1
CHAPTER I
THE PROBLEM
Introduction
Rice is a staple food of more than half of the population of the world as it
can easily be grown and harvested for just a several months. It is the most
produced grain in the world being Asia as its major producer with nearly 640 million
tons of rice comprising 90% of world production (Productivity in global rice
environments, 2019). However, despite being an easy crop to grow, rice supplies
by this day in the Philippines barely hangs on the demand of the increasing
population of consumers, resulting to supply gap. The prevailing rice tariffication
law in the Philippines today was enacted to address the rice supply in order to
reduce the price of rice in the market. “From 2000 to 2014, the Philippines have
been more of a consumer than of producer of rice,” (Exconde, 2018)quoted.
One factor that affects this supply gap in the production of rice is its posthandling process. In particular, the drying process after being harvested, is very
essential and critical in rice production as it assures good rice quality. Newly
harvested rice contains an average moisture content of 20 – 25 %, it must be in
the process of drying immediately and must be lowered to a safe level of 14%
moisture content for storing purpose after it is harvested to prevent mold build up
and infestation that results to a displeasing smell and deterioration in its quality
(Paddy Drying, 2018).
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Traditional paddy drying, which is displaying a layer of rice paddy in an
open space to expose it to the heat of the sun, usually a basketball court or in
some cases in the rural areas, the highway roads, is the commonly used method
of drying in the Philippines. However, this method poses threats on the safety of
the road takers as it becomes an obstruction on the road.
Due to these instances, a lot of other researchers and innovators had taken
the initiative to innovate an alternative that is more efficient than the traditional
paddy drying method.
In the Philippines, a few known innovations for paddy drying had been
established. A few example of these are the Reversible Airflow Flatbed Dryer, a
collaborative project product of Vietnam and Philippines, first developed in Leyte
that uses heated airflow to dry the grain bulk (Tado, Ona, Abon, & Gagelonia,
2015) and Automatic Rice Grain Dryer that is able to dry rice grains with or without
heat of the sun (Duran, Labitag, Lucentes, Taburada, & Cinco, 2018), both of
which, uses a mechanical machine with the help of electricity.
Production of mechanical dryers is already circulating long before. However,
due to its high cost, not everyone can afford to get access to it. That is why the
researchers in this study decided to innovate a mechanical dryer that is electricity
free making it both space and cost efficient.
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Statement of the Problem
This study aimed to develop a solar grain dryer as an alternative to
traditional drying practice.
Specifically, it pursued to answer the following questions:
1. What are the features of the Solar Grain Dryer Barrel?
2. What is the efficiency of the project in terms of:
2.1.
Workload
2.2
Drying time
2.2.1 With Furnace
2.2.2 Without Furnace
2.3
Quality
a. Recovery Percentage
b. Head Rice Percentage
c. Broken Rice Percentage
3. What is the cost efficiency of Solar Grain Dryer Barrel?
4
Research Hypotheses
The following hypotheses are formulated to predict the possible outcomes
between the presented variables identified by the researchers.
Hi – The proposed project is efficient in terms of quality of grains produced
and the drying rate compared to the traditional drying practice.
Ho – The proposed project is not efficient in terms of quality of grains
produced and the drying rate compared to the traditional drying practice.
Scope and Delimitation
This study focused on Solar Grain Dryer Barrel as an Alternative from
Traditional Drying Practice. It was conducted from November 2019 until March
2020 at Nabua, Camarines Sur. This study was concerned with the construction of
a device that provides the small time agriculturists to make their work easier in
terms of paddy drying.
The study did not include the rice harvest in any other month except for
the month of February. The study only dealt with rice paddy and did not test the
device with other grains.
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Significance of the Study
The innovative product that was constructed will benefit the following
persons and administrations:
Farmers. This project will benefit small time farmers in terms of the drying
process of the rice paddy by speeding up the process, space-efficiency, and
lessening the effort of tending the rice during the drying period.
Community. This proposed study aids to seek the needs that will satisfy
the consumers in terms of the quality of the grain produced.
Department of Agriculture. The Department of Agriculture will benefit
in the development of this project in terms of rice production and the process of
storing rice for future use.
Department of Science and Technology (DOST). This project will
benefit the DOST as a basis for the development of new technologies regarding
the process of paddy drying and other crop drying techniques.
LGU. The Municipality of Nabua will benefit from this project as it will
increase rice production in the area and also lower the number of farmers that
dries their harvest on road pavements that invites road accidents.
The Institution. This study will enable the institution to provide an ecofriendly enterprise that could encourage students to conduct researches that have
a valid impact in the society.
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Department of Education (DepEd). This project will provide DepEd with
the capacity to flourish the quality of science education by integrating in the
curriculum, which will benefit not just the students but the society in general.
Students. This study will serve as an inspiration for students to get ideas
and develop new innovations regarding on the field of crop drying and other fields
of research.
Researchers. This will help the researchers to gain knowledge in
enhancing their skills in higher order thinking strategies.
Future Researchers. This will serve as a reference for future researchers
in their study that is related to this topic.
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CHAPTER II
Review of Literature and Studies
This chapter deals with the different literatures and studies related to the
said topic under study integrated from electronic journals, internet publications,
website resources and journal articles.
