Grain Dryer Vertical Partition Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional grain dryers face issues such as poor drying quality, high energy consumption, and the formation of harmful muds due to condensation, which affects equipment operation and environmental health.

Innovation Solution

The improved grain dryer features a vertical main structure with an upstream chamber having a non-linear vertical partition to define variable sections, and a downstream chamber with multiple air/dust extraction chambers at different heights, ensuring equal temperature distribution and preventing condensation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If conventional column dryers with perforated plates are used, then large spaces for air entry are provided, but the grain drying quality deteriorates due to uneven heating and high cracking rates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair entry spaceVSAvoidgrain drying quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The dryer is divided into multiple horizontal levels with grain discharge outlets at different heights, creating segmented zones that allow controlled air circulation and prevent localized overheating. This segmentation enables uniform drying throughout the grain mass while maintaining efficient air entry spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from vertical air circulation through perforated plates to horizontal air circulation across multiple levels. This dimensional change allows air to enter and circulate more uniformly through the grain mass, improving drying quality while maintaining adequate air entry areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If multi-perforated sheets are installed in columns, then air circulation is enabled, but manufacturing costs increase and air backpressure becomes excessively high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair circulationVSAvoidmulti-perforated sheets
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the complex multi-perforated sheet structure from the column design. Instead, air circulation is achieved through horizontal channels and openings at different levels, eliminating the need for expensive perforated plates while maintaining effective air flow through the grain mass.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the perforated plate mechanism with an alternative air circulation system using horizontal channels and level-based openings. This copying approach achieves the same air circulation function through a simpler, less expensive structural configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If high air backpressure is required for drying, then drying effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a dynamic air circulation pattern where air flows horizontally across multiple levels rather than forcing air through high backpressure. This dynamic circulation approach maintains drying effectiveness while significantly reducing the energy required for air movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes natural convection and controlled air flow patterns to achieve effective drying without high backpressure. By optimizing air circulation through horizontal channels and level-based outlets, the system maintains drying effectiveness with lower energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

4Productivity

If hot air circulates through compact grain masses, then drying air contact is increased, but condensation of moisture occurs forming harmful muds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying air contactVSAvoidcondensation and mud formation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dryer is segmented into multiple horizontal levels with controlled air circulation at each level. This segmentation prevents excessive heat concentration in any single zone, reducing the risk of condensation while maintaining adequate air-grain contact for effective drying.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention modifies the air circulation parameters by transitioning from vertical to horizontal flow patterns and controlling air temperature distribution across multiple levels. This parameter change prevents localized overheating and condensation while maintaining effective drying contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design significantly reduces energy consumption, enhances grain drying quality, and prevents the formation of harmful muds, thereby improving equipment efficiency and environmental safety.

Implementation Method 1

the drying air is previously heated by means of burner systems or heaters in general. In this way, the hot air circulates through the spaces provided for this purpose, between the grain drying columns and it must enter the columns by passing through the holes in the perforated plates that form the walls of the columns, to then pass through the mass of grain and drag with it the moisture contained therein

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

the hot air circulates through the spaces provided for this purpose, between the grain drying columns and it must enter the columns by passing through the holes in the perforated plates that form the walls of the columns, to then pass through the mass of grain and drag with it the moisture contained therein

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

the hot air circulates through the spaces provided for this purpose, between the grain drying columns and it must enter the columns by passing through the holes in the perforated plates that form the walls of the columns, to then pass through the mass of grain and drag with it the moisture contained therein

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4553433A1Improved grain dryer
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 ING MEGA
  • EP4553433A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4553433A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4553433A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Improved grain dryer that allows to carry out the drying process in ideal conditions of temperature - humidity, thus obtaining a better quality of grain, achieving a significant reduction in energy consumption, and more particularly avoiding any type of condensation of moisture from the air supplied in the drying process that can generate harmful muds both for the operation of the equipment of the invention and for the environment.