Aeration Strategies for Reconditioning Dry Soybeans

Morey, R.V.; Wilcke, W.F.; Hansen, D.J.

Aeration Strategies for Reconditioning Dry Soybeans

2003

Morey, R.V. | Wilcke, W.F. | Hansen, D.J.

A computer model and 34 years of weather data for five Midwest locations (St. Paul, Minn.; Fargo, N.D.; Sioux Falls, S.D.; Des Moines, Iowa; and Indianapolis, Ind.) were used to simulate reconditioning of 10% moisture (wet basis) soybeans to a target final moisture of 13%. A more complete set of conditions was evaluated for St. Paul and a smaller set was studied at the other locations for comparison. Reconditioning strategies included use of both upward and downward airflow in full bins and in bins where layers were removed from the bin after they reached 13% moisture. Airflow rates included 0.11, 0.33, 0.55, and 1.1 m 3 /min-t (0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0 cfm/bu) and fan control consisted of operation above relative humidity set-points of 50%, 60%, and 70%. In most cases, it was possible to recondition soybeans to at least 13% moisture and the value added by soybean weight gain exceeded the cost of electricity to operate the fan. Higher airflow rates resulted in faster reconditioning, but at much greater cost. Results followed the same patterns for all five locations and for all three humidity set-points. Rewetting was most rapid at Indianapolis because of higher ambient temperatures and humidities than the other four locations. Removing layers as they reached the target moisture resulted in better reconditioning performance and reduced the possibility of soybean spoilage and bin damage due to soybean swelling.

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