Related Literature
“Grain Drying is the removal of some of the moisture from grain by
mechanically moving air through the grain after it has been harvested.” (Dr,
Hellevang, 2013). According to him, the required grain handling will be normally
increased if grain drying is added to farm operation. Therefore, including the use
of the grain dryers in the system of rice production process will enable farmers to
do the work easier and reduce allotted time in post-harvest field.
An article review entitled, “Analysis of Challenges Facing Rice Processing in
Nigeria” indicates that there are several factors that causes challenges with the
processing of rice in Nigeria. Nigeria is also a developing country that is the reason
why crop is economically important. One of the factors implied in this article is the
lack of appropriate farming implementations and equipment (Ajala & Gana, 2015).
The mentioned factor is also the very reason why Philippines is having difficulty in
production of rice. In order to address this problem, the researchers came with
the idea to improvise an equipment that will aid an essential part of the rice
production which is drying process.
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The development of paddy drying devices have contributed in lowering the
risk and the hazardous effects of the traditional drying method. An example of this
is the recent production of Portasol, a stackable set of aluminum thermal drying
tray invented by Francisco “Popoy” Pagayon that has opened solutions to the
hazards for the rice dryers and motorists of the traditional drying method practiced
in the Philippines. It serves its function even without the sun with its option of
heating with the use of charcoal, thus helps with the continual changes in weather
(Urlanda, 2019).
With the expectancy of avoiding drying along the road and highways to
reduce losses, two solar dryers which were funded by the Philippine Rural
Development Project and given to Vintar, Ilocos Norte on March 2017 (Estrada &
Cacal, 2017).
This goes to show that Solar Dryers are essential and is a big help in
preventing losses and promotes proper storage on the Filipino farmer's produce,
like how it benefitted Leyte on March 2016, three years after the land fall of the
strongest recorded typhoon, Haiyan, in November 2013. According to Cabillo, the
solar grain dryers offered a huge benefit to the farmers who were left with no
choice but to place their harvests on a plastic tarp along the public road which
then causes inferior quality of the grains and puts the people at risk
(www.usaid.gov, 2016).
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Related Studies
One early study by Cachuela (2019), “Portasol Dryer” invented by Mr. Popoy
Pagayon, seeks to solve the implication of energy cost which became the major
focus on undertaking the drying equipment using a Portasol Tray. This drying
system is more effective, more efficient, and is capable of one load drying capacity
on a full day solar exposure, leaving no residue. Similarly, Solar Grain Dryer Barrel
is an effective and efficient design that is made for small-time farmers.
Dela Cruz and Calica (2016) on "Post-harvest losses in Paddy and Maize in
Major Producing Provinces of the Philippines"; Stakeholders Perceptions",
identified the interventions relevant to the stakeholders concern about the
postproduction operations and experience problems. The findings of the popularity
and rapid adaption among rice farmers were partly explained in this study. The
high quantity losses were reported to take place during sun drying and the
occurrence of typhoon which normally happens in one of the two cropping season
in the Philippines. As an alternative solution, Solar Grain Dryer Barrel is available
for indoor usage because it provides an option of using biomass fuels as a heat
producer for drying.
Similarly, American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (2017)
conducted BAU-STR dryer, an effective alternative to open sun drying of paddy for
farmers and small merchant to ensure safer harvest with less post-harvest loss
and can be used regardless of weather conditions as well as presenting economic
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opportunities that does not require power grid or source of electricity as well. It
was observed that BAU-STR drying efficiency depends on higher supply of heat
energy from the stove it uses to dry air for paddy. On the other hand, Solar Grain
Dryer Barrel do not require stove but requires simple labour and heat coming from
the sun or biomass fuels on its furnace.
Meanwhile, in a study of Mohammad Mahmudul Hassan (2010) he
conducted five trials on different temperature treatments and time, wherein he
concluded that increasing the temperature decreases the time of drying and the
moisture content of the dried paddy and it is completely safe to dry paddy at a
temperature of 40°C. Hybrid dryer, a dryer which was designed and constructed
to function with direct solar energy and heat exchangers was said to have been
more effective in drying than any other methods which incorporates the sun's
direct energy and is said to function well in areas with adverse weather conditions
because of the back-up heat energy storage that continues to provide its purpose
even off sunlight, similar to the Solar Grain Dryer Barrel which has an option of
drying through its furnace to serve its function even off sunlight.
Hybrid dryer and Solar Grain Dryer Barrel differs on its structure on which
the hybrid uses the solar energy while also requiring the aid of a powered voltage.
It uses a metal sheet reflector that is slightly curve to accumulate the sun's energy
into a solar collector that have two electric heaters (3x2kW=6 kW) installed at the
entry and uses an axial blower with a 0.50 kW, 220 V and a variac to control the
temperature inside. The Solar Grain Dryer Barrel however is simpler and does not
11
require usage of voltage (unless when using a blower or fan for its second option)
but requires simple labour. The barrel itself accumulates the sun's energy directly
on its body. To maintain proper ventilation and lessen the moisture variations, it
is stirred at a varied interval, and uses a fan for its second option of using the
furnace.
