture removed by air = Moisture removed from materials

mA (H4 – H3) = mR = MWA – MWB (Equation 3.4)

𝑀𝑊𝐴 − 𝑀𝑊𝐵
𝑚𝐴 =
(𝐻4 − 𝐻3 )

where: MWA = total moisture content at A, kg wv/s

MWB = total moisture content at B, kg wv/s

H4 = moisture content of air leaving dryer, kg wv/kg dry air

H3 = moisture content of air entering dryer, kg wv/kg dry

mA = air mass flow rate, kg da/s

3.2 COMBUSTION

Combustion is a chemical reaction between substances generated by the heat and

light in the form of a flame, usually including oxygen. The reactants are combined at a high

rate, partly due to the nature of the chemical reaction itself, and partly because more energy

25
can be generated in the surrounding media, thereby increasing the reactant temperature

even more so that the reaction becomes more quickly accelerated [40].

3.2.1 Combustion Formula

Fuel + Air = Product of Combustion

𝐶𝑚 𝐻𝑛 + (𝑛 + 0.25𝑚)𝑂2 + 3.76 (𝑛 + 0.25𝑚)𝑁2 → 𝑛𝐶𝑂2 +

0.25𝑚𝐻2 𝑂 + 3.76 (𝑛 + 0.25𝑚)𝑁2 (Equation 3.5)

3.3 MATERIAL SCIENCE

Material Science is the study of the properties of solid materials and the

determination of those properties by the composition and design of a material. The

amalgam of solid-state physics, metallurgy and chemistry grew, because there can be no

understanding of the rich range of material properties under any particular traditional

discipline [41].

3.3.1 Thermal Properties

The material-dependent response identifies thermal properties when a solid body,

a liquid or a gas is heated. This response could be an increase in the temperature, a

transition from a stage, a change in length or volume or the initiation of a chemical reaction

[42].

3.3.1.1 Thermal Conductivity

Thermal conductivity refers to the ability to transfer or conduct warmth intrinsically

of a material. It has been assessed mainly in accordance with Fourier’s heat conduction

26
law. The two methods are convection and radiation. It is one of three methods for heat

transfer [43].

Table 3.1 Different Thermal Conductivity of Common Material

(Source: UCSB Science Line)

Material Thermal Conductivity (W/m – °C)

Acrylic 0.200
Air 0.024
Aluminum 250
Copper 401
Carbon Steel 54
Concrete 1.050
Gold 310
Nickel 91
Paper 0.050
PTFE (Teflon) 0.250
PVC 0.190
Silver 429
Steel 46
Water 58
Wood 0.130

 Fourier’s Law states that, at the right angles to the gradient through which

thermal flows the rate of heat transfer through the matter shall be

proportional to the negative temperature gradient and the surface area [44].
𝑄𝐿
𝑘= 𝐴∆𝑇
(Equation 3.6)

27
3.3.1.2 Thermal Stress

Thermal stress occurs when the temperature is changing sue to thermal expansion

of the metal structural components. Temperature changes cause the structural members to

suffer thermal deformation [45]. The values of these deformation can be described using

the following formula:

𝛿𝑡 = 𝛼𝐿∆𝑇 (Equation 3.7)

Where: α = temperature coefficient expansion

ΔT = change in temperature

L = original length of the structure

3.4 INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROLS

Instrumentation and Controls is the science of measuring and controlling of the

process involve in a certain kind of production with a specified instrument [46].

3.4.1 Temperature Measurement

Temperature measurement or thermometry, defined as the process of measuring a

current local temperature for instantaneous or advanced evaluation [47].

3.4.1.1 Kinds of Temperature Instrument

Temperature gauges measure the thermal state of an identical substance. The

measuring system must be closely to the object as possible with the body to be measured,

but some modern instrument has been capable to measure with a specified distance. The

28
most commonly used measuring approaches depend on temperature-dependent physical

and material characteristics [48].

 Temperature Gauges – this kind of gauge measures the temperature adjacent

to its sensible part and it is attachable to any kind of contact required.

 Pyrometer – it is a kind of modern temperature measuring device that uses

infrared light to emit heat from the object desires to obtain.

3.4.1.2 Special Instrument

Special Instrument is prepared for unusual purpose in a certain process. It appears

in the field specified for it use. Moisture Content Meter is an example of special instrument,

it uses to read the amount of moisture of the grain. This device measures the relative

humidity of subject so its output expressed in percentage.

3.5 FANS AND BLOWERS

Fans and blowers deliver air for ventilation and industrial process requirements.

Fans generate a pressure to travel gases against a resistance caused by the ducts or other

components in the system. The fan rotor obtains energy from a rotating shaft and transmits

it to the air then produces flow for the process [49].

3.5.1 Fan Types

The selection of the fan is depending on the volume flow rate, type of material held,

space limitations, and efficiency. Fan efficiencies differ from design to design and also by

types. Different type of fans usually differs to its application due to its disparity on ranges.

The common types are: axial and centrifugal fan.

29
 In axial flow type, air passes in and leaves the fan with no alteration in

direction. Its efficiency ranges from 45% to 85%. The major types of axial

flow fans are: tube axial, vane axial and propeller.

 In centrifugal flow type, airflow changes direction twice - once when

entering and second when leaving. Its efficiency ranges from 58% to 85%.

The major types of centrifugal fan are: radial forward curved and backward

curved.

30
 CHAPTER 4

METHODOLOGY

In this chapter, stating and illustrating of all the procedures and methods that will

be performed by the researchers are clearly summarized for deeper understanding of the

process of the study. Assessment of the design based in related literatures is carefully

investigated for the collection and gathering of data for better design preparation and

prototype fabrication. Parameters that will be evaluated during testing can be seen in this

chapter.

4.1 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

The conceptual framework below is the flow of the study from data gathering to

finalization of design and documentation. This serves as the researchers guide and pattern

to successfully create an efficient and effective study.

The researchers will follow the framework for the duration of the study. The flow

below will vividly show the step by step procedures that can be easily understand.

31
 Figure 4.1 Conceptual Framework

4.2 DATA GATHERING

In order to construct a prototype design that will solve the difficulties of the farmers

to dry grains, observation and collection of data through interviews, written documents and

past researches will be conducted. The parameters compiled can be used as a way to express

possible solution to a conflict that may occur.

The proponents of the research study are to observed and test the grains in Bataan

for the quality of the grains including the parameters such as color, smell and the texture

after it dried. The collected data included in the process considers the moisture content,

temperature, volume and the minimum and maximum time to dry grains in order to

determine the performance of the prototype. Aspects and properties on what fuel, biomass

or what energy is to be used to dry the grains are all included in gathering data. All the

32
information gathered from the process answers relevant problems, it will allow evaluation

about the output and what part needs reconstruction.

4.3 DESIGN PREPARATION

Figure 4.2 Flow of Source of Design Preparation

After gathering information and data, calculation will be done to obtain necessary

measurements for the prototype. A prototype device that can dry grains fast compare to the

conventional method and produce quality product by using different devices and

techniques. Techniques that can improve or contribute to the effectiveness of the entirety

of process, with respect to the data collected, sizes of different section of the dryer will be

set. It will be designed through computer programs considering computations and different

data collected from testing, the effectiveness, and availability of materials to be used,

fabrication and cost estimation for the prototype including other expenses.

