Multi-Commodity Belt Drying System

Patent Number: PH-1-2015-000074

Patent Title: Multi-Commodity Belt Drying System

Description

The mechanical belt dryer for granulated cassava addresses the problem of drying cassava and other root crops and agricultural commodities.

Technical Feature:

This technology can reduce moisture content of fresh granulated cassava (moisture content of more than 60%) to a safe level of 13% at the rate of 1,00kg/hour and at an estimated drying cost of about PhP1.23/kg. It also features a drying residence time of 1.6 hours for a full load capacity of 1000kg, a product unloading rate equivalent to 450kg/hour.

​Compared to the conventional 1 to 2 days of sun drying, this machine can reduce drying time to 4 hours only. It can also be used during rainy days, allowing a year-round cassava production. Its specifications are as follows:

• ​Load Capacity – 1,000kg/h
• Drying time – 100 minutes
• Drying temperature – 80°C to 120°C
• Discharge rate – 400-470 kg/hour
• Final moisture content – 13% to 14%
• Labor requirement – 2 persons

Application and Commercial Opportunities:

For granulated cassava to be used commercially by industries, moisture content should not be higher that 14.5% and drying should be done immediately to avoid quality deterioration. Any delay in drying could result in lower recovery and physical loss of around 34% and 10% respectively or PhP1.00/kg in monetary terms – a total loss of PhP10,530/ hectare for farmers (given a price of PhP9.50/kg).

This technology addresses this problem for farmers, who usually harvests during good weather conditions only. The mechanical dryer will help farmers do planting and harvesting activities all year round.

The mechanical belt-type dryer is available for licensing to interested manufacturers.