Contrary to the aforementioned studies, a study conducted by Totok
Prasetyo, Listiyana Riska, Rahim Arlanta, and Siswa Sumardiono (2018) made an
alternative to the conventional drying method which uses electricity to function
and is high at cost, but as a pneumatic type conveyor, this device is at an
advantage than the conventional drying because it does not require solar energy
and uses heated air at a desired rate of temperature that would produce quality
grains which in this case is 60°C to achieve moisture content of 14%.
Continuous Recirculation System Pneumatic Conveyor technology moves
the rice grains at a constant speed, making the grain be dried at a conserved and
consistent rate of drying that helps prevent over drying, produces high percentage
of head rice, and homogenize the results of paddy drying in a short period of time.
Like this technology, Solar Grain Dryer Barrel functions like a conveyor with its
continuous motion that works manually with the aid of the blades inside the barrel
that is put to work from time to time with the help of a worker. This blade stirs
the rice grains inside the barrel with the purpose of ensuring all grains are dried
at the most possible equal state and for proper ventilation of heated air. However,
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unlike this device, Solar Grain Dryer Barrel does not use electricity and drying time
is dependent on the heat of the sun or the heat of the biomass fuel.
Another study by R Meenakshi Reddy, E Siva Reddy, C Uma Maheswari and
K Krishna Reddy deals with the improvement of CFD by recovering the exhaust
gas from a diesel engine to increase the distribution of air flow through the CFD
with the air velocity from the diesel engine and heat generated from it. The
comparison study made between CFD with and without exhaust pipe heat
exchanger discovered that CFD with an exhaust pipe increased the temperature
compared without the exhaust pipe.
The CFD in the study used solar energy similar with the current proposed
study although it differs without the use of a diesel engine and a flat plate collector
because the aluminum barrel is directly exposed from the sun and heat is
exchanged through direct contact of aluminum and the rice paddy.
Synthesis of the State-of-the-Art
This section of the study shows the similarities and differences of the
previous studies to this study.
Among all the studies previously conducted, Portasol Dryer relates the most
to Solar Grain Dryer Barrel in its concept but differs on its design and structure. It
both requires solar energy alone and both uses aluminum as a conductor of heat
for drying with the idea of making paddy drying space efficient. Both are also easily
operated and requires little labor.
13
Other aforementioned devices in the studies like the Cabinet Food Dryer,
Inflatable Solar Dryer, and BAU-STR, are also similar to the Solar Grain Dryer Barrel
in terms of its efficiency in its individual designs and usage of solar energy as its
main source of heat for drying that is made for small-time farmers as it does not
require electricity unlike other devices like Inflatable Solar Dryer, Hybrid Dryer,
and Continuous Recirculation System Pneumatic Conveyor, in order to serve its
functions.
Hybrid Dryer and Continuous Recirculation System Pneumatic Conveyor
however, despite using solar energy as its source of heat, still require electricity to
control the humidity and temperature inside.
Gap Bridged by the Study
The proposed study brought forth new improvements to the advancement
of Inflatable Solar Dryer and Cabinet Food Dryer regarding space-efficiency and
better heat distribution by introducing a barrel-shaped design of the device. The
barrel-shaped design of the device helped minimize the space consumption of
paddy drying.
Aluminum, being second from copper regarding heat distribution, was used
for better heat distribution on the entire system to disregard the use of exhaust
gas from the diesel engine from the study of Reddy et al. (2018). However, like
the study of Salvatierra-Rojas et al. (2017) which used electricity for ventilators,
Solar Grain Dryer Barrel adds an option of using a furnace that requires it to use
14
electricity for the blower that it needs to ventilate the warm air. The introduction
of metal blades inside the barrel was also designed to decrease the labor of the
farmers on tending the rice paddy.
Theoretical Framework
This study is anchored on Fourier’s Law of Thermal Conduction, 1st Law of
Thermodynamics, and Lewis Model, as shown in Figure 1.
Fourier’s Law of thermal conduction
This law states that the time rate of heat transfer through a material is
proportional to the negative gradient in the temperature and to the area, at right
angles to that gradient, through which the heat flows. It also provides the
definition of thermal conductivity and forms the basis of many methods of
determining its value. Fourier’s Law, forms the basis for the analysis of most
conduction problems.
If this law will be related to the current study, it will generally explain the
relation of heat transfer between the barrel and the rice paddy along a specific
period of time and also explains how the barrel is more suitable to set as the good
conductor of heat through which the rice paddy will be dried.
First law of thermodynamics – Law of conservation of energy
The law of science that states that energy cannot be created or destroyed,
but only changed from one form into another or transferred from one object to
15
another. The total energy of an isolated system remains constant that is said to
be conserved over time.
This law is applicable to the to the study because the sun as the main source
of solar energy will directly heat up the model and will result to drying the rice
paddy, in this case, no type of energy was created nor destroyed only that the
heat energy used to ensure the success of drying the rice paddy.
Lewis (Newton) Model
This model is analogous with Newton’s Law of Cooling. Lewis (1921)
suggested that during the drying of porous hygroscopic materials, the change of
moisture content of material in the falling rate period is proportional to the
instantaneous difference between the moisture content and expected moisture
content when it comes into equilibrium with drying air.
