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GrainPro® Solar Bubble Dryer™50 Instruction Manual
MA4040RAD0914-9
8.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
8.1.
WHAT IS THE SOLAR BUBBLE DRYER OR SBD50?
The SBD50 is a state-of-the-art solar drying product for agricultural commodities. It is designed to
improve the drying process and prevent the growth of aflatoxin because of delayed drying due to
intermittent rainfall during the drying process. With the “greenhouse effect”, the SBD50 traps solar
radiation and heats up the commodity inside and vaporizes its moisture. The ventilator then pushes
the moist air out.
8.2.
HOW MANY PERSONS ARE NEEDED TO ASSEMBLE AND OPERATE THE SBD50?
A minimum of two (2) persons are needed to assemble and operate the SBD50.
8.3.
WHAT COMMODITIES CAN BE DRIED IN IT?
The SBD50 can be used to dry a wide variety of grains, i.e. rice paddy, maize, wheat, nuts, beans
(coffee, cacao, soybean), and others.
8.4.
WHAT IS THE SBD50 DRYING CAPACITY?
For paddy and corn, it has an optimum drying capacity of one (1) metric ton or 1,000 kg. For faster
drying, a 30 minutes mixing interval is recommended.
8.5.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DRY MORE THAN THE RECOMMENDED CAPACITY?
The drying time will be longer.
8.6.
HOW QUICKLY CAN THE SBD50 DRY THE COMMODITY?
Drying time is dependent on the type of commodity, moisture content, air temperature and the
relative humidity of the ambient air. On a full sunny day, paddy can be dried in about 8 hours from
22% to 14% moisture but the drying rate can be increased by increasing the mixing frequency. The
average drying rate for paddy and maize is about 1% MC per 2 hours under intermittent rains and
cloudy weather.
8.7.
WHAT SETS THE SBD APART FROM OTHER TYPES OF MECHANICAL DRYERS?
The SBD50-Solar uses purely solar energy. It does not contribute to environmental pollution and
climate change. It does not require the construction of a shed, unlike the flatbed dryer, to protect the
grains from the elements.
8.8.
DOES HEAT FROM THE SUN AFFECT THE COMMODITIES BEING DRIED IN THE SBD50?
Yes. The amount of solar radiation significantly affects the drying rate and the amount of solar energy
available for storage in the AGM battery.
8.9.
WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF “BAKING” THE COMMODITY BEING DRIED?
If the ventilators are running and the commodity is frequently mixed at regular interval, and the
moisture content is regularly checked then “baking” or overheating the commodity will be prevented.
8.10.
CAN I RUN THE SBD50 AT NIGHT TIME?
Yes. The ventilator will run at controlled speed (using PWM) to keep the bubble up.
8.11.
IS IT SAFE TO SET UP THE SBD50 WHEN IT’S RAINING OUTSIDE?
No. Setting up the SBD should be done while it’s not raining to avoid water accumulation in the drying
floor and soaking the commodity to be dried. When raining, it is recommended to wait before setting
up the SBD50.
8.12.
CAN I RUN THE SBD50 EVEN WHEN IT’S RAINING HEAVILY?
Yes. If there is a commodity inside, just make sure that the ventilator is running and rain water does
not go inside.