33
4.3.1 Design Calculations for Using Heat Source

In drying grains, considering the source of heat is very important to maximize the

efficiency of the machine and minimize the possible expenses. The computations below

serve as the primary foundation in designing a grain dryer.

4.3.1.1 Design Calculation of LPG as Heat Source

Note: 11kg of LPG = 700 pesos

Solving of LPG consume per hour wherein heater is in maximum setting.

Maximum setting of heater = 14000 Btu/hr.

1kg of LPG = 46,452 Btu

1kg of LPG = 64 pesos

Solving of amount of LPG consumes by the heater.

1kg of LPG x (14,000 btu/hr)/ (46,452 btu) = 0.3 kg/hr. of gas consumed

Solving for cost of LPG consumed by the heater per hour.

64 pesos / kg of LPG x 0.3 kg/hr. = 19.2 pesos

Based on the computation above, using LPG as heat source will cost 19.2 pesos per

hour of operation.

4.3.1.2 Design Calculation of Electric Coil as Heat Source

This computation was based on last research study that dry grains using electricity.

Some computation has recomputed as price of power consumption last year and today was

changed.

34
Note: Electric cost as of January 2019 is Php 5.11/kWh. Assuming that the machine will

run for two hours using 3kw by the heater. Cost of power consumption will be computed

using:

E = Pt (Equation 4.1)

Where: E = Power expended in an hour, kWh

P = Energy consumed per unit time, wattage

t = time, hour

E = Pt

E = (3kw) (2hr) = 6kWh

Solving for the cost of the power consumed by the electric coil.

Cost= E (electric cost) = (6kWh) (Php 5.11)

Based on the computation above, using electric coil as heat source will cost 15.33

pesos per hour of operation.

4.3.1.3 Design Calculation of Biomass as Heat Source

1 sack of Rice Husk = 10kg

1 sack of Rice Husk = Php 15.00

Therefore, 1kg of rice husk = Php 1.50

Solving the amount of rice husk needed per hour of operation.

Note: Based on research, 1kg of rice husk produces 14.5 MJ. Given the heat rate of 14,000

btu/hr.

35
Computation should be:

1kg of rice husk x (14,000 btu/hr)/(14.5 MJ) x (1 MJ)/(1000000 J) x (1 J)/(0.00095

btu) = 1.0163 kg/hr

Solving for the cost of rice husk consumed in one hour.

Php 1.50/kg x 1.0163 kg/hr = Php 0.8487/hr

Based on the computation above, using biomass (rice husk) as heat source will cost

0.8487 centavos per hour of operation.

4.3.2 Summary Discussion

The table below represents the summary of the design calculations for each possible

heat source. This will help the researchers on choosing what the most compatible heat

source to be used is. Disadvantages and advantages of each heat source is stated on the

table below, each of them has its own good and bad characteristics. Computed cost of each

heat source that leads to the conclusions on what is the most expensive heat source out of

the three are jot down to see which is the most affordable.

Table 4.1 Heat Source Comparison

Type of Heat
Cost Advantage Disadvantage
Source
High drying cost
Easy to operate
Electric Coil Php 15.33/hr Air recirculation
Heat can control
can’t be applied
LPG Php 19.2/hr Heat can control High drying cost
Abundant supply Heat cannot be
Biomass Php 0.8487/hr
Low drying cost control

36
4.3.3 Designs Considered

The conceptual designs of “Development of Biomass-fueled Grain Dryer with

Recirculation of Heated Air” considered by the researchers are shown and briefly explained

in Figures 5.1 and 5.2.

4.3.3.1 First Conceptual Design Considered

The illustration below is the first conceptual design considered and reviewed by the

researchers.

Figure 4.3 First Conceptual Design Considered

4.3.3.2 Second Conceptual Design Considered

The illustration below is the last and final design considered by the researchers that

will be used for the research title “Biomass-fueled Grain Dryer with Recirculation of

Heated Air”

37
 Figure 4.4 Second Conceptual Design Considered

4.3.3.3 Evaluation Discussion

Table 4.2 Conceptual Design Comparison

CONCEPTUAL DESIGN ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

FIRST DESIGN  Cheaper  Can’t divert the heated
 Retractable air
 Has a smaller furnace
 Immovable
 Lacks in rice husk
container
 Lacks in chimney

SECOND DESIGN  Can divert the heated  Expensive

air  Intact
 Has a larger furnace  Heavy
 Movable
 Has rice husk hopper
Has chimney

This table exhibits the advantages and the disadvantages of each conceptual design.

Determining which designs are better in terms of performance can be based on what

advantages can be acquired on each design and what disadvantages will occur on choosing

38
the design. The disadvantages shown on the table can be used as a way of setting up

countermeasure knowing that such situation may occur during operation.

4.4 PROTOTYPE FABRICATION

The fabrication of the prototype will be by assembling different section required

for a dryer. It will have basic sections like furnace and container of the grain. Some sections

will have detectors and gauges installed to monitor losses due to simultaneously opening

the container. The detector/gauges will be a great help in monitoring the changes in

temperature or the decrease in moisture content by serving as a reminder or a basis to the

standard values that must be met during the process. In order to create an efficient dryer

and good quality grains, these accessories must be installed.

The cost of the prototype may vary according to its size, capacity, materials needed

and the quality of the materials used in the machine. In terms of the total effectiveness of

the machine, the quality of the materials used is almost as significant as the design. The

prototype will not only consider the quality of each material used in building it but also

make it as economical as possible without compromising the standard of the equipment

used.

4.5 TESTING DESCRIPTION

After the fabrication of the device, it will be tested to know more about the

capabilities of the design. The testing aims to acquire parameters that will determine the

potential in the design’s performance and also to measure the properties of the product

39
generated by the prototype. Testing does not only acquire data that can be represented by

numbers but it can also obtain significant information based on what was encountered or

experienced during the practice.

4.5.1 Process and Product Testing

The output of these tests can be compared to previous data generated from the

former designs made to see if there is any relation, like common characteristics,

differences, etc. All the data that are obtained by all these testing can be brought together

and be used to improve the process by adjusting the variables that can be modified along

the process.

There are different devices and techniques that are going to be used in acquiring

the data. The selection of these devices was made for the benefit of the testing, for more

approximate evaluation and for making the whole operation of the prototype monitored.

Deciding on what type of a specific instrument is going to be used for the testing and for

the operation of the machine plays a pompous part to the effectiveness of the machine.

Possibility to the introduction of any extraneous variable cannot be prevented from

being a factor to the percent error, but it can be minimized through precision and practice.

Human error is known to take place for any devices that is manually operated and it can

possibly affect the output of the device used.

The device used reliability can also be a contributor to any undetected errors on the

process of the testing like the quality of the device and the price that can vary with its

precision. Errors during testing can generate a chain reaction of complications especially

40
in analyzing the data wherein if something goes wrong, it can affect the exactness of the

evaluation.

