{"id":17774,"date":"2022-09-30T10:45:16","date_gmt":"2022-09-30T08:45:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mecmargroup.com\/news\/portable_grain_dryers_better_direct_flame_or_indirect_flame-80"},"modified":"2024-03-24T18:17:04","modified_gmt":"2024-03-24T17:17:04","slug":"portable_grain_dryers_better_direct_flame_or_indirect_flame-80","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mecmargroup.com\/en\/news\/portable_grain_dryers_better_direct_flame_or_indirect_flame-80","title":{"rendered":"Portable grain dryers: better direct flame or indirect flame?"},"content":{"rendered":"

As early as the 1980s, but increasingly in the 1990s, the need to process organic and organic grains with systems capable of preserving all their organoleptic characteristics<\/strong> was confirmed. To meet these new needs of farms, Mecmar<\/strong> designs and manufactures portable direct-flame and indirect-flame grain dryers<\/strong>. It is precisely the latter system-the indirect flame system-that is the most suitable for processing grains intended for organic and human consumption.<\/p>\n

But how do the two solutions differ and which<\/strong> portable<\/strong> grain dryer turns out to be the<\/strong> most suitable<\/strong> for<\/strong> your<\/strong> reality<\/strong>? The Mecmar team explains it to you: continue reading to learn all the details or, if you’re short on time, watch<\/strong> the<\/strong> video<\/strong> at the end of the article!<\/p>\n

Direct vs. indirect flame: which process best meets your drying needs?<\/h3>\n

Portable grain dryers with direct flame<\/strong> are certainly the most<\/strong> popular<\/strong> and widely used on the market. In this case, the grain processing process involves the use of gas or diesel as a fuel source<\/strong>, so as to ensure even and uniform grain drying.<\/p>\n

<\/figure>\n

But what is the process that takes place inside the cylinder of the direct flame dryer? High volumes of air are mixed with the products of combustion: thus, the<\/strong> quality of the air used to dry grain depends on two factors<\/strong>. First, the quality<\/strong> and type<\/strong> of fuel<\/strong> used to generate hot air inside the dryer. Second, the success of the process is related to the correct<\/strong> burner<\/strong> calibration<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In addition to this, in order for the drying phase to return a dry and clean product, it is a good idea to regularly check that the combustion chamber is functioning properly and is free of any residual dust<\/strong>. Specifically, before starting the drying phase following a downtime, be sure to perform effective grain dryer maintenance<\/a>. Read the dedicated article to learn more.<\/p>\n

Introduced relatively recently, the indirect<\/strong> flame<\/strong> drying process makes it possible to meet the ever-increasing demand<\/strong> for<\/strong> certifications<\/strong> that guarantee high quality<\/strong> grain<\/strong>. Normally, portable indirect flame grain dryers are fueled by diesel fuel, but the real heart of this revolutionary<\/strong> grain processing<\/strong> system is the heat<\/strong> exchanger<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

<\/figure>\n

The very latter ensures that no combustion products come into contact with the grain being dried<\/strong>. Thus, on the one hand, the nutritional properties of the grains are preserved<\/strong> and, on the other hand, a clean, environmentally friendly and natural product can be obtained<\/strong>, which fits perfectly with the standards required to acquire certifications and labels attesting to its quality.<\/p>\n

Equipped with a large number of noble steel tubes<\/strong>, the heat exchanger ensures high<\/strong> drying<\/strong> efficiency<\/strong> and minimal<\/strong> consumption<\/strong>, especially when compared with the performance of the direct-fire system. In fact, the air drying<\/strong> the grain<\/strong> inside the indirect-flame system draws heat from the combustion products<\/strong>, which are then emitted directly into the atmosphere without mixing with the grain.<\/p>\n

When to choose a direct flame system and when to choose the indirect flame system?<\/h3>\n

Usually, portable direct-flame<\/strong> grain dryers are used for general<\/strong> drying<\/strong> purposes<\/strong>. Since the combustion<\/strong> chamber of the system is insulated<\/strong> by a cushion of cold air, the solution guarantees 100% efficiency for all users. All the heat\u00a0<\/strong>produced by the burner is transferred\u00a0<\/strong>to the grain, since there are no hot parts of the dryer to retain it.<\/p>\n

The heat essential for drying is not dispersed, but transferred to the grain inside the cylinder containing it. Finally, the compactness of the system\u00a0<\/strong>results in lower purchase costs\u00a0<\/strong>and easier\u00a0<\/strong>maintenance.<\/p>\n

When, instead, to choose a portable grain dryer with indirect<\/strong> flame<\/strong>? In this case, given that the air being dried is completely clean, the system is mostly used for drying organic grains for human consumption<\/strong>. Technologically more advanced, in a Mecmar indirect flame plant, the exchanger is separate from<\/strong> the cylinder<\/strong> containing the grain, minimizing risks. In fact, the plant is the result of years of testing and trials<\/strong> to ensure the best efficiency<\/strong> and durability<\/strong> for the end user.<\/p>\n

Below you will find other<\/strong> interesting insights<\/strong> about Mecmar solutions for drying and roasting grains:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Antinutritional factor: how to eliminate it from legumes?<\/a><\/li>\n
  • Electric grain roaster: ecological solution for roasting cereals<\/a><\/li>\n
  • Biomass grain drying systems: the solution for organic farming<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Do you have additional questions about how direct-flame vs. indirect-flame systems work?<\/strong> Would you like to talk to one of our experts to find out which solution is best for you? All you have to do is contact us<\/a>: the Mecmar team will be happy to answer all your questions.<\/p>\n

    Watch the video to get a quick overview of the differences between direct and indirect flame:<\/p>\n