A new fuel-efficient grain drying technology will help agriculture operations save money.

The Propane Education & Research Council collaborated with GSI, Mathews Co. and Sukup Manufacturing Co. to develop the new energy-efficient technology. PERC invested in the research and development of GSI's heat reclamation system, Mathews' redesigned Legacy Series grain dryers and Sukup Manufacturing's new burner design. PERC provided industry expertise and financial support through the research, development and testing process for the new technologies.

GSI heat reclamation
Energy savings were the driving force behind PERC and GSI's development of a new heat reclamation system for tower dryers.

The reclaimer was engineered to capture air from the lower part of the drying portion, above the cooling section. It separates the hot, dry air from wet air, and carries very little chaff or other debris back into the dryer.

The result is a system that saves up to 30% of propane at 32 degrees F during the drying season. The system is available now, and can be installed on any new tower dryer or retrofitted to any Zimmerman-style dryer that has been built since 2001.

Mathews Co. redesign
PERC worked with Mathews Co. to achieve energy savings by completely redesigning the fan, burner and control system found in Mathews' profile-style Legacy Series product line.

The newly redesigned, profile-style dryer now offers many of the same technological advantages and operational efficiencies associated with a tower dryer. By introducing tower dryer elements to a profile-style dryer, Mathews has created a more efficient dryer with lower operating costs.

Sukup revamped burner
Sukup and PERC partnered to increase energy savings by redesigning a grain dryer burner. The new highly efficient Octagon Burner uses less propane to achieve the temperature rise needed to dry grain.

The result is increased fuel savings and lower CO₂ emissions. An added benefit is the burner's aluminum manifold, which increases the durability and longevity of the burner.

All Sukup 2017 axial-fan dryers will use the new Octagon Burner, and they are also available as replacement burners for older dryers.

Achieving energy efficiency
"These new technologies result in a highly efficient, cost-effective grain drying process," says Cinch Munson, director of agriculture business development at the Propane Education & Research Council. "Drying your own grain is more viable than ever. With propane prices remaining low, now is an excellent time to take more control of your harvest with a new grain dryer."

By working with leading agricultural manufacturers to advance efficient grain drying technologies, PERC can help ensure that farmers operate as cost-effectively as possible, according to Munson.

Source: PERC