4.5.2 Testing for Sun Drying Process and Heated Air Process

This test will determine the differences of which process produces a product that

has convincing qualities by comparing the two dissimilar processes. Both methods need to

have the same target moisture content for each process to be considered done. It will be

assumed that they have the same amount of time from when it is harvested up to when it is

about to be dried through different methods.

Table 4.3 Experimental Design: Using Different Temperature (Heated Air)

Using Heated Air Duration (hrs) Quality

Temperature: A

Temperature: B

After the test, a group of individuals will do an inspection to the trial product; it

will be conducted to know the quality of the grains after going through different process

then all the results from the inspection that was organized will be compared. Considering

that all the people who examined the experimented product are those who have knowledge

regarding the matter.

41
4.5.3 After-only with Control Design

Testing Area Control Area

↓ ↓

Machine Sun drying

↓ ↓

Drying time Drying time

(y) (x)

𝑇𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡 = |(𝑦) − (𝑥)|

The dependent variable in this design is the drying time of each area after going

through two different treatments. The dependent variable will only be taken when both

processes reach the suited storage moisture content level (14%). To be able to determine

the treatment effect, the values obtained in both areas will be subtracted and the difference

between them will be taken as the impact assessed.

4.5.4 Process and Product Testing in Different Temperature

This experiment is made specifically for the process of using Heated Air. Unlike

Sun Drying where lots of conditions cannot be controlled, heated air process can be

managed. By using different approach through configuring the temperature of the process,

this test can determine whether what temperature is the most suitable the machine can be

equipped with. The results of this experiment can also prove if the duration of the process

has something to do with quality of the product. It will be assumed that they have the same

42
amount of time from when it is harvested up to when it is about to be dried through different

temperature approach.

Temperature (Celcius) Quality (Rank)

60 60 60 60

50 50 50 50

9 10 10 9 9 10
8 8

R218 R218 Pioneer77 Pioneer77 R218 R218 Pioneer77 Pioneer77

(Stored) (Newly (Stored) (Newly (Stored) (Newly (Stored) (Newly
Harvested) Harvested) Harvested) Harvested)

Figure 4.5 Temperatures vs. Quality

The figure shows that the difference of drying temperature affects the quality of the

grains. The quality is ranked by a farmer from the least (1) to best quality (10). Condition

and kind of grain is also mattering in process likewise in stability of the drying temperature.

After the test, a group of individuals will do an inspection to the trial product, it

will be conducted to know the quality of the grains after going through different approach

of configured temperatures then all the results from the inspection that was organized will

be compared. Considering that all the people who examined the experimented product are

those who have knowledge regarding the matter.

43
4.5.5 After only without Control Design

𝑇𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡𝐷𝑟𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 = |(𝑥) − (𝑦)|

𝑇𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑄𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 = |(𝑤) − (𝑧)|

In this particular design, two dependent variables for each of the two testing areas

will be assessed and it includes the drying time and the quality of the actual product. The

treatment effect will be measured by the difference in duration and the gap of the quality

for each treatment.

4.6 EVALUATION

After the process and product testing, evaluation will follow. Possible adjustment

will be made after reconsidering the result of testing, recommendations and the suggestions

made by the experts in grain drying. Any changes will be reevaluated to check the

efficiency and effectiveness of the modified design and see if the adjustments made cause

an improvement to the entire procedure. This stage will be then repeated if there would be

a problem.

44
4.7 FINALIZATION OF DESIGN AND DOCUMENTATION

Proper documentation of data collected during testing will be presented in graphs

and tables to deeply analyze and clearly understand the process. Detailed analysis will be

executed for a better understanding of the results created and draw better conclusions. The

final refined prototype will be the actual design of the study and will be documented with

a final modified 3D presentation.

4.8 COSTING

The tables below are all the expenses in fabricating the machine and all the

expenses while testing. Assessment of expenses varies to the available local materials

nearby including fabrication. Cost of every material corresponds to the availability in the

market.

Table 4.4 Breakdown of Materials used in Fabrication and Testing

QTY Description Unit Price (Php) Amount

1roll 10mm Double-sided Insulation 1mx10m 900.00 900.00
4pcs Heavy-duty Wheel 200.00 800.00
1pc Stainless Steel Oven Temperature Gauge 860.00 860.00
1pc Grain Moisture Meter 1,727.00 1,727.00
50kg R218 22.00 1,100.00
50kg Pioneer 77 17.00 850.00
5pcs ½”x½” 6mm TH Angle Bar 240.00 1,200.00
1pc 3/16 1” Flat Bar 145.00 145.00
6sacks 40kg Cement 279.00 1,674.00
5pcs Galvanized Iron Sheet 480.00 2,400.00

45
QTY Description Unit Price (Php) Amount
2pcs 220V Fan 450.00 900.00

4m Wire 15.00 60.00

3m Mosquito Screen 75.00 225.00
1box Blind Rivet 176.00 176.00
1sack Rice Hull 15.00 135.00
1pc Silicone Gel 130.00 130.00
1pc Black Paint 195.00 195.00
1pc Thinner Paint 35.00 35.00
2pcs 1-foot Sand Paper 15.00 30.00
Labor 10,000.00 10,000.00
Total Amount 23,542.00

46
 Chapter 5

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

This chapter contains the design concepts that the researchers consider to develop

the final design recommended. On this part of the research is presented the advantages and

disadvantages of each alternative design as compared to others. This section provides

significant advantages of the recommended design compared to other considered

alternatives and current technology. This chapter also describes the prototype design,

analytical and experimental investigations.

5.1 RECOMMENDED DESIGN CONCEPT

The researchers had come up with one of the two conceptual designs only. In this,

efficiency will be tested and will be compared to traditional grain drying to see the

differences of the product of the two different grain drying techniques. Drying time and

quality of the product including the performance, efficiency and production cost will be

considered in comparison.

Figure 5.1 Perspective View

47
 Figure 5.2 Orthographic View

Figure 5.3 Right Side View of the Actual Machine

48
 Figure 5.4 Front View of the Actual Machine

Figure 5.5 Left Side View of the Actual Machine

5.1.1 Design Description

Generally, biomass-fueled grain dryers tend to dry a certain volume of specific

variety of grain with respect to its state by recirculation of treated air. Biomass such as rice

husk was used for economic facet. To increase its efficiency, recirculation of heated-air

was attached and uses temperature gauge to monitor the temperature of the chamber and

moisture content meter for measuring the moisture of the grain contained. Diversion of

airflow was equipped to balance the heated air delivered, with this, variable moisture

49
content in each tray will be removed. A plate is set between the air chamber and ducts, it

can be switch either upper or lower flow. Several trays are provided to contain grains,

thickness and moisture must be considered. In order to extract enough heat to be delivered

to the air chamber, furnace was built with a material to deflect heat losses such as clay.

Treated air from the air chamber will pass through ducts and sent to the drying chamber

then recirculated and the process repeat itself.

5.2 TEST RESULTS

After conducting all the testing for the result needed. The tables, figures and graphs

below are the data collected while testing the efficiency of the machine.