Therefore, this law explains that a normal rice paddy has great moisture
content. Unlike if it will undergo of drying under the heat of the sun, the rate of
moist of the rice grain will become less in relation to the cooling temperature of
the air even if the condition of the paddy and rate of moisture is constant or
normal.
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Theoretical Paradigm
Fourier’s
Law of
Thermal
Conduction
(Fourier,
1822)
SPACE-EFFICIENT
SOLAR GRAIN DRYER
BARREL AS AN
ALTERNATIVE FROM
TRADITIONAL
DRYING PRACTICE
First Law of
Thermodynamics
– Law of
Conservation of
Energy (J. Mayer,
1842)
Lewis (Newton)
Model (L.
Newton, 1921)
Figure 1. The Theoretical Paradigm
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Conceptual Framework
Based on the concepts incorporated in this study, the researchers made up
a concept map that serves as the roadmap of the study. The ideas of the
researchers focused on varied features discussing the input, process, and output.
Input
This area focuses on the design of the project. This includes the thermal
energy that deals with the heat distribution that will be the main purpose of the
design. Also, the efficiency of the proposed project in terms of drying time, the
quality of grain produced, and the workload capacity. This will give more emphasis
to the effectiveness of the desired device.
Process
In this area, the assembling of the proposed device is highlighted. This
includes the construction of the design. The researchers will gather the data of the
proposed project through experimentations and observation. This will be done in
order to test the effectiveness of the device. The analysis of the data gathered will
also be included.
Output
For this area, the production of space-efficient solar grain dryer barrel as
an alternative for traditional drying practice will be achieved and the distribution
of the device to local farmers of Nabua.
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SOLAR GRAIN DRYER BARREL AS AN ALTERNATIVE FOR
TRADITIONAL DRYING PRACTICE
Input
Output
Process
The design of the
project.
Assembling
proposed device.
The efficiency of
the proposed project in
terms of drying time,
quality of grain produced,
and workload capacity.
Gathering
the
data of the proposed
project
through
experimentation
and
observation.
The
costefficiency of the Solar
Grain Dryer.
Analysis
data gathered.
of
the
the
Figure 2. Conceptual Paradigm
Solar grain dryer
barrel as an alternative
for traditional drying
practice
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Definition of Terms
The following terms are defined operationally and conceptually.
Solar Grain Dryer Barrel
In this study, Solar Grain Dryer Barrel refers to the device as an alternative
paddy drying technique.
Traditional Paddy Drying
The spreading of grains under the sun on mats and pavements.
Grain
It is a small, hard, dry seed, with or without an attached hull or fruit layer,
harvested for human or animal consumption. A grain crop is a grain-producing
plant.
Drying Time
This refers to the time duration of the dried grain.
Cost-efficient
In this study, cost-efficient refers to the quality of grain produced with low
cost that benefits the small time agriculturists.
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Head Rice Yields
This refers to the unbroken grains of milled rice with the hull, bran, and
germ removed.
Heat Transfer is the transfer of heat from one object to another. It
transfers from a higher temperature to a lower temperature. There are three
known types of heat transfer: Conduction, Convection and Radiation.
Homogenize refers to making the grains the same in its outcome.
Isolated System
An isolated system is an environment where the desired quantifiable are
isolated from other system that it does not interact with each other.
Mechanical Drying
Mechanical drying is used to remove water from wet grains by forcing either
ambient air or heated air through the grain bulk.
Moisture Content
The measure of the amount of water or water vapor contained within a
substance. It can be helpful to think of it as the percent by mass of water in a
sample of a mixture or form of matter. This measurement is a variable factor for
most substances and can change with weather and temperature.
21
Paddy Drying
It is the drying of grains before undergoing the process of milling.
Pneumatic Conveyor are mechanical devices that move bulk in an
enclosed tube system by means of compressed air or a vacuum.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal conductivity refers to the rate of heat transfer in a spec of time. It
occurs faster to materials that has a high conductivity of heat than those of low
thermal conductivity.
Workload
In this study, it refers to the rice paddy capacity of the innovation.
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End Notes
(2016, March 16). Retrieved November 14, 2019 from
www.usaid.gov:
https://www.usaid.gov/results-data/success-stories/female-farmers-leadway-recovery-philippines
Ajala, & Gana. (2015). Analysis of Challenges Facing Rice Processing in Nigeria.
Journal of Food Processing, vol. 2015. Retrieved January 8, 2019 from
www. hindawi.com
Cachuela, R. L. (2019). Drying performance of portasol dryer. Retrieved November
17,
2019
from
www.map-abcdf.com.ph:
http://www.mapabcdf.com.ph/documents/presentations/Agribusiness/Agricultural%20Activ
ities%20and%20Services/P-20090120.pdf
Dela Cruz, R. S., & Calica, G. B. (2016, December). Postharvest Losses in Paddy
and Maize in Major Producing provinces of the philippines: Stakeholder
Perceptions.
