Grain drying is an essential part of the grain management process that needs to be considered pre and post-harvest. Due to the steady drop in corn prices over the last few years, many farmers and handlers have held onto their grain in hopes to find a better profit in the future. Maintaining the moisture and the temperature of your grain as it is stored can heavily impact the length of time it can be stored; as well as its overall condition.

1. Dryer tips for a more
financially beneficial
harvest
by Brandon Schade, Dryer specialist from Chief-Agri
G
rain drying is an essential part of the
grain management process that needs
to be considered pre and post-harvest.
Due to the steady drop in corn prices
over the last few years, many farmers
and handlers have held onto their grain
in hopes to find a better profit in the
future. Maintaining
the moisture and
the temperature of your grain as it is stored
can heavily impact the length of time it can
be stored; as well as its overall condition.
Continuous mixed flow grain
dryers for optimal drying
performance
For maintaining the optimum
quality of your stored grain,
Chief Agri offers innovative
and dependable grain dryers for
farm and commercial use. To
make sure you have the drying
system that is right for your
operation, Chief will carefully
assess your operation and find
the energy efficient solution
that’s right for you.
Chief currently manufactures
two main types of grain
dryers, these are Chief
STORAGEF
68 | September 2016 - Milling and Grain

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Commercial Dryers and Caldwell Dryers; with both
systems relying on continuous mix flow technology to
maintain optimum quality of stored grain and efficient
dependable service.
Continuous Mixed-Flow Dryers are used for
drying commodities such as corn, wheat, soybeans,
and rice, with a reputation for durability, energy
efficiency, dependable performance and advanced
technology.
Caldwell Dryers
Rather than the conventional screen drying method, in
the Caldwell dryers grain is gravitationally separated
and continually mixed as it cascades and gently
tumbles around honeycombed ducts. The larger
holding capacity results in grain being heated at a
slower rate which reduces the likelihood of grain
cracking due to stress. The longer exposure of the
heated air to the grain results in air exhausting with
a higher moisture saturation. This system also offers
greater energy efficiency
Caldwell Mixed-Flow Dryers provide 40-45 CFM
(67.9 - 76.4 m3/h) of air per bushel compared to
80-100 CFM (135.9 - 169.9 m3/h) of air per bushel
with conventional cross-flow dryers.
Fan-under Mixed-Flow dryers
The fan under Continuous Mixed-Flow Dryers offer
capacities of 1,150 - 7,000 BPH (34.5 mtph - 210.2
mtph) using five point moisture removal dry and
cool. The fuel efficient Maxon Burners can either be
fueled by propane or natural gas. Single burner, gas
train and ignition are standard on all models.
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Milling and Grain - September 2016 | 69

3. CHIEF AGRI'S TOP FIVE DRYER TIPS FOR HARVEST
Since Chief is in the business of manufacturing two quality grain dryers they have come up with the following “Top 5 Dryer Tips
for Harvest”.
1: Proper cleaning/housekeeping
It’s imperative that your dryer is cleaned inside and out. Make sure all grain columns and air ducts are clear from last season’s
foreign material that may have collected during the emptying process. Also, the discharge system must be clear of foreign
material and rotating freely. If you have a Maxon line burner, it will need to be cleaned out and check that the burner holes are
clear.
2: Enough fuel
Ensure that there is an ample fuel supply prior to harvest season, especially if running off liquid propane. Pressurise your fuel
train on the dryer and check for leaks.
3: Test all electrical components
Make sure all fill switches, temp sensors, starters, relays, modulating valves etc are working properly to avoid a delay in
operation during drying season.
4: Start it up before you need it
Prior to harvest, start your dryer to make sure it is runs properly. Look for proper flame color and pattern, and if fans and all
moving parts are functioning correctly.
5: Ensure all safety features are working properly
There are a few safety features that you will want to check before your harvest operations are in full swing. Purging at start up,
high temp limit switches, chain break sensors, and air prove switch are the main features you will need to check regularly.
By following all of the steps above, teamed with Chief’s exceptional standards of design and engineering, you will ensure that
your grain is stored safely and cost effectively in the months and even years following this year’s harvest season.
www.agri.chiefind.com
STORAGE
Chief Agri/Industrial originated in 1961 and has grown to offer a full line of grain
and commodity storage, aeration and material handling products throughout
the world.
The success of our company is directly due to the strong relationships we have
created with our customers. Listening to their needs has led to innovative
products that help producers minimize storage costs, protect the quality
of their product, and maximize the selling price of their commodities. Our
comprehensive product offering includes: grain storage, grain handling,
Caldwell grain conditioning, and dryers.
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70 | September 2016 - Milling and Grain