Proposal for improving of paddy rice drying process in dryers inclined pools
The operation of inclined type dryers for paddy rice is studied to improve their operation and efficiency, considering the variables of drying time, humidity distribution in the rice layer after drying and air velocities within the plenum. Simulating the distribution and velocities of the air flow before crossing the rice layer, the outlet ducts to the plenum are relocated and dampers are placed to distribute the flow evenly. On the other hand, it is proposed to replace the flat-type mesh with a zigzag-type mesh. To verify the proposed modifications, a scale model was built to determine the humidity and drying time variation inside the rice layer, obtaining more uniform moisture percentages within the rice layer and a decrease in drying time.