Table 5.1 Tabulation of Testing Result

Response Response
Factor 1 Factor 2 Factor 3
1 2
Std Run Block A: B: C:
Time Quality
Condition Temperature Dryness
(mins) Rank 1-10
4 1 Pioneer 77 Stored 60.00 Dry 120 10
Newly
7 2 Pioneer 77 60.00 Wet 225 9
Harvested
6 3 Pioneer 77 Stored 50.00 Wet 360 8
Newly
1 4 Pioneer 77 50.00 Dry 150 10
Harvested
2 5 R218 Stored 50.00 Dry 80 9
Newly
3 6 R218 60.00 Dry 70 10
Harvested
Newly
5 7 R218 50.00 Wet 233 8
Harvested
8 8 R218 Stored 60.00 Wet 240 9

50
 Two varieties of unhusked rice grains are tested with different conditions, stored

and newly harvested. Each test of varieties with dissimilar conditions will be dried through

different temperature to see the response it will generate. Responses will vary accordingly

to the factors set for the testing. All the factors picked for the testing are evaluated and used

in determining whether the machine is effective or not.

Drying Time at Less Than 50 °C

400
Drying Time, minutes

300
200
100
0
R218 (dry) R218 (wet) Pioneer (dry) Pioneer (wet)
Variety and Condition

Drying Time

Figure 5.6 Time Difference of Drying Grains in Different Conditions

In the graph above clearly shows that drying different variety of paddy with

different conditions give different span of drying time. As always, drying dry grains is

faster to set its moisture content into safe level than drying wet paddy or paddy having high

moisture content. In the whole testing, drying Pioneer at less than 50°C and classified in

condition of wet has the longest drying period ranging up to 360 minutes.

Comparison of Drying Time Using Different Temperatures

Drying Time, minutes

310

210

110

10
R218 Dry R218 Wet Pioneer Dry Pioneer Wet

<50 >50

Figure 5.7 Time Difference of Drying Grains in Different Conditions

51
 The graph above clearly shows that drying different variety of paddy with

different conditions give different span of drying time. As always, drying dry grains is

faster to set its moisture content into safe level than drying wet paddy or paddy having high

moisture content. In the whole testing, drying Pioneer at more than 50°C and classified in

condition of wet has the longest drying period ranging up to 233 minutes.

Drying Time at More Than 50°C

300
Drying Time, minutes

200
100
0
R218 (dry) R218 (wet) Pioneer (dry) Pioneer (wet)
Variety and Condition

Drying Time

Figure 5.8 Time Difference of Drying Grains in Different Conditions

This graph shows us the differences of drying time with respect to temperature

setting. This clearly show that drying time is lower if the temperature setting is high. This

set-up works in all the testing done by the proponents.

Table 5.2 Machine Testing without Considering Factors

Testing 1 Testing 2
Time Temperature Time Temperature
Moisture content Moisture content
(mins) ℃ (mins) ℃
0 21% 40 0 21% 40
20 20% 44 20 19% 46
40 18% 48 40 18% 48
60 16.5% 50 60 16% 52
80 14% 56 80 14% 56
Mean 47.6 Mean
48.6
Temperature Temperature

52
5.2.1 Weight and Moisture Content Analysis

The effectiveness of the dryer is based on how much of the moisture was removed

during the process. Tables below are the different testing conducted by the researchers in

different blockings and factors of grain drying. In this testing, drying time is the response

including the quality in achieving the desired moisture content of the grains.

5.2.2Weight Removed of Grains

The efficiency of the device drying capacity is based on how much moisture has

been removed during the process. The moisture removed will be determined by the initial

and final weight.

Table 5.3 Moisture and Weight Difference after Drying

Initial Final Initial Final Moisture

Weight Weight Moisture Moisture Removed
Dryer
Testing 1 10kg 8.4kg 31% 14% 1.6kg
Testing 2 10kg 9.55kg 19% 14% 0.45kg
Testing 3 10kg 9.3kg 22% 14% 0.7kg
Testing 4 10kg 9.35kg 21% 14% 0.65kg
Testing 5 10kg 7.8kg 31.5% 14% 2.2kg
Testing 6 10kg 8.25kg 34% 14% 1.75kg
Testing 7 10kg 8.25kg 34% 14% 1.75kg
Testing 8 10kg 9.55kg 19% 14% 0.45kg
Sundried 10kg 9.2kg 22% 14% 0.8kg

53
 From the table above are the data of weight and moisture content analysis that was

taken from the testing. It can be analyzed that sun drying takes too much time than drying

in the designed dryer.

5.3 DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

5.3.1 Analysis of Time

Table 5.4 Analysis of Time Using ANOVA

Source Sum of Df Mean Square F P – value

Squares Prob > F
Block 6728.00 1 6728.00 --------------- ------------

Model 50880.50 1 505880.50 26.38 0.0037

C - Dryness 50880.50 1 50880.50 26.38 0.0037

Residual 9645.00 5 1929.00 --------------- ------------

Cor total 6723.50 7 ------------- ---------------- ------------

For a factor to be considered as significant among other responses, its P-value

should be less than 0.05.

Figure 5.9 Pareto Chart of Time Analysis

54
 Figure 5.9 shows the Highest Point Which is Significant among Other Responses,

others are Insignificant

Figure 5.10 Normal Plot of Residuals of Time Analysis

Figure 5.10 shows that if all value of time is on or near the red line the distribution

of responses is good.

Figure 5.11 Box-Cox plot Of Time Analysis

55
 Figure 5.11 shows that blue line has fall to value of equal to one, this means that

Lambda is 1 and there is need a power transform.

Figure 5.12 Residual vs. Dryness of Time Analysis

Figure 5.12 shows the relationship between residuals and dryness. All the data is

near the center and within the limit thus there is no unusual data points.

Figure 5.13 Residual vs. Run of Time Analysis

Figure 5.13 shows normal data points as all the data points are within the limit.

56
 Figure 5.14 Predicted vs. Actual of Time Analysis

Figure 5.14 shows the graph of actual and predicted values. Graph shows all the

data are almost near to each other.

Figure 5.15 Residual vs. Predicted of Time Analysis

Figure 5.15 shows that all data values are within the limit and near to the center line

thus all data is good.

57
5.3.2 Analysis of Quality

Table 5.5 Analysis of Quality Using ANOVA

Source Sum of Df Mean Square F P – value

Squares Prob > F
Block 0.13 1 0.13 --------------- ------------
Model 3.12 1 3.12 9.62 0.0268
C - Dryness 3.13 1 3.13 29.62 0.0268
Residual 1.63 5 0.33 --------------- ------------
Cor total 4.88 7 ------------- ---------------- ------------

For a factor to be considered as significant among other responses, its P- value

should be less than 0.05.

Figure 5.16 Pareto Chart of Quality Analysis

Figure 5.16 shows the highest point which is significant among other responses,

others are insignificant.

58
 Figure 5.17 Normal Plot of Residuals of Quality Analysis

Figure 5.17 shows that if all value of time is on or near the red line the distribution

of responses is good.

Figure 5.18 Box-Cox Plot of Quality Analysis

Figure 5.18 shows that if all value of time is on or near the red line the distribution

of responses is good.

