A low-cost tunnel-type peanut ventilation and mold-inhibiting drying equipment

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of peanut ventilation, mold inhibition, and drying technology, and discloses a low-cost tunnel-type peanut ventilation, mold inhibition, and drying equipment. It includes a blower, the output end of which is connected to an air duct. One end of the air duct is connected to a uniform air chamber, and the outlet end of the uniform air chamber is connected to a ventilation sump. The ventilation sump is used for ventilation, mold inhibition, and drying of peanuts. This utility model has a simple structure, low manufacturing cost, requires no additional heat source, and has low operating cost, making it affordable for small farmers. Specifically designed for peanut drying, the tunnel structure combined with optimized ventilation holes / ducts can form a uniform and stable low-temperature airflow inside the peanut pile, quickly removing moisture and heat from the peanut pile and the peanuts themselves. While reducing moisture, it effectively inhibits mold growth and toxin production. During the ventilation process, the peanuts remain stationary, and the low-temperature ventilation effectively prevents peanut oil oxidation and rancidity, reduces germination rate, and maximizes the integrity and commercial value of the peanuts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of peanut ventilation, mold inhibition and drying technology, and in particular to a low-cost tunnel-type peanut ventilation, mold inhibition and drying equipment. Background Technology

[0002] With the advancement of agricultural science and technology and the continuous increase in national investment in agricultural production, mechanized drying technologies for major grain and oil crops such as corn, rice, wheat, and soybeans have been widely promoted and applied, playing a crucial role in ensuring national food security and promoting increased production and income for farmers. However, due to the unique properties of peanuts, such as their high initial moisture content (40%-50%), high oil content, and special pod structure (loose and porous outer shell, delicate kernels), theoretical research and equipment development for their mechanized drying have long lagged behind. Mature and reliable mechanized drying processes for peanuts are scarce, and the development of drying equipment specifically for peanuts is almost nonexistent, resulting in a near-zero mechanized drying rate for peanuts.

[0003] Currently, the treatment of newly harvested peanuts in my country still heavily relies on natural sun-drying, especially for the large number of small-scale farmers (smallholders). This traditional method has serious drawbacks: newly harvested peanuts have extremely high moisture content, and if this moisture cannot be reduced in time, they are highly susceptible to heating, sprouting, mold, and even toxin production within a short period (usually 24-48 hours). In recent years, the peanut harvest season has frequently encountered continuous rainy weather, significantly increasing the risks of relying on the weather for sun-drying, resulting in substantial losses due to mold after production. Statistics show that 10% to 20% of my country's total peanut production loses its edible or commercial value annually due to insufficient rainfall, resulting in economic losses exceeding 1 billion yuan. For example, in 2017, some major peanut-producing areas experienced continuous rain during the harvest season, preventing peanuts from drying, leading to losses of 50% to 70% in some areas.

[0004] Special needs and current predicaments of small farmers for peanut drying equipment: (1) Strong drying demand and weak coping ability: Small farmers usually have a limited planting area (a few acres to a dozen acres) and a relatively small total amount of peanuts harvested. However, they also face the severe challenge of a large accumulation of high-moisture peanuts in a short period of time after concentrated harvest, and the urgent need for rapid mold suppression and drying. (2) Extreme shortage of suitable equipment: Existing large-scale grain drying equipment is mainly designed for grains. Its drying process (high temperature, high air pressure, violent turning) is very likely to cause high damage rate of peanut pods, scorching, oil oxidation and rancidity, and even fire risk (because peanut shells are flammable). It is completely unsuitable for peanuts with fragile structure and rich in oil. There is a lack of mature drying equipment on the market that is specially designed for the characteristics of peanuts and suitable for the small-batch processing needs of small farmers. (3) High cost sensitivity: Small farmers have limited financial resources and are extremely sensitive to the initial purchase price of equipment. Large drying equipment costing tens or even hundreds of thousands of yuan is far beyond their affordability. At the same time, energy consumption must be low, maintenance must be simple, and operating costs must be significantly lower than the potential losses caused by mold in order to be accepted and used continuously by small farmers. The equipment structure should be as simple, sturdy, durable, and easy to maintain as possible to reduce subsequent maintenance costs and complexity. (4) Scale adaptability: The processing capacity of the equipment must match the actual harvest of small farmers (usually several hundred kilograms to several tons) and limited space (such as farmyards) to avoid equipment idleness and waste. (5) High requirements for ease of operation: The operation process of the equipment should be simple and intuitive, without complicated training or high technical thresholds, so that farmers with different levels of education can quickly master and use it. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This utility model patent provides a low-cost tunnel-type peanut ventilation and mold-inhibiting drying device, which successfully solves the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: it includes a blower, the output end of which is connected to an air duct, one end of which is connected to a uniform air chamber, and the air outlet of the uniform air chamber is connected to a ventilation sump, which is used for ventilation, mold inhibition and drying of peanuts.