Dr. Hellevang, K. J. (2013). Grain Drying. Retrieved January 10, 2019 from
https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/publications/crops/graindrying#section-24
Estrada, D. V., & Cacal, V. V. (2017). PRDP Inaugurates Two Solar Dryers In Ilocos
Norte. Retrieved
October
29,
2019
from
ilocos.da.gov.ph:
http://ilocos.da.gov.ph/index.php/15-prdp/2598-prdp-inaugurates-twosolar-dryers-in-ilocos-norte
Hassan, M. (2010). Drying Quality Evaluation of Paddy Drying Seeds in Hybrid
Dryer.
Prasetyo, T., Riska, L., Arlanta, R., & Sumardiono, S. (2018). Experimental Study
of Paddy Drying in Continuous Recirculation System Pnematic Conveyor.
Reddy, R., Reddy, E., Maheswari, C., & Reddy, K. (2018). CFD and experimental
analysis of solar crop dryer with waste heat recovery system of exhaust gas
from diesel engine.
Saha, C., Alam, M., Alam, M., Kalita, P. K., & Harvey, J. (2017, July). Field
Performance of BAU-STR Paddy dryer in Bangladesh.
Urlanda, R. V. (2019, March 1). Retrieved December 18, 2019 from
www.pressreader.com:
https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/agriculture9ggr/20190301/282372631032006
23
CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
This chapter deals with the research type and research instruments that the
researchers used in gathering the data of the proposed study.
Material/Equipment
To be able for the Solar Grain Dryer Barrel to be constructed, the following
materials and equipment were used:
Material/s
Quantity
GI pipe S-40
Angle Bar 3/16
Tubular 1x2 (2.0)
Flat bar 18x1 Linear
Flat bar 18x1 w
Round bar 3/8 steel
Opal screen
GI Plain Hex
Wheel
Blind rivet
Angle bar 1/4 x 1
G7 plain ultra
Epoxy primer (gray)
Blind rivet 1/8 x ½
1.5 cabinet hinge
Dormer 1/8
1 meter
1 pc.
½ pc.
2 pcs.
1pc.
½ pc.
½ meter
1 pc.
4 pcs.
50 pcs.
1 pc.
1 pc.
1L
6 packs
1 pair
1 pc.
24
Research Method
The researchers applied an experimental research method in conducting
the study. It dealt with the results of different treatments on the subject under
study in exact manner while also providing the causes of these effects. By
introducing two groups in the study, experimental and control, the researchers
identified the differences between these two groups where the conclusion was
drawn from.
By applying experimental type of research, researchers observed and
gathered factual data regarding the effectiveness of the proposed device in paddy
drying by letting the proposed study be the experimental group and the traditional
sun drying as the control group.
This chapter is the part of the study where data is collected as much as
possible to be used in the statistical treatment and to support the conclusion. The
study required factual and concise data, in order to gather these facts. The
researchers constructed a self-structured checklist to fit for the study.
The study applied both qualitative and quantitative type of research as its
data interpretation tool. The quantitative type of research tackled about the
numerical data interpretation of the study. On the other hand, the qualitative type
of research was used to interpret the result on the checklist prepared by the
researchers.
25
Sources of Data
The primary sources of data were driven from the experimentation and the
analysis of the data gathered from the result of the experiment. These data were
used to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of the device as an alternative
space-efficient device in paddy drying. Experimentations like the time it takes to
dry batch of paddy, the space occupied and the workload capacity of the device
were conducted having traditional sun drying on locally available mats to compare
the effectiveness of the device.
Data Gathering Procedures
An experiment was conducted by the researchers between the Solar Grain
Dryer Barrel and the Traditional Sun Drying by testing the two with two (2) batches
of paddy rice, one with the furnace and the other without the furnace, to attain
acceptable data. The two set ups were placed adjacent to each other to ensure
that the two set ups have an equal amount of sun’s heat. The paddy was mixed
from time to time to avoid varied over heating of the paddy.
The moisture content levels of the rice paddy were determined by weighing
the paddy before and after the drying process. The rate of drying was also
determined by weighing both the rice paddy from the set ups every 30 minutes.
26
Procedures on Building the Device
Part I: The Projected Size and Foundation of the Device
1. Gather all the materials and equipment needed in building the device.
2. Put the desired measurements and place marks/signs using a pencil to
set up the desired lengths.
3. Cut the hard materials such as flat bars, angle bars, rectangular tube,
round tube, steel bars, etc. using the metal saw.
4. Polish the cutting edges using cutting disk and grinder.
5. Set the angle bars (for the stand) first by spotting on each side until it
is shaped u.
6. Attach the rectangular tube at the bottom part of the stand for the
placing of the wheels.
7. Attach the bearing housing together with the bearing itself.
8. Permanently attach the spotted area of the body by means of welding
using the welding machine.
Part II: The Barrel
1. Gather all the materials and equipment needed in building the barrel.
2. Cut the desired length of the soft materials such as aluminum sheet
and mesh wire using the metal scissor.
27
3. After cutting, drill up several holes approximately 0.5 diameter at each
side unto the angle bar (on the top part) using the hand drill for the
placement of the aluminum sheet.
4. Respectively, also drill up several holes unto the edges part of each of
the aluminum sheet for the fixture of the two by using riveter and
rivets.
