Costs of stationary drying of corn subjected to different sources of air heating

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the consumption and cost of fuel and electricity for stationary drying of grains subjected to three heating sources. Grains originated from experimental crops were dried to approximately 12% moisture content with natural air, the use of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), and solar drying. Assessments of time consumption and costs, unitary and total, were carried out for the LPG drying. Evaluations of electricity total consumption and cost per dry bag were also performed, as well as the total drying cost for all treatments studied. The cost of drying per bag (60 kg) with the use of LPG was three times higher than with natural air and ten times higher than with solar drying. The total electricity consumption was greater with natural air and the drying rate with the use of LPG was three times higher when compared to natural air-drying.