59
 Figure 5.19 Residual vs. Dryness of Quality Analysis

Figure 5.19 shows the relationship between residuals and dryness. All the data is

near the center and within the limit thus there is no unusual data points.

Figure 5.20 Residual vs. Run of Quality Analysis

Figure 5.20 shows normal data points as all the data points are within the limit.

60
 Figure 5.21 Predicted vs. Actual of Quality Analysis

Figure 5.21 shows the graph of actual and predicted values. Graph shows all the

data are almost near to each other.

5.3.3 Interpretation of Results

After testing was conducted, different graphs and tables show that only one factor

is significant. Since factor of dryness is the only significant, interpretation of result of

response x dryness will only be shown below.

Figure 5.22 Time x Dryness

61
 Figure 5.22 shows that drying time depends on the dryness of palay. Grains having

less moisture content dry faster than grains having high moisture content.

Figure 5.23 Quality x Dryness

This figure shows that grain quality depends on the dryness of palay. Grains having

less moisture content produces high quality product than palay with high moisture content.

62
 Chapter VI

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter will involve conclusions and recommendations gathered mostly from

testing. Evidence that supports the conclusions are all written down on the previous

chapters. All the suggestions listed are well thought with an objective of possibly

improving the flaws seen on the machine during testing.

6.1 CONCLUSION

After all the testing was conducted, expected outcomes and other unforeseen

aftereffects are all recorded together. The test results generated and other different

parameters are to be concluded. All the conclusions made are all based on the test results

that are produced by the testing and acquired through the use of different measuring

instruments.

Dried palay processed through the use of the newly introduced method are not affected

by any outside situations like weather conditions, outside temperature and outdoor

humidity. Even in the conventional method drying time consumes about more than double

of the duration of the recirculating heated air practice in order to fully consider the palay

dried. And there are lots of varieties of palay and each variety can either have a faster or

slower drying time compare to other variety of palay.

63
 Rice grains harvested earlier than the standard amount of days depending on a specific

variety of palay can be a big factor in making the rate of drying the drying process longer.

Allowing palay to be mixed after a suggested time interval is a good way for increasing the

rate of moisture content removal per unit of time.

6.2 RECOMMENDATION

To improve the effectiveness of prototype, recommendations accumulated during

the testing and learned through the help of individuals who knows about the matter at hand,

the proponents recommend the following. Make sure that there is no possible entry of

smoke from the furnace to the air docks by properly sealing or covering the way in between

them to prevent direct contact between the grains and the smoke.

Test different kinds of grains to be dried to be able to acquire data from different

varieties of palay. Also, to establish an approximation to a variety of palay this can be

useful the next time drying the same type. Also place a sight glass on the drying chamber

to allow visual estimation to the current state of rice grains. Opening the chamber and

allows heat loss to take place during operation and it will prolong the duration.

Each type of biomass has its own unique properties, it’s possible that the other

burns stronger while the other produces excessive amount of unnecessary smoke. Testing

dissimilar types of biomass will be a lot of help in determining what the most compatible

fuel for the study is. Make the parts retractable because the machine size is too big and its

total weight is too heavy.

64
 Retractable parts can be changed if ever a section of the prototype is damaged for

some reason and it will be easier to transport it separately on a smaller volume and lesser

weight.

65
 References

[1][2] Dizon, Engr. R. (2018, November 05). (K. C. Cordero, A. S. De Leon, & K. D.

Santos, Interviewers)

[3] Flores, H. (2018, March 21). Climate Change Vulnerability: Philippines Ranked 3rd.

Retrieved from Philstar Global:

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/03/21/1798866/climate-change-

vulnerability-philippines-ranks-3rd

[4] Drying System. (2016, February 2013). Retrieved from IRRI Rice Knowledge Bank:

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production/postharvest/drying/mechanical-drying-systems/heated-air-drying

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production/postharvest/drying/mechanical-drying-systems

[11] Heated Air Drying and Low-Temperature Drying. (2016, February 03). Retrieved

from IRRI Rice Knowledge: http://www.knowledgebank.irri.org/step-by-step-

production/postharvest/drying/mechanical-drying-systems/heated-air-

drying/heated-air-drying-and-low-temperature-drying

[12] Mechanical Drying System. (2016, February 03). Retrieved from IRRI Rice

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production/postharvest/drying/mechanical-drying-systems

[13] Fixed-bed Batch Dryer. (2007, October 27). Retrieved from IRRI Rice Knowledge:

http://www.knowledgebank.irri.org/step-by-step-

production/postharvest/drying/mechanical-drying-systems/examples-of-

mechanical-dryers/item/fixed-bed-batch-dryer

[14] Re-circulating Batch Dryer. (2007, October 27). Retrieved from IRRI Rice

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production/postharvest/drying/mechanical-drying-systems/examples-of-

mechanical-dryers/item/re-circulating-batch-dryer

[15] Continuous Flow Dryer. (2007, October 27). Retrieved from IRRI Rice Knowldege

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[16] Continuous Flow Dryer. (2007, October 27). Retrieved from IRRI Rice Knowldege

Bank: http://www.knowledgebank.irri.org/step-by-step-

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mechanical-dryers/item/continuous-flow-dryer

[17][18] University of Minnesota. (2018). Natural-air Corn Drying . Retrieved from

University of Minnesota Extension: https://extension.umn.edu/corn-

harvest/natural-air-corn-drying#how-long-it-takes-1197362

[19][20] Hellevang, D. J. (2013, October). Grain Drying. Retrieved from NDSU Extension

Service: https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/publications/crops/grain-drying

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Le, V. Q. (2015). Development and Promotion of the Reversible Airflow Flatbed

Dryer in the Philippines. Annals of Tropical Research, 97-109.

[24] Rickman, J., & Gummert, M. (2010). Vietnamese Low Cost SRR Dryer. Retrieved

from IRRI Rice Knowlege Bank: http://www.knowledgebank.irri.org/training/fact-

sheets/postharvest-management/drying-fact-sheet-category/item/vietnamese-low-

cost-srr-dryer-fact-sheet

[25] Aktar, S., Kibria, R., Alam, M., Kabir, M., & Saha, C. (2016). Performance Study of

STR Dryer for Paddy. J. Agril. Mach. Bioresour. Eng., 9-16.

[26] GrainPro Philippines Inc. (2016, May 23). The Solar Bubble Dryer. Retrieved from

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production/postharvest/drying/mechanical-drying-systems/the-solar-bubble-dryer

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[27] Liberty, J., Okonkwo, W., & Ngabea, S. (2014). Solar Crop Drying-A Viable Tool for

Agricultural Sustainability and Food Security. International Journal of Modern

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[28] Totok, P., Listiyana, R., Rahim, A., & Siswo, S. (2018). Experimental Study of Paddy

Grain Drying in Continuous RecirculationSystem Pneumatic Conveyor. Retrieved

from MATEC Web of Conferences:

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[29] dela Torre, D. (2015, January 19). Drying Popcorn with a Natural Air/Low-

temperature In-bin Drying System. Retrieved from ResearchGate:

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tural_airlow_temperature_in-bin_drying_system

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In-Bed Drying System for Drying of Paddy. International Food Research Journal,

1345-1348.