(Note: It is not necessarily appropriate to use welding in the fixture of the
aluminum sheet since it has a very thin texture so we use the riveting
method to avoid and protect the aluminum)
5. Put up the aluminum sheet simultaneously together with the holes on
the angle bar (top part). Insert the blind rivet at the holes and fix it
using the riveter to strengthen the component.
6. Leave the uppermost of the barrel open for the ventilation and to
serve as the entrance of the heat.
Part III: The Blade
1. Gather the materials needed.
2. Bend the flat bars with their desired measurement to create a spiral
blade.
3. Connect and fix the blade on the round tube using welding with the
equal distance to each other through the help of steel bars.
28
4. After finishing the spiral blade, place it on the barrel (inner portion) at
the part of bearings on each sides.
5. Then, to spin the blade gently and smoothly. Create a handle on the
other side of the bearing using the leftovers of steels.
Part IV: The Furnace
1. Gather the materials needed.
2. Create the furnace separately on the barrel to build the projected size
and model using the aluminum sheet.
3. Connect and fix it using riveter.
4. Once the furnace was created, harden and support it using flat bars to
avoid splitting up.
5. Then, put it now on the bottom of the barrel.
6. Using hand drill, drill several holes on which you will put the furnace to
serve as the entrance of heat.
7. Place the mesh wire below the blade to avoid spilling up of the rice
grain.
8. Once it was done, put a small door on the bottom (side corner) of the
barrel to allow the rice grain to go out on the barrel.
9. The device is now ready for TESTING!
29
Instrumentation
The researchers used a self-structured checklist for the collection of data
for the study. The checklist was filled out by the researchers based from the data
gathered.
For validity purpose, the researchers submitted a copy of the checklist to
the subject-teachers for correction and other comments. Afterwards, the checklist
is expected to be modified again for improvement.
Statistical Treatment
The researchers used t-test as the statistical tool in order to get the needed
result between the included variables. The t-test: two-sample assuming equal
variance will be used.
t=
𝑥̅ 1 −𝑥̅ 2
1
1
√𝑠2 (𝑛 + 𝑛 )
1
2
Where:
𝑥̅1 = mean of sample 1
𝑥̅ 2 = mean of sample 2
𝑛1 = size of sample 1
𝑛2 = size of sample 2
𝑠 2 = sample variance
30
CHAPTER IV
RESULTS, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSIONS
This chapter presents the data gathered, the results of the statistical
analysis done and interpretation of findings. These are presented in tables
following the sequence of the specific research problem regarding the
effectiveness of the Solar Grain Dryer Barrel.
The Features of Solar Grain Dryer Barrel
Double- helix blade
U-Shaped Aluminum Barrel
Handle
Furnace
Wheel
Figure 3. Schematic Diagram of Solar Grain Dryer Barrel
The Solar Grain Dryer Barrel deals with the improvement of space-efficiency
and better distribution of heat with the use of an aluminum sheet to the barrel-
31
shaped body of the device. Aluminum, being second to copper in terms of heat
distribution, was used.
To avoid overheating of the paddy, rotational movement of the double helix
blade which enabled the use of the handle was introduced to tend the rice by
stirring the rice paddy inside for the moisture to escape through the open space
at top portion of the barrel.
As a secondary option, the device includes a furnace that can be used when
the sunlight is not sufficient for drying. This option requires using a blower
(electrically generated) to control the direction of the heat from the biomass fuels.
The attached wheels is for the mobility of the device.
The efficiency of Solar Grain Dryer Barrel
A. Workload
The Solar Grain Dryer Barrel is efficient in terms of workload it can hold per
batch compared with the space occupied of Traditional Drying Method with the
same amount of paddy. However, because of the size of the device the workload
is limited and can only accommodate 30 kg.
B. Drying Time
The following tables shows the drying time of the device compared to
traditional drying technique.
32
Table 1. Drying Rate of Solar Grain Dryer Barrel vs. Traditional Drying
Method with Furnace in kg (Test 1)
Weight after 30 minutes interval
Solar Grain Dryer Barrel
Traditional Practice
9.80 kg
9.82 kg
9.62 kg
9.59 kg
9.45 kg
9.47 kg
9.27 kg
9.31 kg
9.05 kg
9.17 kg
Table 1 shows the drying rate of Solar Grain Dryer Barrel and Traditional
Drying Method with furnace in Test 1. For the first 30 minutes, drying rate with
the use of furnace using the device is 0.20, meanwhile, the drying rate in
traditional practice is 0.18. In the succeeding drying period, the rate of drying of
the device and the traditional practice has only small difference wherein, Solar
Grain Dryer Barrel is fast drying compared to traditional practice.
The test lasted for 2 hours and 30 minutes. The results were affected by
intervening factors such as the weather, which in this case, was cloudy and slightly
sunny and the temperature of the furnace.
