Grain dryer module

Abstract

A module used with a granular material dryer, such as a grain dryer. The module includes an outer wall, at least one channel and at least one outlet aperture. The channel is positioned relative to the wall such that the channel is in fluid communication with heated air otherwise passing through the dryer. The outlet aperture is in communication with a suction mechanism. Finally, the channel is associated with the outlet aperture such that the heated air will enter the outlet aperture, via activation of the suction mechanism, whereas the granular material will not occlude the channel of the outer aperture. In one preferred embodiment, the module of the present invention is configured to be insertable with an existing dryer to improve drying efficiency.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. Apparatus for drying particulate material, comprising: 
       (a) a wall defining a plenum through which the particulate material passes downwardly and heated gas passed upwardly;  
       (b) at least one channel, immersed beneath an upper surface of particulate material in said plenum, extending through said plenum generally transversely to a direction of passage of particulate material and heated gas, said at least one channel being in fluid communication with said plenum and having an egress orifice, in alignment therewith, through said wall; and  
       (c) a suction mechanism for taking a vacuum through said orifice.  
     
     
       2. Apparatus for drying particulate material, comprising: 
       ( a )  a wall defining a plenum, having an upper end and a lower end, through which particulate material passes downwardly from said upper end to said lower end and heated gas passed upwardly;    
       ( b )  at least one channel, immersed beneath an upper surface of particulate material in said plenum and extending through said plenum generally transversely to directions of passage of particulate material downwardly and heated gas upwardly therethrough, said at least one channel being in fluid communication with said plenum and having an egress orifice, in alignment with said channel, through said wall;    
       ( c )  an upper manifold in communication with said plenum proximate said upper end thereof;    
       ( d )  a lower manifold in communication with said plenum proximate a lower end thereof;    
       ( e )  means for introducing a heated gas into said upper and lower manifolds; and    
       ( f )  a suction mechanism for taking a vacuum through said orifice.   
     
     
       3. Apparatus in accordance with  claim 2  wherein said means for introducing a heated gas into said upper and lower manifolds comprises a blower driving gas, heated in an external manifold, into feed legs communicating with said upper and lower manifolds. 
     
     
       4. Apparatus in accordance with  claim 2  wherein said wall comprises a plurality of vertically stacked modules together defining said plenum. 
     
     
       5. Apparatus in accordance with  claim 4  wherein each of said modules has a vertical dimension of approximately three feet. 
     
     
       6. Apparatus in accordance with  claim 5  wherein said plenum has a vertical height of at least  20  feet.