[0007] Preferably, the air distribution chamber is provided with a connecting pipe on the side near the air duct, and an air distribution grid is provided at the end of the connecting pipe near the air distribution chamber. The air distribution grid is used to evenly distribute the air into the air distribution chamber.

[0008] Preferably, the ventilation duct consists of a fence and a ventilation channel. The fence includes fence side panels and fence end panels. There are two fence side panels and they are arranged opposite each other. There are also two fence end panels, which are respectively arranged at both ends of the ventilation duct. A ventilation channel is provided between the two fence side panels.

[0009] Preferably, each of the two fence side panels has a connecting post at its upper end, and a connecting rod is provided between the corresponding connecting posts of the two fence side panels.

[0010] Preferably, the ventilation duct has a tunnel-shaped cross-section and consists of a ventilation side plate and an end plate at one end. The open end of the ventilation duct is connected to the air distribution chamber. The ventilation side plate includes a vertical region and an arc region, both of which are punched with round holes. The punching opening rate of the arc region is greater than that of the vertical region.

[0011] The low-cost tunnel-type peanut ventilation and mold-inhibiting drying equipment provided by this utility model has the following technical effects and significant advantages:

[0012] 1. Low cost advantage: (1) Low equipment cost: The modular design is simple and compact, and the manufacturing cost is low, making it affordable for small farmers. (2) Low operating energy consumption: The equipment relies on forced ventilation by fans, and does not require additional heat sources or complex heating systems, resulting in low operating costs and making it affordable for small farmers. (3) Low maintenance cost: The equipment has no complex and easily damaged parts, resulting in a low failure rate and low maintenance costs.

[0013] 2. Designed specifically for peanut drying: (1) Ventilation and mold suppression: The tunnel structure combined with optimized ventilation holes / ducts creates a uniform, continuous, and low-temperature airflow inside the peanut pod pile, achieving gentle moisture removal and effectively dissipating moisture and heat, rapidly inhibiting mold growth and toxin production. (2) Low breakage rate: The drying process does not require high temperature, strong airflow impact, or mechanical turning, and the peanut pods are in a relatively static state, minimizing pod breakage and kernel damage, maintaining the integrity and commercial value of peanuts. (3) Avoiding oil deterioration: The low-temperature ventilation method effectively avoids the oxidation and rancidity of peanut oil and the reduction of germination rate caused by high temperature.

[0014] 3. Easy to operate and suitable for small farmers' technical level: (1) Simple installation and use: The equipment structure is intuitive and has few parts. It only needs to be connected to the power supply and the fan to work. After filling the peanuts and starting the fan, it can basically achieve "one-click operation" without complicated parameter settings. (2) Worry-free management: The drying process is stable and controllable. Users only need to check the fan operation status and peanut drying degree regularly, which greatly reduces labor intensity and technical threshold. (3) Applicable to different peanut varieties and different moisture contents.