33
Table 2. Weight reduced (kg) in Solar Grain Barrel Dryer vs. Traditional
Drying Method with Furnace (Test 1)
Weight after 30 minutes interval
Solar Grain Dryer Barrel
Traditional Practice
0.20 kg
0.18 kg
0.18 kg
0.23 kg
0.17 kg
0.12 kg
0.18 kg
0.16 kg
0.22 kg
0.14 kg
Table 2 shows the weight reduced in kilograms from SGDB (with furnace)
versus the Traditional Method of drying paddy for every 30 minutes with an
average of 0.19 kg and 0.17 kg respectively. The weight reduced of Solar Grain
Dryer Barrel with furnace shows only small difference every 30 minutes interval.
However, the Traditional Drying method shows inconsistency in weight reduction.
34
To get the significant difference in terms of drying rate between SGDB (with
furnace) vs Traditional Drying Method, the researchers used t-test: two-sample
assuming equal variance.
0.25
*
0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
TRAD
SGDB
Legend:
* - standard error
Figure 3. Significant Difference between SGDB (with furnace) vs TRAD
The figure from the previous page shows the significant difference between
SGDB (with furnace) and the Traditional Paddy Drying with the means of 0.19 and
0.166 and variances of 0.0004 and 0.00178 respectively with a P-Value of
0.283594884149777 that is greater than the alpha level of 0.05, indicating that
there is no significant difference. Therefore, the researchers accept the null
hypothesis and reject the alternative hypothesis.
35
This serves a similar function to Portasol, a stackable set of aluminum
thermal drying tray invented by Francisco “Popoy” Pagayon that has opened
solutions to the hazards for the rice dryers and motorists of the traditional drying
method practiced in the Philippines. It serves its function even without the sun
with its option of heating with the use of charcoal, thus helps with the continual
changes in weather (Urlanda, 2019), that had contributed in lowering the risk and
the hazardous effects of the traditional drying method.
Table 3. Drying Rate of Solar Grain Barrel Dryer vs. Traditional Drying
Method without Furnace (Test 2)
Weight after 30 minutes interval
Solar Grain Dryer Barrel
Traditional Practice
9.92 kg
9.87 kg
9.80 kg
9.72 kg
9.76 kg
9.60 kg
9.69 kg
9.47 kg
9.63 kg
9.36 kg
Table 3 presents the drying rate of Solar Grain Dryer Barrel and Traditional
Drying Method without furnace in Test 2. For the first 30 minutes, the drying rate
of the paddy without the use of furnace using the device is 0.08. Meanwhile, the
drying rate in Traditional Drying method is 0.13. In the succeeding drying period,
the rate of both Traditional Drying method and Solar Grain Dryer Barrel shows big
difference, wherein, Traditional Drying method has faster drying rate than the
36
Solar Grain Dryer Barrel, considering that the constructed aluminum U-shaped
barrel only distributes low amount of heat, leaving some paddy unexposed to the
heat of the sun.
The test lasted for 2 hours and 30 minutes. The results were affected by
intervening factors such as the weather, which in this case, was sunny all
throughout.
Table 4. Weight reduced in Solar Grain Barrel Dryer vs Traditional
Drying Method without Furnace (Test 2)
Weight after 30 minutes interval
Solar Grain Dryer Barrel
Traditional Practice
0.08 kg
0.13 kg
0.12 kg
0.15 kg
0.04 kg
0.12 kg
0.07 kg
0.13 kg
0.06 kg
0.11 kg
Table 4 shows the weight reduced in kilograms from SGDB (without
furnace) versus the Traditional Method of drying paddy for every 30 minutes with
an average of 0.07 kg and 0.13 kg respectively. The weight reduced of Solar Grain
Dryer Barrel without the use of furnace shows a big difference every 30 minutes
interval. Traditional drying method on the other hand shows a higher weight
reduction.
37
To get the significant difference in terms of drying rate between SGDB (with
furnace) vs Traditional Drying Method, the researchers used t-test: two-sample
assuming equal variance.
0.16
*
0.14
0.12
0.1
0.08
0.06
0.04
0.02
0
TRAD
SGDB
Legend:
* - standard error
Figure 4. Significant Difference between SGDB (without furnace) vs TRAD
The figure above shows the significant difference between SGDB (without
furnace) and the Traditional Paddy Drying with the means of 0.074 and 0.128 and
variances
of
0.00088
and
0.00022
respectively
with
a
P-Value
of
0.00658249230987096 that is less than the alpha level of 0.05, indicating that
there is a significant difference. Therefore, the researchers reject the null
hypothesis and accept the alternative hypothesis.
38
C. Quality
Table 5. Quality Percentage of Head Rice Yield and Broken Rice
Yield between SGDB (with furnace) VS TRAD (Test 1)
Head Rice (%)
Broken Rice (%)
Solar Grain Dryer
Barrel
98%
2%
Traditional Practice
93%
7%
The table above shows that the recovered percentage of head rice yield is
greater with the device when using the furnace, showing that the traditional
method produces more broken head rice.
Table 6. Recovered Weight between SGDB with furnace VS TRAD (Test
1)
Head Rice (kg)
Broken Rice (kg)
Total weight (kg)
Solar Grain
Dryer Barrel
4.33 kg
0.01 kg
4.43 kg
Traditional
Practice
4.52 kg
0.36 kg
4.88 kg
The table above shows the recovered weight expressed in kilograms,
supporting the data in table 5.