[31] Tonui, K. S., Mutai, E. B., Mutuli, D. A., Mbuge, D. O., & Too, K. V. (2014). Design

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[32] Tado, C. M., Ona, D. P., Abon, J. O., Gagentonia, E. C., Nguyen, N. T., & Le, V. Q.

(2015). Development and Promotion of the Reversible Airflow Flatbed Dryer in

the Philippines. Annals of Tropical Research, 97-109.

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[34][35][36][37] Khemani, H. (2019, March 30). What is Heat Transfer? What is

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[45] Alsaud, H. (2019, March 30). What is Thermal Stress? - Definition & Equation - Video

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71
 APPENDIX A

OPERATION PROCEDURES

This is the arrangement of the proper set up, step by step preparation and the correct

way of gathering valuable data. To avoid errors procedure must be followed.

1. Arrange the following:

 Moisture Content Meter

 Weighing scale (calibrated with respect to the tray’s weigh)

 Data sheet (for recording data such as drying time and drying temperature)

2. Set up the machine

3. Prepare 2 kg of rice grain (maybe dry or wet) to each tray. There are 5 trays to be

filled and must be properly spread.

4. Approximately 0.25 cubic meters of rice husk and some quantity of gas to be burned

initially then gradually filled again in the furnace.

5. Put the palay when the temperature inside of the drying chamber is about 50 degrees

centigrade then open the fans.

6. Close the drying chamber then maintain the heat both air and drying chamber.

7. Measure the moisture in a given time interval depending on its state as well as its

drying period to gather data.

72
 8. Remove one tray for an instance to check if its already dried, if not the tray must

be put inside the chamber again as soon as the grain has been checked then if the

grains reached the storage constant moisture content, all trays must be move outside

for recording.

9. The duration of the test has a maximum of 6 hours for wet palay.

* moisture of the rice husk must be considered as well as the final weight of the grains

73
 APPENDIX B

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES

In order to lessen malfunction and lower working operation efficiency,

maintenance is a must. Usually, proper handling and cleaning is enough but there are steps

necessary to be followed.

1. Place in a dry area.

2. Furnace must be clean every batch of drying.

3. Check regularly the gauges if it is working appropriately.

4. Wires must be rolled-up correctly to evade cuts.

5. Hot surfaces while in operation must be considered.

6. Carefully lift trays because of its structure made of steel plate.

7. Operator must consider safety in initial burning of rice husk to lessen injuries.

8. Trays must be clean.

9. Don’t place in the sandy area.

10. Regular checking for leaks must be scheduled.

11. Avoid splashing water to lessen rust build-up.

12. If there a failure in furnace, electric connection must be removed from the outlet.

13. To avoid overheating, operator may expose the chamber.

74
 APPENDIX C

SAFETY GUIDELINES

The list below are the safety guidelines in proper operation and maintenance of

biomass-fueled grain dryer with hot air recirculation as well as the safety guidelines in case

of failure and emergency.

1. Wear proper personal protective equipment when operating the device such as

(Safety goggles, gloves and other protective equipment)

2. Don’t leave the machine unattended

3. Always prepare water for (unexpected unnecessary fire)

4. Prevent or avoid unnecessary things close to the furnace (heating chamber)

especially the those that are flammable.

5. Before and after operate check the wire in the outlet if its properly plugged in or

plugged out

6. Operator must not too close to the furnace to avoid burn.

75
 APPENDIX D

DETAILED DESIGNS

TOP VIEW

Figure D-1. Orthographic View, Top View

76
 BOTTOM VIEW

Figure D-2 Orthographic Views, Bottom view

77
 LEFT SIDE VIEW

Figure D-3 Orthographic Views, Left Side View

78
 RIGHT SIDE VIEW

Figure D-4 Orthographic View, Right Side View

79
 FRONT VIEW

Figure D-5 Orthographic Views, Front View

80
 REAR VIEW

Figure D-6 Orthographic Views, Rear View

81
 APPENDIX E

FABRICATION DETAILS

Procedures done step-by-step on the process of fabricating the prototype is presented

in this section of the appendices.

1. The machine’s fabrication starts with building the supports (frame) that will hold

the walls and other parts to be installed in it.

2. Holes were drilled on the angle bar.

3. Galvanized iron sheets were cut into shapes depending on the size of the walls.

4. The exterior surface of the furnace and the drying chamber were ribbited on the

bar.

5. Then the furnace was filled with a measured thickness of cement from the side.

6. Insulations were filled between the inner and outer surface of the drying chamber.

7. The air ducts for heated air were assembled (with a gate in the middle and an

actuator on the outside surface that will allow the air to be controlled, either going

up or down) and then installed in between the furnace and drying chamber with a

hole.

8. The fan was installed through the hole left undone on the ducts for heated air.

9. A fan for the recirculation was installed on the top opposite side of the drying

chamber.

10. Bending of galvanized iron sheet was done on the recirculating air duct to follow

the design

82
11. Then the air duct for recirculating air was installed.

12. Chimney was installed on the recirculation side of the furnace.

13. A door that will allow visual monitoring on the biomass was placed in front of the

furnace.

14. A part where you can put rice hulls inside the furnace without opening the door

and will allow air to enter was positioned on the opposite side of the chimney.

15. A one diameter hole was put on top of the drying chamber.

16. A set of 5 trays were made, welded angle/flat bars for the supports and then a

screen ribbited on the bars.

17. An entry door to the drying chamber were fabricated and installed.

18. A temperature detector was installed visible on the side of the drying chamber.

19. The rollers were installed.

20. Silicone sealant was used to cover unnecessary hole.

83
 APPENDIX F

EXPERIMENT OR TESTING DETAILS

Conducting testing procedure leads to a useful data, but steps is very essential for

the testing to be accurate and detailed. Process within the testing and the product generated

may probably predict the effect in every variable and also analyze the possibly outcome.

Steps must be considered as follow.

Arrange the following:

 Moisture Content Meter
 Weighing scale
 Data sheet

Set up the machine

Prepare 2 kg of rice grain to be dried for each tray. There 5 trays to

be filled and must be properly spread.

84
 1

Approximately 0.25 cubic meters of rice husk and

some quantity of gas to be burned initially then
gradually filled again in the furnace.

Preheat the drying chamber

If
Temperature Yes Continue preheating
and if necessary, add
Is >40°C more biomass to
But <50°C increase temperature
rapidly.

No

Proceed to drying.
Put the trays inside
of the machine

2
2

85
 2

Close the drying chamber then maintain

the heat both air and drying chamber

Measure the moisture by means of moisture content meter.

Remove one tray for an instance to check if it’s already dried

If the
Yes Put outside the grains
Moisture is and exposed to
14 % ambient to cool before
storage.

No The grain is dried and

ready to store.
Repeat the drying until
it reaches the desired
moisture for storage.

