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GrainPro® Solar Bubble Dryer™50 Instruction Manual
MA4040RAD0914-9
8.13.
CAN THE VENTILATORS RUN CONTINUOUSLY?
Yes. But it depends on battery voltage and weather conditions. Battery should be fully charged before
use and weather condition should be clear and sunny. In the case of intermittent weather condition,
a fully charged AGM battery that we suggest can last up to 4-5 days.
8.14.
IS IT NECESSARY TO HAVE THE TOP COVER INFLATED WHEN THERE’S COMMODITY INSIDE THE SBD50?
Yes, because the top cover protects the commodity especially when it’s raining. It also helps in
minimizing condensation.
8.15.
WHICH DIRECTION SHOULD THE SBD50 FACE FOR BEST RESULTS?
In terms of wind direction, the ventilator should be facing the incoming wind, while the solar panel
should be facing South for best exposure to solar radiation.
8.16.
CAN I SET UP THE SBD50 JUST ABOUT ANYWHERE?
The SBD can be set up on any relatively flat surface (grassland, rice field, etc.) where there is optimal
access to solar radiation.
8.17.
CAN IT WITHSTAND STORMS AND FLOODS?
It’s not advisable to use the SBD50 during stormy weather though it can prevent water entry into the
drying chamber up to a certain extent i.e. less than 10 cm.
8.18.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SET UP THE SBD50?
It would take about 30 minutes to set it up but that would be dependent on the skills and familiarity
of the persons setting up the SBD50.
8.19.
FOR THE SBD50-SOLAR, WILL THE VENTILATORS STILL RUN EVEN IF THERE’S NO SOURCE OF SOLAR
ENERGY?
If there’s not enough energy stored in the AGM battery, the ventilator will automatically stop. The
AGM battery is protected by the solar charge controller. When the solar charge controller detects a
critical energy level of the battery all devices will stop drawing energy from the battery.
8.20.
IS IT QUICKER TO DRY IN THE SBD50-ELECTRIC OR IN THE SBD50-SOLAR?
Drying rate is stable in in the SBD50-Electric because the power supply from the grid is relatively
stable. Unlike in SBD50-Solar the energy supply is dependent on the available solar radiation.
8.21.
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE IN THE QUALITY OF GRAINS AND SEEDS DRIED IN THE SBD50 COMPARED TO
REGULAR SUN-DRYING?
Grains dried in the SBD50 have higher head rice recovery and are free from foreign contaminants i.e.
animal excreta, urine, sand, etc.
8.22.
IS THERE A WAY TO ENSURE THAT THE COMMODITY IS DRIED EQUALLY?
Yes, by frequently and uniformly mixing the commodity during drying. A 30-minute mixing interval,
on the average, is recommended. But a 20-minute mixing interval will be much better and will shorten
the drying time.
8.23.
IS THERE A WAY TO CHECK IF THE COMMODITY IS DRIED TO THE CORRECT MC?
Yes, by using a calibrated moisture meter for better accuracy of moisture content read outs. But
farmers have expertise in determining whether a product is already dry enough for milling or for seeds
purposes. Only that they cannot give any exact read outs unlike a moisture meter.
8.24.
IS THERE ANY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CROPS DRIED NEAR THE VENTILATOR COMPARED TO THOSE AT THE
FARTHER END OF THE SBD50?
There’s a slight, but insignificant moisture content gradient. When the dried commodity is gathered
together this moisture gradient equilibrate with the moisture content of the rest.
