Method and system to selectively dry grain in a grain bin

• Main Author: Bloemendaal, Brent J
• Format: Patent
• Language: English; French; German
• Published: 15.01.2020
• Subjects: BLASTING; DRYING; DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM; HEATING; INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIRCHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES; LIGHTING; MEASURING; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; PHYSICS; TESTING; WEAPONS

A controller (14)is coupled to a plurality of moisture sensors (34) positioned within the grain bin at various spaced-apart locations. The controller (14) determines a grain moisture level adjacent each moisture sensor (34) and compares the grain moisture level to a predetermined maximum moisture level. The controller is coupled to a grain spreader (302) that is configured to selectively distribute incoming grain into the grain bin and operates the spreader to distribute incoming grain to create a shortened airflow path through the grain that encompasses the moisture sensors (34) having determined grain moisture levels above the predetermined maximum moisture level. The controller (14) is coupled to a fan (304) that is coupled to the grain bin and configured to provide airflow through the grain in the grain bin. The controller (14) operates the fan to provide greater airflow through the grain along the shortened airflow path than is provided along airflow paths outside the shortened airflow path.