Figure F-1 Detailed Flow of Testing Procedure

86
 APPENDIX G

COMPLETE TABULATION/PRESENTATION OF DATA

Table G-1 Testing Result No. 1

MOISTURE
FACTOR TIME CONTENT
FACTOR A: TEMPERATURE
VARIETY B: INTERVAL (%)
CONDITION (°C)
QUALITY (mins)
From to
30 31 30 58
40 30 29 58
25 29 27 60
NEWLY 25 27 26 54
R218 WET
HARVESTED 50 26 19 66
25 19 17 63
20 17 15 63
18 15 14 60
WEIGHT BEFORE DRYING – 10kg @ 31%
WEIGHT AFTER DRYING – 8.4kg @14%
MEAN TEMPERATURE – 60.25 °C
TOTAL DRYING TIME = 3hrs and 53mins

The dryer was tested to determine its parameters on different actual conditions. In

this test, the variety of the palay is R218, newly harvested and has an initial moisture

content of 31%. The time interval is directly proportional to the moisture content removed

from the palay. Chamber temperature is also a big contributor to the total drying time of

any variety of grains. The total moisture content removed by the machine is 17% with a

mean temperature of 60.25°C and a total drying time of 3hrs and 53mins.

87
 Table G-2 Testing Result No.2

MOISTURE
FACTOR TIME CONTENT
FACTOR A: TEMPERATURE
VARIETY B: INTERVAL (%)
CONDITION (°C)
QUALITY (mins) From to
NEWLY 10 19 19 50
R218 DRY
HARVESTED
20 19 18 53
20 18 16.5 61
20 16.5 14 60
WEIGHT BEFORE DRYING – 10kg @ 19%
WEIGHT AFTER DRYING – 9.55kg @14%
MEAN TEMPERATURE – 56 °C
TOTAL DRYING TIME = 1hrs and 10mins

The dryer was tested to determine its parameters on different actual conditions. In

this test, the variety of the palay is R218, newly harvested and has an initial moisture

content of 19%. The time interval is directly proportional to the moisture content removed

from the palay. Chamber temperature is also a big contributor to the total drying time of

any variety of grains. The total moisture content removed by the machine is 5% with a

mean temperature of 56°C and a total drying time of 1hr and 10mins.

Table G-3 Testing Result No.3

MOISTURE
TIME CONTENT
FACTOR A: FACTOR B: TEMPERATURE
VARIETY INTERVAL (%)
CONDITION QUALITY (°C)
(mins)
From to
30 22 21 46
30 21 19.5 49
PIONEER NEWLY
DRY 30 19.5 19 41
77 HARVESTED
30 19 17.5 49
30 17.5 14 49
WEIGHT BEFORE DRYING - 10kg @ 22%
WEIGHT AFTER DRYING - 9.05kg @14%
MEAN TEMPERATURE – 46.8 °C
TOTAL DRYING TIME = 2hrs and 30mins

88
 The dryer was tested to determine its parameters on different actual conditions. In

this test, the variety of the palay is PIONEER 77, newly harvested and has an initial

moisture content of 22%. The time interval is directly proportional to the moisture content

removed from the palay. Chamber temperature is also a big contributor to the total drying

time of any variety of grains. The total moisture content removed by the machine is 8%

with a mean temperature of 46.8°C and a total drying time of 2hrs and 30mins.

Table G-4 Testing Result No.4

MOISTURE
TIME CONTENT
FACTOR A: FACTOR B: TEMPERATURE
VARIETY INTERVAL (%)
CONDITION QUALITY (°C)
(mins) From to
30 21 20 60

PIONEER 30 20 17.5 62
STORED DRY
77 30 17.5 16 56
30 16 14 60
WEIGHT BEFORE DRYING - 10kg @ 21%
WEIGHT AFTER DRYING - 9.35kg @14%
MEAN TEMPERATURE – 59.5 °C
TOTAL DRYING TIME = 2hrs

The dryer was tested to determine its parameters on different actual conditions. In

this test, the variety of the palay is PIONEER 77, stored and has an initial moisture content

of 21%. The time interval is directly proportional to the moisture content removed from

the palay. Chamber temperature is also a big contributor to the total drying time of any

variety of grains. The total moisture content removed by the machine is 7% with a mean

temperature of 59.5°C and a total drying time of 2hrs.

89
 Table G-5 Testing Result No.5

MOISTURE
TIME CONTENT
FACTOR A: FACTOR B: TEMPERATURE
VARIETY INTERVAL (%)
CONDITION QUALITY (°C)
(mins) From to

60 31.5 30 55
60 30 25 68
PIONEER NEWLY
WET
77 HARVESTED 60 25 18 72

45 18 14 72

WEIGHT BEFORE DRYING – 10kg @ 31.5%

WEIGHT AFTER DRYING – 7.8kg @14%
MEAN TEMPERATURE – 66.5°C
TOTAL DRYING TIME = 3hrs and 45mins

The dryer was tested to determine its parameters on different actual conditions. In

this test, the variety of the palay is PIONEER 77, newly harvested and has an initial

moisture content of 31.5%. The time interval is directly proportional to the moisture

content removed from the palay. Chamber temperature is also a big contributor to the total

drying time of any variety of grains. The total moisture content removed by the machine is

17.5% with a mean temperature of 66.5°C and a total drying time of 3hrs and 45mins.

Table G-6 Testing Result No.6

MOISTURE
TIMECONTENT
FACTOR A: FACTOR B: TEMPERATURE
VARIETY INTERVAL (%)
CONDITION QUALITY (°C)
(mins)
From to
60 31.5 30 45
60 30 27 48
PIONEER 60 27 23.5 48
STORED WET
77
90 23.5 17 50
90 17 14 50
WEIGHT BEFORE DRYING - 10kg @ 31.5%
WEIGHT AFTER DRYING - kg @14%
MEAN TEMPERATURE – 48.2°C
TOTAL DRYING TIME = 6hrs

90
 The dryer was tested to determine its parameters on different actual conditions. In

this test, the variety of the palay is PIONEER 77, stored and has an initial moisture content

of 31.5%. The time interval is directly proportional to the moisture content removed from

the palay. Chamber temperature is also a big contributor to the total drying time of any

variety of grains. The total moisture content removed by the machine is 17.5% with a mean

temperature of 48.2°C and a total drying time of 6hrs.

Table G-7 Testing Result No.7

MOISTURE
TIME CONTENT
FACTOR A: FACTOR B: TEMPERATURE
VARIETY INTERVAL (%)
CONDITION QUALITY (°C)
(mins) From to
120 34 31 50
R218 STORED WET 120 31 17.5 50
30 17.5 14 50
WEIGHT BEFORE DRYING – 10kg @ 34%
WEIGHT AFTER DRYING – kg @14%
MEAN TEMPERATURE – 50°C
TOTAL DRYING TIME = 4hrs and 30mins

The dryer was tested to determine its parameters on different actual conditions. In

this test, the variety of the palay is R218, stored and has an initial moisture content of 34%.

The time interval is directly proportional to the moisture content removed from the palay.

Chamber temperature is also a big contributor to the total drying time of any variety of

grains. The total moisture content removed by the machine is 20% with a mean temperature

of 50°C and a total drying time of 4hrs and 30mins.

