LOW-TEMPERATURE DRYING OF WHEAT WITH SUPPLEMENT HEAT

A computer drying simulation was validated and used to investigate in-bin drying of wheat under typical weather conditions for a Canadian Prairie location. Continuous unheated drying with 1.5 m3.min-1.t-1 resulted in successful drying when the grain was less than or equal to 19% m.c. (w.b.). The airflow rate had to be increased to 2 m3.min-1.t-1 to complete drying in October. Raising ambient air temperature by 5-10-degrees-C resulted in the least drying time and ensured grain drying in late fall. Drying time for allowing the drying front to travel the full height of the grain bed was approximately twice as long as allowing the grain to reach an average moisture content of 14.5 percent. Although lower drying costs are associated with smaller airflows (0.5 m3.min-1.t-1), higher airflows (2 m3.min-1.t-1) reduce risks associated with grain spoilage.