Grain drying is an ancient practice that has always played a fundamental role in human history. Its technique has evolved over the years, transitioning from simple, prolonged sun exposure to the construction of increasingly complex closed structures specifically designed to regulate internal temperature and humidity.
Essential for preserving the quality of grains over long periods, drying offers a series of indispensable benefits:
- prevention of mold and insect infestations
- prevention of fermentation
- prolonged storage life
- preservation of product quality
- improvement of nutritional values
In recent years, the combination of digital technologies with Mecmar’s expertise in the field has brought about a new frontier in grain drying: precision drying. This integration allows for retaining all the benefits of the process while offering greater customization and monitoring.
Thus, smart drying not only optimizes the process, reducing time and operational costs, but also provides advanced tools for better grain preservation.
The adoption of Mecmar’s Industry 4.0 dryers, powered by traditional fuels (diesel or gas) and biofuels (wood chips, pellets, biogas, or biodiesel), makes the machinery economically sustainable in the long run. Energy sources like biomass, often derived from agricultural waste, are locally available at lower costs than traditional fuels. This reduces operational costs for businesses and improves their market competitiveness.
The evolution of digital solutions at Mecmar
Already in the 2000s, Mecmar used the first digital systems that enabled operating the machine via a touchscreen. Over the years, these models evolved thanks to customer feedback, enhancing processor and sensor capabilities.
Initially, PLCs could only monitor temperature and record the primary process parameters. The latest models, developed in 2023 and presented at the Agritechnica fair in Hannover, allow for monitoring many new parameters to optimize and efficiently manage the dryer, achieving maximum results:
- fuel consumption
- discharge command opening
- fuel level monitoring
- the ability to track grain weight during the drying process
- sending emails and notifications to customers
- remote data transmission
Solutions in digital drying
Smart drying promotes machine versatility. Mobile dryers require a lower investment than fixed ones and offer greater operational flexibility.
New Industry 4.0 dryers can handle various grain processing tasks and operate close to production areas. These features reduce the time and costs typically associated with transporting products to and from fixed drying facilities, improving overall process efficiency.
Moreover, the ability to move the dryer to different areas helps distribute work more evenly. Mobile dryers can be used for targeted management of small product batches or to address specific seasonal drying needs.
Cutting-edge technologies for precision drying
New technologies are revolutionizing the drying industry, making processes more precise and introducing advanced control tools. Thanks to touchscreen systems, interaction with machines is more intuitive, and programming dryer management becomes faster and more accurate.
Mecmar is developing a new advanced monitoring system that will further optimize its dryers’ performance by integrating new parameters and constantly monitoring environmental conditions. Greater precision in data will help manage production costs and maximize overall process efficiency by optimizing resources and energy.
Conclusion
Precision drying represents a significant step toward the future of the industry. Technologies are evolving rapidly, offering increasingly innovative solutions to handle grains healthily, efficiently, and personally.
With its mobile dryers and experimentation in alternative fuels and touch technology, Mecmar provides professional solutions for greater operational flexibility and a fairer distribution of resources.
If you’re interested in exploring smart drying, don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, we’ll find the dryer that best suits your needs, enabling you to operate more efficiently using state-of-the-art technology.