39
Table 7. Quality Percentage of Head Rice Yield and Broken Rice Yield
between SGDB (without furnace) VS TRAD (Test 2)
Head Rice (%)
Broken Rice (%)
Solar Grain Dryer
Barrel
98%
2%
Traditional Practice
97%
3%
The table above shows that the recovered percentage of head rice yield
between SGDB and TRAD has little difference, SGDB leading by 1%.
Table 8. Recovered Weight between SGDB with furnace VS TRAD (Test
2)
Head Rice (kg)
Broken Rice (kg)
Total weight (kg)
Solar Grain
Dryer Barrel
5.59 kg
0.12 kg
5.71 kg
Traditional
Practice
4.88 kg
0.15 kg
5.03 kg
Table 8 shows the recovered weight expressed in kilograms, supporting
the data in table 7.
Cost efficiency of Solar Grain Dryer Barrel
The overall cost of the materials used in constructing the device is P3,
506.00 and the payment for labor costs P2, 000.00. The total amount spent for
Solar Grain Dryer Barrel is P5, 506.00. Therefore, it is cost efficient compared to
other mechanical paddy dryers.
40
Table 9. Expense Breakdown of Solar Grain Dryer Barrel
Solar Grain Dryer Barrel
Expenses
Materials
P 3, 506.00
Labor Fee
P 2,000.00
TOTAL
P 5,506.00
The table above shows the overall cost of Solar Grain Dryer Barrel.
Table 10. Comparison of Expenses of Mechanical Dryers
Mechanical Dryers
Price
Capacity
Solar Grain Dryer Barrel
Php 5,500
30 kg
Portasol Multi-Purpose Trays
Php 25,500
80 kg
Maligaya Flat-bed Dryer
Php 550,000
4t
Solar Bubble Dryer
Php 58,800
1t
BAU-STR Dryer
Php 34, 300
500 kg
The table above shows the comparison of Solar Grain Dryer Barrel and other
existing Mechanical Dryers in terms of its cost and the capacity that can
accommodate by these devices.
41
Chapter V
Summary, Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations
This chapter discusses the summary of findings, the conclusions drawn,
and recommendations derived from the analysis and interpretation of data
gathered throughout the study.
Summary
“Solar Grain Dryer Barrel as an Alternative for Traditional Drying Practice ”
aims to help those small time farmers to lessen the work during postharvest
process which is the drying of the paddy. This research bridged the gap by
improving the existing studies regarding paddy drying technique. By applying
Experimental type of research, the researchers observed and gathered factual data
regarding the effectiveness of the constructed device. Also, the researchers used
indicators using self-structured checklist to find out the effectiveness of the device.
In order to get the needed result, the researchers used the t-test: two-sample
assuming equal variance. Figures and tables were used to show the results during
the experimentation.
Findings
1. The constructed Solar Grain Dryer Barrel can only accommodate 30
kilograms of rice paddy due to its small size that is aimed for small time
42
farmers. The size of SGDB can be further improved to accommodate the
desired workload.
2. Solar Grain Dryer Barrel can be used even during rainy season because of
the furnace. The device with the use of furnace has the same drying rate
with the traditional practice which uses solar heat for drying. However, Solar
Grain Dryer Barrel that uses solar heat only is faster compared with the
traditional practice because of the thickness of paddy in the device that
hinders the distribution of heat throughout the rice paddy.
The rice produced by the device is higher in quality than the rice
produced by the traditional practice of paddy drying.
3. Solar Grain Dryer Barrel is much cheaper compared to other existing
mechanical dryers such as PORTASOL, BAU-STR, Flat-Bed Dryers and Solar
Bubble, considering that these devices can accommodate tons of rice
paddy.
Conclusions
The Features of Solar Grain Dryer Barrel.
Solar Grain Dryer Barrel has the following features: the blade was able to
mix the paddy properly, the aluminum was used to absorb and distribute heat,
and the use of the heat from furnace through the mesh wire enabled the device
to dry the paddy efficiently. The wheels attached made it possible for the device
to be easily transferred.
43
Efficiency in terms of workload, drying rate and quality.
The device proved to be efficient in terms of workload, but because the
constructed size is small, it can only accommodate at least 30 kg. When used
normally, it dries faster than the traditional method, however when using the
furnace, the traditional drying method is more effective. The quality of the
recovered rice yield of the device is also greater than the traditional method of
paddy drying.
Cost-Efficiency of Solar Grain Dryer Barrel
The Solar Grain Dryer Barrel is cost efficient since the material used is easily
accessible.
Recommendations
The following recommendations were constructed by the researchers to
further improve the device for better results and
1. The size of the device can be improved to increase the capacity and
the workload of the dryer.
2. There must be a blower to suck the heated air from the furnace
towards the paddy.
3. The distance of the blade must fit the device with a minimum gap
for the paddy to be mixed properly.
44
4. The aluminum used by the researchers is slow enough to absorb and
distribute heat. The thinnest aluminum must be used.
5. The design of the device can be further improved.
6. The existing double helix blade can be replaced with a spiral blade
for the paddy to be mixed properly.
7. The cost can be minimized if the materials used are cheap.
45
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