[0015] 4. Flexible scale and full utilization of limited space: (1) Moderate processing capacity: The tunnel structure can be designed with different lengths / volumes to flexibly match the peanut harvest of small farmers from a few hundred kilograms to several tons (single or batch processing). (2) Low site requirements: The equipment can be flexibly deployed in farmyards, corners of drying yards or simple sheds, with a small footprint and no need for special factory buildings or complex infrastructure construction.

[0016] 5. Significantly reduce post-harvest losses and improve economic benefits: (1) Break through weather restrictions: Enable small farmers to carry out effective drying even in rainy weather, completely getting rid of the passive situation of "relying on the weather". (2) Quickly respond to drying needs: After harvest, it can be put into operation immediately to avoid the risk of short-term heat generation and mold caused by the accumulation of high-moisture peanuts. (3) Recover huge losses: Through timely and effective ventilation and mold suppression drying, the peanut mold loss rate can be significantly reduced from 10%-20% (or even higher), directly protecting the planting income of small farmers, with significant economic and social benefits.

[0017] In summary, this utility model patent successfully provides a peanut drying solution that truly meets the principles of "affordability, usability, and usability" for small farmers. Through low-cost design, targeted technical approaches (ventilation and mold inhibition), simple operation, and scalability, it effectively solves the problem of mold loss caused by the inability to dry peanuts in a timely manner after harvest for small farmers, filling a market gap and playing a significant role in ensuring the safety of my country's peanut industry and promoting increased income for small farmers. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the end face of the ventilation duct of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the ventilated storage bin for peanuts according to this utility model.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the ventilation duct structure of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the ventilation duct and the uniform air chamber of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting pipe and the uniform air grid structure of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the front view of the uniform air chamber of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a right view of the wind-dissipating grille of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the ventilation duct structure of this utility model.

[0027] In the diagram: 1. Blower; 2. Air duct; 3. Air distribution chamber; 301. Connecting pipe; 302. Air distribution grille; 4. Ventilation sump; 401. Fence side panel; 402. Ventilation duct; 403. Connecting column; 404. Connecting tie rod. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0029] This utility model provides, for example Figures 1 to 9 The invention relates to a low-cost tunnel-type peanut ventilation and mold-inhibiting drying device, comprising a blower 1, an air duct 2 connected to the output end of the blower 1, an air distribution chamber 3 connected to one end of the air distribution chamber 3, and a ventilation sump 4 connected to the air outlet end of the air distribution chamber 3. The ventilation sump 4 is used for ventilation, mold inhibition, and drying of wet peanuts.

[0030] The blower 1 is used to blow air into the air duct 2. The blower 1 preferably uses a centrifugal fan, which is driven by a variable frequency motor and can adjust the output air volume. The air blown by the centrifugal fan is delivered into the air distribution chamber 3 through the air duct 2, and the air is evenly distributed into the air distribution chamber 3 through the air distribution grille 302 connected to the pipe 301. Then it enters the interior of the ventilation silo 4. The two sides and the arc surface of the ventilation duct 402 are punched with densely packed round holes. The air is blown from the round holes of the ventilation duct 402 into the loading area formed by the ventilation duct 402 and the fence side plate 401. After fully contacting the wet peanuts piled up in the loading area, it is discharged from the top of the ventilation silo 4 and the sides of the fence, taking away the moisture of the wet peanuts and playing the role of ventilation, drying and mold prevention for the wet peanuts.

[0031] Furthermore, a connecting pipe 301 is provided on the side of the air distribution chamber 3 near the air duct 2, and an air distribution grid 302 is provided on the end of the connecting pipe 301 near the air distribution chamber 3. The air distribution grid 302 is used to evenly distribute the air to the air distribution chamber 3.

