Monitoramento da secagem de milho em secador intermitente de coluna e cavalete

Abstract

The drying process of grains and seeds is a fundamental step for agricultural products and its correct application allows smaller qualitative losses during periods of processing and storage. Given this scenario, it is important to master the drying process, taking full advantage of equipment without harming the quality of the grain or seed, choosing the equipment and process that best suit the needs. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the grain quality (cracks related to temperature variation) of corn in two dryers: intermittent columns and trestle, varying the temperature of the drying air. During the process it was monitored physical parameters ( moisture, drying air temperature, temperature of the seed). Sitrad system was used to monitor the temperature of the drying air, and samples were collected for analysis. It was observed that increasing the inlet temperature of the dryer hot chamber is not proportional to the drying tower, that is, starting from a certain temperature the temperature is further released to the atmosphere by the fans. Temperature monitoring software showed that during the night, there is plenty peak temperatures,and so does not maintain a constant temperature . It can be concluded that there is a trend of fewer cracks using a seed mass cooling system.