Multiple intermittence beehive grain dryer

Abstract

MULTIPLE INTERMITTENCE BEEHIVE GRAIN DRYER, refers to a dryer of seeds and other agricultural products that can be a constructive format honeycomb type dryer designed to provide a unprecedented process of multiple intermittence during fast, gentle, non-aggressive drying process of grains and seeds through complete and safe removal of accumulated moisture, being divided into the following stages: drying-resting-drying-resting-drying, and so on until drying is complete. Exposure time to drying air is monitored and allows recirculation of humid air, it also allows batch or continuous drying with a thermally insulated plenum that removes dirty humid air located in the bottom section, without releasing it directly into the environment, with advantages of low production cost, dry grain of much higher quality, better energy efficiency, environmentally friendly and capable of virtually eliminating any accidental risks.

Claims

1. A multiple intermittence beehive grain dryer comprising: a left chamber assembly and a right chamber assembly wherein each of the assemblies forms a respective tower that comprises from top to bottom a feed module (1-A) equipped with a loading inlet to receive humid product to be dried, an upper level set that comprises a loading and holding module (1-B), a humid air removal module (1-C), and a drying module (1-D), at least one additional set that comprises a holding module (1-E), a humid air removal module (1-F), and a drying module (1-G), a regulating flow table (1-H), an unloading bin (1-I), and a dry product removal module (1-J); and a hot air distribution duct (1-K) that extends in a plenum (1-L), located between the left chamber assembly and the right chamber assembly, to each of the drying modules (1-D, 1-G), wherein the loading and holding module (1-B) comprises a deflector guide (1-B-1) and inspection doors (1-B-2), wherein each of the humid air removal modules (1-C, 1-F) comprises a duct in fluid communication with the plenum (1-L) and comprises hives wherein each hive comprises structures shaped with a rectangular base and a triangular top, wherein each of the drying modules (1-D, 1-G) comprises a rectangular and prismatic duct that is in fluid communication with the hot air distribution duct (1-K), and wherein, in operation, hot air flows via the hot air distribution duct (1-K) to the rectangular and prismatic ducts of the drying modules (1-D, 1-G) and humidified air, as humidified by removal of water from the humid product to be dried, flows from the ducts of the humid air removal modules to the plenum (1-L).

2. The multiple intermittence beehive grain dryer of claim 1 comprising at least three drying modules and at least three holding modules per tower.

3. The multiple intermittence beehive grain dryer of claim 2 comprising five or less drying modules and five or less holding modules per tower.

4. A drying process by multiple intermittence comprising: feeding humid product (PU) directly into a loading and holding compartment module, wherein the humid product (PU) descends by gravity filling up a saturated or humid air removal upper module and an upper drying module, followed by sequential holding module and saturated or humid air removal module sets associated with corresponding drying modules that are followed by a flow regulator and an unloading chamber, from where dry product (PS) is removed; feeding hot air (AQ) into a lower part of a hot air distribution duct that distributes the hot air simultaneously into the drying modules; passing the hot air (AQ) through hive holes of the drying modules transversely to downward flow of humid product (PU), and then rising the hot air (AQ) through a product layer of the humid product (PU) that moves in a countercurrent direction when drying occurs, wherein the hot air (AQ) leaves through a lower section of moisture removal module hives, and wherein humid air (AU) is collected by a central duct connected to the hives and then by a plenum, wherein the humid air (AU) is expelled through a lower section of the plenum; and wherein migration of moisture from inside a grain of the humid product (PU) to outside occurs when the humid product (PU) is placed inside one of the holding modules, where no air passes through, such that neither will the humid product (PU) be heated by hot air (AQ) nor will removal of humid air (AU) occur.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Features and advantages of the described implementations can be more readily understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

(2) FIG. 1, which shows the schematic drawing for the drying process designed for the present patent, as exemplified for dryers equipped with two independent towers;

(3) FIG. 2, which exemplifies the external front view of the dryer herein proposed, with two independent towers, each equipped with one loading and holding module, four drying and humid air removal modules, three holding modules, and one regulating flow and unloading table;

(4) FIG. 3, which shows the sectional front view of the dryer herein proposed, with two independent towers, each equipped with one loading and holding module, four drying and humid air removal modules, three holding modules, and one regulating flow and unloading table;