[0032] The centrifugal fan blows air into the duct 2, which then delivers the air to the connecting pipe 301. The air distribution grid 302 inside the connecting pipe 301 evenly disperses the drying air. The dispersed drying air then enters the air distribution chamber 3. The cross-sectional shape of the air distribution chamber 3 is the same as that of the ventilation duct 402, which is uniformly arched. The end of the air distribution chamber 3 away from the connecting pipe 301 has no baffle and is directly connected to the ventilation duct 402. In this way, the air distribution grid 302 disperses the drying air and fills the entire interior of the air distribution chamber 3, which then enters the ventilation duct 402 at a uniform cross-sectional speed.

[0033] The air distribution grille 302 is arranged in a horizontal and vertical staggered manner on the side of the connecting pipe 301 near the air distribution chamber 3, which can effectively disperse the drying air and allow the drying air to fill the interior of the air distribution chamber 3.

[0034] Furthermore, the ventilation silo 4 includes two fence side panels 401, which are arranged opposite to each other, and a ventilation duct 402 is provided between the two fence side panels 401.

[0035] Both fence side panels 401 include a vertical section and an arc section, which are integrally formed. Each fence side panel 401 has a connecting post 403 at its top, and a connecting rod 404 is provided between the two connecting posts 403.

[0036] Both the fence side panels 401 and the ventilation duct 402 are placed upright on a flat ground. An arched loading area is formed between the two fence side panels 401 and the ventilation duct 402. The fence side panels 401 act as a fence for the peanuts. After the peanuts are loaded into the loading area, the peanuts will exert an outward squeezing force on the fence side panels 401 on both sides. In order to prevent the fence side panels 401 from tipping over under the squeezing force of the peanuts, the connecting column 403 connects the two fence side panels 401 through the connecting rod 404 to ensure that the ventilation silo 4 maintains its shape stability after being loaded.

[0037] Two fence side panels 401 are set opposite each other, forming a ventilation sump 4 with the ventilation duct 402. Peanuts flow between the two fence side panels 401 and the ventilation duct 402, and the ventilation sump 4 piles the peanuts in an arch shape. The distance from the drying air to the outermost peanuts is the same, that is, the thickness of the peanut pile is equal. This can avoid the uneven drying of peanuts caused by different distances from the drying air to the outermost peanuts, and ensure that the uneven moisture content of the peanuts after ventilation and drying meets the relevant national and industry standards.

[0038] The ventilation hopper 4 also includes front and rear end plates, which are located at both ends of the two fence side plates 401. The rear end plate is used to close the two fence side plates 401 to prevent the dry air from the ventilation duct 402 from being blown out. An arched hole is provided in the middle of the front end plate, which corresponds to the ventilation duct 402, so that the dry air from the uniform air chamber 3 can enter the ventilation duct 402.

[0039] Furthermore, the ventilation duct 402 includes a vertical section and an arc-shaped section. Both the vertical section and the arc-shaped section are machined with ventilation holes. The opening ratio of the arc-shaped section is more than 20% greater than that of the vertical section, so as to achieve that the wind speed in the upper and lower parts of the loading area is basically the same, and the peanut drying rate in the upper and lower parts is basically equal.

[0040] Working principle

[0041] The blower 1 is used to blow air into the air duct 2. The blower 1 preferably uses a centrifugal fan, which is driven by a variable frequency motor and can adjust the output air volume. The air blown by the centrifugal fan is delivered into the air distribution chamber 3 through the air duct 2, and the air is evenly distributed into the air distribution chamber 3 through the air distribution grille 302 connected to the pipe 301. Then it enters the interior of the ventilation silo 4. The two sides and the arc surface of the ventilation duct 402 are punched with densely packed ventilation holes. The air is blown from the ventilation holes of the ventilation duct 402 into the loading area formed by the ventilation duct 402 and the fence side plate 401. After fully contacting the wet peanuts piled up in the loading area, it is discharged from the top of the ventilation silo 4 and the two sides of the fence, taking away the moisture of the wet peanuts and playing the role of ventilation, drying and mold prevention for the wet peanuts.

