Here are some frequently asked questions:
How has Western Grain Dryer Inc. performed its duties to stand out from its competitors?
Western Grain Dryer has a history of more than six thousand projects, an unmatched accumulation of experience and commitment to continual technical advancement in this field. We listen to our customers and work with them to constantly improve drying technology. There are always some designer features in the dryers to satisfy our customer’s needs. Western Grain Dryer Inc. provides extra care for our patrons by providing customer service second to none in North America, and our customers reward us by helping spread word for our products and services. When one client purchased a dryer, update its components or had their technical problems solved, their acquaintances and friends want the same or better products from Western Grain Dryer Inc.
What is the advantage of Western Grain compared to other non-screen dryer manufacturers?
Western Grain Dryer designs and manufactures the most energy efficient grain dryers in the world with automatic grain drying and moisture control system. For example, one Canadian farmer reported energy costs of three cents per bushel, which includes both natural gas and electricity consumption. Another Canadian farmer stated energy cost was nine cents per bushel including both propane and electricity consumption. The feedback was gained by following from the harvest of 2014 and 2015, as results of their purchase of two high capacity “Western Grain Dryer”.
What are the advantages of Western Grain dryers compared to Screen grain dryers?
Screen dryers are limited by the size of the mesh. The mesh must be appropriate for the size of the seeds being dried. If the mesh is too large for the seeds, the seeds will pass through it. If the mesh is too small, seeds will collect and thereby reduce airflow and dryer efficiency. Changing screens for various commodities is labour intensive and not cost effective. Keeping screens clean can be a challenge, particularly in freezing temperatures when they can become clogged with ice and snow. Chaffy commodities may be unsuitable for drying in screen dryer as well because chaff can build up on the screens, restricting airflow. Screen dryers also require thorough cleaning between commodities to prevent carry-over from one seed category to the next.
A Western Grain dryer is a multi-purpose grain dryer. It can dry small seeds and large grain within the same dryer; it provides flexibility for all users. Fuel cost is significantly lower than screen grain dryers, consequence of without resistance of airflow of a screen. Less horsepower is required due to continuous flow design that eliminate stops and starts. Western Grain dryers maximize air flow without any possibility of screens plugged. Continuous flow non-screen dryers are clearly more superior, and our continuous innovation and a few decades of tremendous experience make our grain drying technology more competitive.
Who are our customers?
We serve a wide range of customers such as farmers, commercial grain companies, food processors and University research centers. Our global diversification gives us the opportunity to select the best technology and customer service protocols, regardless of the state of agriculture or current conditions in various regions. Our customers include Viterra, Richardson Pioneer, Parrish & Heimbecker, Cargill, AgroSource, and the University of Manitoba Research Center, in addition to thousands of farmers and organizations for whom commodity drying is a vital component of their activities.
Who are our industry partners?
To serve such a widespread customer base, we maintain close relationships with sub-contractors, dealers and agents, component manufacturers and governmental international trade representatives. We also partner with financial institutions, international buyers, grain producers, grain terminals and food manufacturers.
What is our commitment?
Our continual investment in research and development also involves strong ties with universities, engineering firms and users who share with us a commitment to ongoing improvement in grain drying technology.
What is the temperature range of Western Grain dryers?
The owner of Western Grain dryer can choose to dry grain in high or low temperatures. It depends on the dryers’ capacity and grain being dried. In favour of maximum capacity, set it to the recommended maximum temperature. For maximum grain quality, set it to the minimum temperature within the temperature range.
How does Western Grain dryers’ function?
