Scanair Seed Dryer for seed and grain dehumidifying. The amount of moisture present in the seeds affects both the quality and the storability of the seeds during long and short term storage. Generally, drying seeds to 4%-6% moisture content decelerates the rate of seed deterioration substantially. Consequently, a seed drying procedure is required that is benign to the seed, simple to operate and applicable for many different types of seeds. The most economical and simplest solution is to release the moisture from the product to the surrounding air. This is best achieved by means of an adsorption desiccant dehumidifier. The Scanair Seed Dryer, by maintaining the air at a lower moisture level, can increase the drying potential and drying rate. It also removes the variable of weather as a factor, while retaining germination viability.
Scanair seed drier are specially designed and manufactured in three various types. Are which will work like Tray drier type in this the seeds has to filled and kept in the perforated trays closed the drier door and start the dehumidifier for working. The Stand alone dehumidifier connected with in & out hose pipes with the tray drier the basic principle air will be sucked from the drier and get dehumidified and supplied the air in drier in repeat process. The removal of moisture is based on the principal of physical adsorption. Through experience, it is found that to optimize drying capacity with minimum power consumption, and to retain germination potential in the seed, the air being introduced to the drying chamber should be at 40˚C at 5% RH.
Seed Dryers and Dehumidifier for Cardamom Capsules
These seed dryers are based on state of art technology and incorporate a unique air distribution system through the trays to optimize drying capacity and time. The seed dryers can handle 50 Kg up to 1000 Kg of seed. The other processes Scanair introduced is, fluidized bed drier type dehumidifier to process the seed like cardamom capsules. Pour in the baffle and close the drier for processing and the stand alone dehumidifier will take care off the process of dehumidification. This is the most important part of the process as it affects the quality of the final product. It is important to dry the cardamom capsules as soon after harvest as possible to prevent the loss of flavor. It is also important that the drying process is as short as possible so that mould does not grow on the capsules and the bright green colour is retained. The drying temperature should not be above 50˚C as this affects the colour and delicate flavor of the final product. In most places, cardamom capsules with a good green colour can be sold for a premium price.
The moisture content of a fresh cardamom capsule is about 85%. This needs to be reduced to 10% in the dried product so the cardamom capsules can be stored. If the drying period is too long mould can start to grow on the cardamom. There are several options available to the small scale processor, depending upon the size of the business and the local weather conditions at the time of processing. Each method has different advantages and disadvantages. Improper drying and storage conditions in handling seeds can have an adverse affect on the life of those seeds. Loss in viability, discoloration, toxin production and growth of fungus can take place rapidly if proper preventative measures are not taken.
Dehumidifiers for Seed Storage
The other method stored seed in the ware house to keep dehumidified environment with the help of portable or duct able industrial dehumidification system. The safe storage of seeds is important for several reasons. Of course seeds must be preserved for use as human and animal food. Seed viability must also be protected (germless protection) for various uses by the plant scientists who maintain a permanent reservoir of seed stock by establishing a seed bank. Some of the factors affecting the final quality of the seeds are:
- Treatment during harvesting
- Type of processing
- Method of drying
- Environmental control during storage, particularly temperature and relative humidity.
Of the various points mentioned above, we will consider in greater detail the one very important factor relating to temperature and humidity control during storage of various types of seeds. Undoubtedly the two most important factors in determining the life of the seeds are moisture content and storage temperature. We have already discussed moisture content in seed drying. Let’s take a closer look at seed storage.
Storage conditions depend on the projected future use of the seed. Seed storage has certain requirements which include protection from water, contamination, rodents, fungi, fire etc. However, relative humidity and temperature are the most critical aspects to keep in mind during storage. The two are actually interrelated. In short term storage their relationship can be expressed by a simple thumb rule. Storage temperature (in deg. F) plus relative humidity should total 100. For instance, 60˚Fat 40% RH or 55˚F at 45%RH or 65˚F at 35% RH. In most cases the dew point to be maintained inside corresponds to approximately 35˚F. This is a good design condition for short-term storage.
For long term storage, the temperature and relative humidity considerations are slightly different. Moreover, seeds stored for germplasm preservation must be stored under very controlled conditions. If the storage temperature does not exceed 50˚F and the RH is not higher than 50%, most species of seeds will retain their full initial viability for a few years. Many seeds will retain good viability for 20 years or more when stored at 35-40˚F and 40%RH. There are several methods of control currently being used throughout the world.
Desiccant Dehumidifiers
Desiccant Dehumidifiers in seed storage facilities protect a very large investment. The cost of seeds are high, and in research applications, the seeds may be irreplaceable at any cost. Thousands of dollars and hours of costly effort can be lost at a single stroke when fungus and mold attack seeds in storage. What is the reason for this damage? Too much moisture in the seeds combines with warm temperatures to provide an ideal environment for microbiological growth.
Scanair desiccant dehumidifiers control the air around the seeds so they cannot absorb excess moisture that can lead to fungus growth. This ensures protection of the seeds at any temperature without freeze up problems or loss of efficiency. Seeds last longer at low temperatures. Because Scanair desiccant dehumidifiers work equally well at high and low temperatures, one can store seeds at any temperature without having to worry about high humidity.
Seed Dryers application areas
Seed dryers are widely used in the following areas – Seed drying, Cardamom drying, Fruits/Vegetable Drying, Tea Leaves Drying, Herbal Drying, Turmeric Drying, Ginger Drying, Garlic Drying, Agricultural Produce Storage Buildings, Grains Warehousing & Storage Areas.