(5) FIGS. 4-A, 4-B and 4-C, which show the perspective views of the loading, holding, and humid air removal modules, divided into top perspective (FIG. 4-A), bottom perspective (FIG. 4-B), and top view (FIG. 4-C);

(6) FIGS. 5-A, 5-B and 5-C, showing the drying module, divided into top perspective (FIG. 5-A), bottom perspective (FIG. 5-B), and top view (FIG. 5-C);

(7) FIGS. 6-A, 6-B and 6-C, which shows loading and holding module views, divided into top perspective (FIG. 6-A), bottom perspective (FIG. 6-B), and top view (FIG. 6-C);

(8) FIG. 7, which shows the external rear perspective view of the dryer herein proposed, with two parallel sets, each equipped with one loading and holding module, four drying and humid air removal modules, three holding modules, and one unloading module; and

(9) FIG. 8, which shows the schematic drawing for conventional drying process of conventional dryers, as exemplified for dryers equipped with one tower and six holding and drying stations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(10) The following description includes the best mode presently contemplated for practicing the described implementations. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but rather is made merely for the purpose of describing general principles of the implementations. The scope of the described implementations should be ascertained with reference to the issued claims.

(11) Recent observations as to drying equipment have exposed disadvantages, limitations, and drawbacks, such as increased production cost, physical degradation of grain and seeds, quality loss, energy waste, environmental pollution, and risk of accidents.

(12) Technology described herein concerns constructive format honeycomb type dryers, for example, designed to provide unprecedented multiple intermittence during fast, gentle, non-aggressive drying process of grains, seeds, and other agricultural products through complete and safe removal of accumulated moisture present on their surface, which results in dry grain of much higher quality. Such design is energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and provides low production cost.

(13) As an example, a multiple intermittence beehive grain dryer was designed to overcome disadvantages, limitations, and drawbacks imposed by various dryers, and provide an unprecedented process of multiple intermittence during fast, gentle, non-aggressive drying process of grains and seeds through complete and safe removal of accumulated moisture, being divided into the following stages: drying-resting-drying-resting-drying, and so on until drying is complete. Exposure time to drying air is monitored and allows recirculation of humid air through dehumidifier equipment (UTA) for further reuse. It also allows batch or continuous drying with a thermally insulated plenum that removes dirty humid air located in the bottom section, without releasing it directly into the environment. These environmentally friendly dryers provide fast drying, minimum product degradation by gently removing moisture that is accumulated on the surface of the grain, lower production costs, better energy efficiency, high quality grains, and a system capable of virtually eliminating any accidental risks.

(14) Technology described herein aims to address some of the technical issues and design pitfalls experienced by current technologies, such as:

(15) a) Low energy efficiency: due to large thermal waste resulting from the amount of dried product/amount of heat applied ratio, which can be adjusted if multiple chambers and intermittence are implemented;

(16) b) Damage during drying: the amount of heat applied to increase vapor pressure on the grain and to accelerate the migration of moisture from inside the grain to outside is excessive, which may completely eliminate the natural moisture properties of the product and cause external cracks, compromising its integrity and quality. This example of a dryer is designed to adjust the exposure time set for a specific grain to drying air, and remove moisture without causing overall damage or excessive drying of its outer layer;

(17) c) Intermittent type dryers equipped with a single chamber are generally energy-efficient, but their production capacity is limited and requires drying air set at higher temperatures, which results in loss of moisture and further damage to the outer layer of the grain. The implementation of multiple chambers, intermittence, and exposure time adjustment to drying air, in addition to monitored removal of excessive moisture guarantee the highest-quality grains available in the market.

(18) d) Humid air is sucked through the middle or upper section of the plenum and dirty air is directly released into the environment, causing unwanted environmental damage, the design proposed herein allows recirculation of humid air at the bottom of the dryer, promoting air treatment by means of a conventional cleaning process, either dry or humid; and

(19) e) The inner sections of most dryers available in the market are hard to clean, and doing so inappropriately may result in fire or explosion. By adding to the design internal spaces intended for human access, those hard-to-reach areas can be easily cleaned without imposing occupational hazards.

