Coop Adds Second Dryer - Case Study
In 2009-10, Wheaton Dumont Coop Elevator undertook a major overhaul of its grain elevator in Wheaton, MN (320-563-8152), add- ing more than 2 million bushels of
storage and replacing much of the grain handling equipment.
DELUX MODEL DPX12T UNIT DRIES MORE BUSHELS PER UNIT OF ENERGY
The project included the addition of a second grain dryer at Wheaton, and there was little question that it would be one manufactured by Delux Mfg. Co., Kearney, NE (800-658-3240), says location Manager Brian Montonye.
The coo[>erative had installed a 30-foot-tall Delux Model DPX12T dryer in 2004 at Wheaton, rated at 2,180 bph at five points of moisture removal, and Montonye reports the dryer`s efficiency easily topped that. The installing contractor was Grain Dryer Service, Alexandria, MN (320-760-6056).
Newer Model
For the 2009-10 addition, Wheaton Dumont went with a more up-to-date, propane-fired Delux Model DPX12T dryer rated at 3,500 bph. The construction was completed in May 2010.
Montonye says the coop particularly liked the dryer`s "crossover" feature, in which grain is flipped between inside and outside columns during the drying process. This adds aboui 15% to drying capacity while adding only five feet of vertical height to the unit.
"It`s really simple to operate," he continues. "If you get it set up right, it`s almost maintenance-free. And in terms of efficiency, in our experience, Delux dryers are capable of processing more than their rated capacity."
Additional key features of the DPX12T series:
- A unique Delux vacuum cooling chamber boasting efficiency by 30% to 50% over conventional dryers.
- Wide-vane axial fan designed for unusually quiet operation.
- Delux Accra-Matic metering and discharge system designed to minimize grain damage.
- The energy-efficient burner provides a complete controlled burn, with minimum fuel consumption.
