grain dryer

[dfarms11]

Anybody try converting their propane grain dryer to using a coal fired boiler to heat it with? Just been thinking if you could get the BTUs, it would sure be a lot cheaper than propane.

[DogPatch]

Sure, but don't let the coal smoke ever get in as the smell of smoke will greatly downgrade the quality of the grain.

[ado089]

You've gotta think. Has anyone ever used a propane heater in a tent? The whole thing is wet within an hour. A "dryer" source of heat would likely help cut down drying time and cost.

[poorboy]

Lots of these systems for sale in "the book" mainly out of Manitoba. Majority seem to be a radiator that goes in front of an airation fan, much like the dry air system works.

For a grain dryer you would need one monster of a coal boiler to produce 5-6 million btu's that a grain dryer would need. Cost for a CSA certification on a boiler of this size would make the unit a $150,000 purchase.

Smaller boilers in the 1-1.5 mBTU size would add supplemental heat to many bins in an airation system for $25-35,000 or possibly even less.

Could be set up to heat your shop or house for the rest of the year.

[dfarms11]

Well thats what I was thinking but for $150 000 I think I would have to stick with propane. If it were $20000 I could justify the conversion.