91
 Table G-8 Testing Result No.8

MOISTURE
TIME CONTENT
FACTOR A: FACTOR B: TEMPERATURE
VARIETY INTERVAL (%)
CONDITION QUALITY (°C)
(mins) From To
40 19 17 45
R218 STORED DRY
40 17 14 45
WEIGHT BEFORE DRYING – 10kg @ 19%
WEIGHT AFTER DRYING – 9.55kg @14%
MEAN TEMPERATURE – 45°C
TOTAL DRYING TIME = 1hr and 20mins

The dryer was tested to determine its parameters on different actual conditions. In

this test, the variety of the palay is R218, stored and has an initial moisture content of 19%.

The time interval is directly proportional to the moisture content removed from the palay.

Chamber temperature is also a big contributor to the total drying time of any variety of

grains. The total moisture content removed by the machine is 5% with a mean temperature

of 45°C and a total drying time of 1hr and 20mins.

Design Calculation of the Dryer

Solving the volume of drying chamber.

 Length = 74cm

 Width = 56cm

 Height = 89cm

Volume capacity of drying chamber = (L x W x H)

= (74cm x 56x 89cm)

= 368816cm3 or 0.3688m3

92
Solving the volume of each tray and the total volume of the tray.

 Length = 61cm

 Width = 41cm

 Height = 2.5cm

Volume capacity of tray = L x W x H

= 61cm x 41cm x 2.5 cm

= 0.003202m3

Note: The prototype has 5 trays with same dimensions, therefore

Total volume capacity of the tray = 0.003202m3 multiplied by 5 trays

=0.03126254m3

Solving the required volume of grains in each tray.

 Length = 61cm

 Width = 41cm

 Height = 2.5cm (height of grain that filled the tray)

Volume of grains in each tray = L x W x H

= 61cm x 41cm x 2.5 cm

= 0.0037515m3

Total volume of grains in trays = Volume of grains in each tray x 5

= 0.0187573m3

93
Note: Given the bulk density of paddy grain which is 580 kg/m3

To get the mass of paddy that is being dried per batch of the process, use the formula of

density.

Density paddy = Mass paddy / Vol paddy

Mass paddy = Density paddy x Vol paddy

Mass paddy = (580 kg/m3) (0.0187573m3)

Total mass of paddy per batch = 10.87935 kg

Solving the Moisture Removed

Note: From moisture content table, moisture content for rice when freshly harvested is

27%.

Moisture Content = [(Mw –Md) / Mw)] x 100

Where: Mw = Mass of wet grain

Md = Mass of dry grain

Thus,

Moisture Content = [(Mw –Md) / Mw)] x 100

27= [(14.1984kg –Md) /10.87935kg)] x 100

Md = 7.9419255kg

Mass of water = Mw mass of wet grain – Md mass of dry grains

Mass of water = 14.1984 kg – 10.3648 kg

94
Mass of water loss = 2.9374245 kg

After conducting all the testing for the result needed. The tables, figures and graphs

below are the data collected while testing the efficiency of the machine

Drying Time at Less Than 50 °C

400
Drying Time, minutes

300
200
100
0
R218 (dry) R218 (wet) Pioneer (dry) Pioneer (wet)
Variety and Condition

Drying Time

Figure G-1 Time Difference of Drying Grains in Different Conditions

In the graph above clearly shows that drying different variety of paddy with

different conditions give different span of drying time. As always, drying dry grains is

faster to set its moisture content into safe level than drying wet paddy or paddy having high

moisture content. In the whole testing, drying Pioneer at less than 50°C and classified in

condition of wet has the longest drying period ranging up to 360 minutes.

Drying Time at More Than 50°C

250
Drying Time, minutes

200
150
100
50
0
R218 (dry) R218 (wet) Pioneer (dry) Pioneer (wet)
Variety and Condition

Drying Time

Figure G-2 Time Difference of Drying Grains in Different Conditions

95
 Figure G-2 clearly shows that drying different variety of paddy with different

conditions give different span of drying time. As always, drying dry grains is faster to set

its moisture content into safe level than drying wet paddy or paddy having high moisture

content. In the whole testing, drying Pioneer at more than 50°C and classified in condition

of wet has the longest drying period ranging up to 233 minutes.

Comparison of Drying Time Using Different Temperatures

Drying Time, minutes

310

210

110

10
R218 Dry R218 Wet Pioneer Dry Pioneer Wet

<50 >50

Figure G-3 Time Difference of Drying Grains in Different Conditions

This graph shows us the differences of drying time with respect to temperature

setting. This clearly show that drying time is lower if the temperature setting is high. This

set-up works in all the testing done by the proponents.

Figure G-4 Result of Before-and-After Grain Drying

96
 Figure G-4 is the result of drying grains. Dried and wet has difference in color. Left

one is wet or undried and in right has undergo a drying process.

Figure G-5 Sun Drying

Figure G.5 is the testing done to see the difference in time of traditional grain drying

and drying using the machine developed. This conducted from 8am-3pm in a good weather

condition.

 The internal diameter of the flue is 1.25 m and the external diameter 1.5 m. The flue

gas velocity is 4 m/s and the gas temperature on entering is 275℃.

Table G-9 Boiler Exhaust Velocity

(Source: The Engineering ToolBox)

Exhaust Gas from Boiler Recommended Boiler Exhaust Velocity
Ducts at minimum load < 4.0 < 13
Stack at minimum load < 5.0 < 16
Boiler with one-step burner (on – off) 5.0 – 8.0 16 – 26
Boiler with two-step burner (high – low) 10 – 15 31 – 49
Boiler with modulating burner 15 – 25 49 – 82
To keep the surface free from soot the 3.0 – 4.0 9.8 – 13
velocity should exceed

97
Given:

𝑚
𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 = 4 𝑠

𝑚3
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑎𝑐𝑒 = 0.01096147
𝑠

𝜋
𝐴= (𝑑2 ) ;
4

𝑄 = 𝐴𝑣

Then,

𝑄
𝐴= 𝑣

Equating,

𝜋 2 𝑄
(𝑑 ) =
4 𝑣

Then,

4𝑄
𝑑=√
𝜋𝑣

𝑚3
4(0.01096147 𝑠 )
𝑑=√ 𝑚
𝜋(4 𝑠 )

𝑑 = 0.0591 𝑚 ≈ 0.06 𝑚

Note: The diameter of the chimney is about 2.5 cm (0.0612 m)

Consumption of Biomass

Total time of testing = 1508 min = 25 hr and 8 min

98
Total biomass used = 90kg of ipa

𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑝𝑎
𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 =
𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒

90 𝑘𝑔
𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 =
1508 𝑚𝑖𝑛

𝑘𝑔 𝑘𝑔
𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 0.05968 = 3.58
𝑚𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝑟

99
 APPENDIX H

SURVEY FORMS/DATA SHEETS

Concerning about the quality of the rice grains may be obtained by gathering

standards from a well-experienced farmer. With this data sheet, the quality can be assessed

equally by minimizing extraneous variable as follows.

Table H-1 Survey Form

Texture Color Odor

Batch Result
(1-10) (1-10) (1-10)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

100