PhilMech, over the weekend, said two prototypes are now undergoing testing, evaluation, and improvement in Nueva Ecija.

The ideal moisture content for palay is 14 percent but the prototype tested by PHilMech can dry 20 to 24 tons of palay in 10 to 12 hours.

The machine uses heat generated by a PHilMech-designed biomass furnace or a diesel burner. It also has electronic controls that lessen the need for laborers to operate.

Two cooperatives based in Nueva Ecija are currently involved in the testing, evaluation and improvement of the Fluidized Bed Dryer in cooperation with PHilMech: The Nagkakaisang Magsasaka Agricultural Primary Multipurpose Cooperative in Tabaco, Talavera; and the Bagong Buhay ng Mabini Primary Multipurpose Cooperative in Mabini, Sto. Domingo.

Improved capacity

“The current prototype model now has a bigger capacity and once commercialized, will be of great benefit to palay (unmilled rice) farmers as much of the drying of their harvests is still being done on the road. During rainy weather, most palay farmers have a hard time drying their harvests,” PHilMech executive director Dr. Baldwin Jallorina said.

Meanwhile, Romualdo Martinez, Project Leader for equipment, said one of the best features of the Fluidized Bed Dryer is the uniform drying of palay, which in turn assures the quality of dried palay.

“Many farmers still dry their palay on the road and concrete pavements. It does not assure the uniform drying of palay unlike advanced drying systems like the Fluidized Bed Dryer,” he said.

PHilMech is optimistic that many farmers’ cooperatives and associations will gain interest in using the Fluidized Bed Dryer once it is ready for commercialization.

On 10 December 2021, PHilMech conducted a technology demonstration for the Fluidized Bed Dryer at Barangay Mabini Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija for more than 20 men and women farmers from different cooperatives for them to learn the actual operation of the technology.