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grain dryer

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  • dfarms11
    Senior Member
    • Oct 2000
    • 537

    grain dryer

    Anybody try converting their propane grain dryer to using a coal fired boiler to heat it with? Just been thinking if you could get the BTUs, it would sure be a lot cheaper than propane.
  • DogPatch
    Senior Member
    • Jul 2007
    • 446

    #2
    Sure, but don't let the coal smoke ever get in as the smell of smoke will greatly downgrade the quality of the grain.

    Comment

    • ado089
      Senior Member
      • Aug 2004
      • 1754

      #3
      You've gotta think. Has anyone ever used a propane heater in a tent? The whole thing is wet within an hour. A "dryer" source of heat would likely help cut down drying time and cost.

      Comment

      • poorboy
        Senior Member
        • Oct 2000
        • 903

        #4
        Lots of these systems for sale in "the book" mainly out of Manitoba. Majority seem to be a radiator that goes in front of an airation fan, much like the dry air system works.

        For a grain dryer you would need one monster of a coal boiler to produce 5-6 million btu's that a grain dryer would need. Cost for a CSA certification on a boiler of this size would make the unit a $150,000 purchase.

        Smaller boilers in the 1-1.5 mBTU size would add supplemental heat to many bins in an airation system for $25-35,000 or possibly even less.

        Could be set up to heat your shop or house for the rest of the year.

        Comment

        • dfarms11
          Senior Member
          • Oct 2000
          • 537

          #5
          Well thats what I was thinking but for $150 000 I think I would have to stick with propane. If it were $20000 I could justify the conversion.

          Comment

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