Western Grain dryers are easier to operate than screen grain dryers. Its streamlined shape makes easier for maintenance. The dryer is quieter in operation because of the centrifugal fans. Our grain dryers are easy shipping, assembly, installation and system expansion due to its modular design. Standard belts, motors and other components make for easy replacements. Adjustable cooling easily converts to all heat drying conditions. Galvanized construction assures longevity and higher residual value of dryer than screen dryer. Following are some other features and benefits.
| Features | Benefits |
| Duct type design (no screen) | No screens to leak, plug, contaminate or hold seeds |
| No drying front | Avoids over-drying or under-drying |
| Future expansion | Dryer can be expanded with extra drying layers |
| Instant clean-out | Prevents contamination |
| Dries all grains | Can provide highest quality drying for canola, flax, wheat, barley, corn, sunflower, rice, peas, beans etc. |
| Innovated Maxon Burner | Provides even hot air distribution with maximum fuel efficiency |
| Custom-designed control panel | 1. Basic automation or PLC based control System 2. Prevent over and under drying 3. Remote access 4. Data integration |
| Built to last/few moving parts | Highest quality of grain dryers in the market, certified by Canadian Standard Association |
| Even and gentle drying | No kernel damage |
How does using a Western Grain dryer preserve grain quality?
Western Grain dryers provide even heat, and no drying front, which leads to a better quality of grain than the screen grain dryer. Fewer stress cracks are the result because the longer retention time removes moisture more gently, resulting in better dry bushel weights. Most grain elevators are using Western Grain duct-design dryers. For this reason, drying is best when grain moves constantly through a dryer against a current of hot air. Each kernel receives the same treatment and grain dries evenly.
What are some of the components included in the grain dryer?
- Industrial Maxon Burner
- Leveling auger or gravity fil
- Full cover roof and catwalk
- Automatic or digital grain drying or moisture control system – a standalone unit which consist of controls for wet leg, dry leg, all dryer functions, input accommodations for wet bin empty, discharge plugged, dry leg plugged and optional automatic moisture controller with touch screen.
Why should you purchase a Western Grain dryer?
Recent natural disasters worldwide have caused storm damage and flooded acres, along with warming patters and shorter growing seasons. This reminds us of the importance of the immediate availability of grain drying equipment and the benefits they can provide. Dryers have the following most important benefits:
| Generate More Revenue: | Save Time and Effort: |
| Prevent loss from inability to germinate, inclement weather and reduce in quality. | Extends available harvest period. |
| Sell grain at the right time at the right price. | Make an earlier harvest possible. |
| Drying tough or damp grain can reduce or eliminate spoilage in storage. | Ability to harvest more grain in a day. |
| May improve market grade and acceptability of grain. | Gives the producer a larger harvesting window. |
| May afford alternative market outlets for grain. | Opens the door for custom drying opportunity. |
One Canadian farmer reported a saving almost a million dollars following the harvest of 2004 as a result of a recent purchase of a dryer from Western Grain Dryer Inc.
How long does it take to dry grain?
Grain drying time depends on the size and efficiency of the dryer. Also, the moisture content of the grain, the weight of grain, outside temperature and the target dry moisture will affect the dryer’s capacity.
What are the main questions to ask before deciding on purchasing a dryer?
Who is the manufacturer of the grain dryer? How long has a manufacturer been designing and building grain dryers? Is the manufacturer financially sound, or has it changed ownership recently or constantly? How many projects has a manufacturer been involved with?
Some of the other basic questions that should be asked about the dryer:
(1) air flow (2) type of burner (3) fuel consumption (4) drying capacity per hour at what moisture level for what type of grain (5) dryer types: batch or continuous flow, screen or non-screen (6) dryer reliability and manufacturer’s service record (7) Maintenance costs (8) dryer controls (9) dryer residual value (10) regulatory considerations
What information should a customer consider before purchasing any grain dryers?
- Western Grain Dryer Inc. has engineered, manufactured, updated and repaired more grain dryers than any other competitor in North America.
- Western Grain Dryer Inc. reserves the right to provide any technical support of competitors’ grain dryers except Western Grain’s own brand.
- Customers who purchase Western Grain dryers will automatically be on our priority list for technical support.
How much drying can be expected with aeration?
The primary purpose for aeration is to reach or maintain a fairly uniform grain temperature throughout the bin to prevent moisture accumulation. Aeration is not a grain drying system and should not be considered for drying purposes. Some drying can occur in aeration systems, but generally grain going into aeration bins should be within about 1% of being dry enough for long-term storage.