Updated on January 22, 2024

·

Created on August 18, 2018

EasyDry M500 Maize Dryer

Upcoming Update

The EasyDry M500 is a portable drying device that is used to help achieve the proper moisture content for storage of maize.

Tested By
  • Catapult Design
Content Partners
Unknown

Author

Product Description

The EasyDry M500 is an open source portable maize dryer that has the capacity of drying up to 1500 kgs of maize per day. It is designed and locally manufactured by the AflaSTOP project which aims to incorporate it into the smallholder farmer’s normal post-harvest routine as a fee-based service.

Target SDGs

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

SDG 1: No Poverty

Market Suggested Retail Price

$1,660.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

The AflaSTOP project is implemented by ACDI/VOCA and Agribusiness Systems International, under the direction of Meridian Institute and in support of the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA). Distribution is done through retailing by the local artisan fabricators.

Competitive Landscape

Manufacturing/Building Method

Production through skilled, local artisan fabricators.

Intellectural Property Type

Open-source

User Provision Model

Users can obtain the product through ACDI/VOCA. In future the product will be available through local artisan fabricators.

Distributions to Date Status

Pilot phase still ongoing. Three EasyDry designs have been deployed in Kenya so far; two mechanical batch dryers and one solar option.

Drying capacity (lbs/m³)

1102.31

Drying duration (hr)

3

Load capacity (m³)

Unknown

Operating temperature range (°C)

Unknown

Temperature control

No

Number of trays

Materials of construction

Mild steel frame with a canvas bed

Design Specifications

Design Specifications:

  • Lowers moisture level from approximately 19% to 13.5% in 3 hours.
  • Can dry upto 1500 kgs of maize per day (in 3 batches of 500kg).
 

Product Schematics

Technical Support

Technical manuals provided online:

  • Manual: Assembly, operation and maintenance of EasyDry M500.
  • Resources for fabricators and manufacturers of the EasyDry M500
  • Resources for operators of EasyDry M500.

Replacement Components

Replacement components can be sourced from local artisans and hardware stores since it is made of locally available materials. Interview with representative.

Lifecycle

5 years

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Performance targets:

  • Allow drying even when raining.
  • Maize is drier therefore has a longer storage life.
  • Drying is faster than traditional methods.
  • Easy to watch over and prevent losses by rodents.
  • Easier to operate.
  • Less labour required.
 

Vetted Performance Status

  • Report on Comparative Dryer Performance Testing
  • Active testing form
  • Passive testing form

Safety

Safety warning: The EasyDry M500 is a dangerous piece of agricultural equipment that consists of moving components and hot surfaces, posing possible injury risks. Extreme caution is required around the furnace area, the engine and v-belt assemblies. Children should be kept away from the aforementioned components at all times with bystanders minimized around these areas where possible. Children should be kept away at all times while the dryer is in operation. Do not use indoors unless well ventilated.

Complementary Technical Systems

AflaSTOP has come up with other projects geared towards combating aflatoxin in Kenya.

Compliance with regulations

AflaSTOP recommends that the manufacturing of the EasyDry should follow processes that are used and suitable for the country where it is deployed.

Other Information

ACDI/VOCA Youtube channel EasyDry brief documentation The AflaSTOP project The AflaSTOP project is implemented by ACDI/VOCA The EasyDry M500 is designed for local fabrication. It has been manufactured at a cost of $850 USD in Kenya, $1,660 in Rwanda, and $1,100 in Tanzania and Uganda. This is inclusive of expected profit margins. ACDI/VOCA Manual Comparative Dryer Performance Testing Active testing form Passive testing form  

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