(20) The drying process sequence presented herein can include the following:

(21) 1) Humid product (PU) is fed directly into the loading and holding compartment module, which descends by gravity filling up the saturated or humid air removal upper module and upper drying module, followed by the sequential holding and saturated or humid air removal sets, and finally the flow regulators and unloading chamber, from where the dry product (PS) is removed;

(22) 2) Hot air (AQ), produced by a conventional heat source, is fed into the lower part of the hot air distribution duct that distributes hot air equitably and simultaneously into the drying module feeding inlet;

(23) 3) Hot air (AQ) first passes through the hive holes of the drying modules transversely to the downward flow of humid product, and then rises through the product layer that moves in countercurrent direction, when drying occurs. The hot air leaves the chamber through the lower section of the moisture removal module hives, and humid air (AU) is collected by the central duct connected to the hives and sent to the plenum, where it is expelled through its lower section; and

(24) 4) The migration of moisture from inside the grain to outside occurs when the product is placed inside the holding modules, where no air will be coming through, neither will the product be heated by hot air (AQ), nor removal of humid air (AU) will occur.

(25) The drying process by multiple intermittence is not limited only to drying equipment that has been designed according to the attached illustrations. It is also suitable for other designs, for example, even for existing dryers available in the market, providing quick drying and less aggressiveness towards the product by gently removing moisture accumulated on its surface. FIG. 8 illustrates an application process suitable for a conventional dryer equipped with a furnace (F), a tower (T), six holding stations (R), and six drying stations (S).

(26) According to illustrations provided, the dryer presented herein can include a feeding module to be dried (1-A), equipped with loading inlets to receive humid product to be dried (1-A-1) conventional and closed by cover (1-A-2); loading and holding module set (1-B-e) and humid air removal upper set (1-C-e) located in the left drying chamber; loading and holding module set (1-B-d) and humid air removal upper set (1-C-d) located in the right drying chamber, both chambers present a rectangular, prismatic shape, and so do the modules, which are also equipped with a deflector guide (1-B-1) and inspection doors (1-B-2), connected to the humid air removal upper module and to the feeding module to be dried (1-A), both humid air removal upper modules present rectangular, prismatic shape with hives (1-C-1) that are rectangular at the base and triangular at the top, and central duct (1-C-2) that is rectangular and prismatic, connected to the upper drying module, the loading and holding module, and to the plenum; both upper drying module (1-D-e) located in the left chamber, and upper drying module (1-D-d) located in the right chamber, present rectangular, prismatic shape with hives (1-D-1) that are rectangular at the base and triangular at the top, and a pyramidal-trunk shaped central duct (1-D-2), connected to the humid air removal modules, the holding modules, and to the hot air distribution duct; one or more sets of holding modules (1-E-e), humid air removal modules (1-F-e), and drying module (1-G-e), located in the left chamber, and one or more sets of holding modules (1-E-d), humid air removal modules (1-F-d), and drying module (1-G-d), located in the right chamber, which presents rectangular, prismatic shape, equipped with holding modules also rectangular and prismatic, two rectangular partitions (1-E-1), and access for inspection and cleaning (1-E-2), connected to the humid air removal modules and to the drying modules, with humid air removal modules that are rectangular and prismatic, and hives (1-F-1) that are rectangular at the base and triangular at the top, and rectangular, prismatic central duct (1-F-2), connected to the drying modules, holding modules, and to the plenum, and drying modules that are rectangular, prismatic, with hives (1-G-1) that are rectangular at the base and triangular at the top, and a pyramidal-trunk shaped central duct (1-G-2), connected to the moisture removal modules, holding modules, and hot air distribution duct; a regulating flow table (1-H-e), located in the left drying chamber, and a regulating flow table (1-H-d), located in the left drying chamber, connected to the unloading bins and to the drying modules; conic shaped unloading bin (1-I-e), located in the left drying chamber, and conic shaped unloading bin (1-I-d), located in the right drying chamber, both connected to the dry product removal modules (1-J-e) and (1-J-d), and to the drying modules; staggered hot air distribution duct (1-K), with inlet (1-K-1) located in the bottom section, and plenum (1-L), located between both chambers, with outlet (1-L1) and inspection door (1-L-2), located in the bottom section.

(27) The number of drying and holding modules is determined by the total estimated volume projected for each dryer. Three to five drying and holding sets per tower are usually recommended.

(28) Although various examples of methods, devices, systems, designs, etc., have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as examples of forms of implementing the claimed methods, devices, systems, designs, etc.