[0042] The centrifugal fan blows air into the duct 2, which then delivers the air to the connecting pipe 301. The air distribution grid 302 inside the connecting pipe 301 evenly disperses the drying air. The dispersed drying air then enters the air distribution chamber 3. The cross-sectional shape of the air distribution chamber 3 is the same as that of the ventilation duct 402, which is uniformly arched. The end of the air distribution chamber 3 away from the connecting pipe 301 has no baffle and is directly connected to the ventilation duct 402. In this way, the air distribution grid 302 disperses the drying air and fills the entire interior of the air distribution chamber 3, which then enters the ventilation duct 402 at a uniform cross-sectional speed.

[0043] Both the fence side panels 401 and the ventilation duct 402 are placed upright on a flat ground. An arched loading area is formed between the two fence side panels 401 and the ventilation duct 402. The fence side panels 401 act as a fence for the peanuts. After the peanuts are loaded into the loading area, the peanuts will exert an outward squeezing force on the fence side panels 401 on both sides. In order to prevent the fence side panels 401 from tipping over under the squeezing force of the peanuts, the connecting column 403 connects the two fence side panels 401 through the connecting rod 404 to ensure that the ventilation silo 4 maintains its shape stability after being loaded.

[0044] Two fence side panels 401 are set opposite each other, forming a ventilation sump 4 with the ventilation duct 402. Peanuts flow between the two fence side panels 401 and the ventilation duct 402, and the ventilation sump 4 piles the peanuts in an arch shape. The distance from the drying air to the outermost peanuts is the same, that is, the thickness of the peanut pile is equal. This can avoid the uneven drying of peanuts caused by different distances from the drying air to the outermost peanuts, and ensure that the uneven moisture content of the peanuts after ventilation and drying meets the relevant national and industry standards.

[0045] The ventilation silo 4 also includes front and rear end plates, which are located at both ends of the two fence side plates 401. The rear end plate is used to close the two fence side plates 401 to prevent the drying air from the ventilation duct 402 from being blown out. An arched hole is opened in the middle of the front end plate, which corresponds to the ventilation duct 402, so that the drying air from the uniform air chamber 3 can enter the ventilation duct 402 and dry the peanuts through the ventilation holes of the ventilation duct 402.

[0046] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A low-cost tunnel-type peanut ventilation and mold-inhibiting drying device, characterized in that: It includes a blower (1), a duct (2), a uniform air chamber (3), and a ventilation hopper (4). The output end of the blower (1) is connected to the duct (2), one end of the duct (2) is connected to the uniform air chamber (3), and the air outlet end of the uniform air chamber (3) is connected to the ventilation hopper (4). The ventilation hopper (4) is used to ventilate, inhibit mold, and dry peanuts.

2. The low-cost tunnel-type peanut ventilation and mold-inhibiting drying equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air distribution chamber (3) is provided with a connecting pipe (301) on the side near the air duct (2). The connecting pipe (301) is provided with an air distribution grid (302) at the end near the air distribution chamber (3). The air distribution grid (302) is used to evenly distribute the air into the air distribution chamber (3).

3. The low-cost tunnel-type peanut ventilation and mold-inhibiting drying equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ventilation duct (4) includes two fence side panels (401), which are arranged opposite to each other, and a ventilation duct (402) is provided between the two fence side panels (401).

4. The low-cost tunnel-type peanut ventilation and mold-inhibiting drying equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that: Each of the two fence side panels (401) is provided with a connecting post (403) at its top, and a connecting rod is provided between the two connecting posts (403).

5. A low-cost tunnel-type peanut ventilation and mold-inhibiting drying device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The ventilation duct (402) has a tunnel-shaped cross section and consists of a ventilation side plate and an end plate at one end. The open end of the ventilation duct (402) is connected to the uniform air chamber (3). The ventilation side plate includes a vertical area and a circular arc area, both of which are punched with round holes. The punching opening rate of the circular arc area is greater than that of the vertical area.

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