Co-Grain has installed two 20-ton-per-batch paddy dryers in Uzbekistan for rice drying. The parallel configuration gives the project a combined nominal loading capacity of 40 tons per batch when both units operate together, while also allowing the customer to arrange production around changing paddy intake and moisture conditions.
The project provides controlled mechanical drying before the paddy moves to storage or subsequent processing. It also gives the operator the flexibility to use one dryer or both dryers according to the quantity of wet grain received and the daily production plan.
Project at a Glance
Project Location: Uzbekistan
Application: Paddy / rice drying
Installed Equipment: Two batch paddy dryers
Capacity per Dryer: 20 tons per batch
Combined Nominal Loading: 40 tons per batch when both dryers operate together
Project Type: Commercial grain drying project
Project Background
Freshly harvested paddy must be dried to an appropriate condition before stable storage or rice processing. Incoming grain can vary in moisture, quantity and delivery time throughout the harvest season, making a flexible drying arrangement important for commercial operations.
Outdoor sun drying depends heavily on weather, available space and labor. Mechanical batch drying provides more direct control of airflow, temperature and processing time, helping the operator manage wet paddy under a planned production schedule.
For this project, the customer selected two independent 20-ton batch dryers instead of relying on a single drying unit. The arrangement supports larger total batch handling while retaining operational flexibility.
Why Two Batch Dryers Were Selected
The two-dryer configuration allows the customer to match drying activity more closely to actual grain intake. Depending on production requirements, the plant can operate one unit for a smaller quantity of paddy or run both units for a larger batch.
This arrangement offers several practical advantages:
- Flexible operation according to wet-paddy intake.
- A combined nominal batch loading of 40 tons when both units are used.
- Independent batch control for paddy with different incoming conditions.
- Easier production scheduling during seasonal collection.
- The option to coordinate dryer operation with storage or downstream processing.
- Greater operating flexibility than a single-unit arrangement.
The final daily throughput depends on initial moisture, target moisture, ambient conditions, heat-source configuration, operating schedule and actual drying time. These values should therefore be confirmed from site operation rather than estimated from nominal batch capacity alone.
Co-Grain’s Drying Solution
Each dryer is configured to circulate paddy through a controlled drying process. Heated air passes through the moving grain layer and removes moisture progressively. Grain circulation helps expose different portions of the batch to the drying air, supporting more consistent treatment throughout the dryer.
Operating parameters can be adjusted according to the paddy variety, initial moisture, required final condition and local environment. The goal is not simply rapid moisture removal. Suitable drying should balance capacity, moisture uniformity, grain temperature, energy use and preparation for the next process.
Wet Paddy -> Feeding -> Batch Drying -> Moisture Checking -> Controlled Discharge -> Storage or Processing
How the System Operates
Paddy Feeding
Wet paddy is transferred into one or both dryers according to the available grain quantity and production schedule. Stable feeding and correct loading help support smooth circulation inside each dryer.
Circulation and Heated-Air Drying
During drying, the paddy circulates through the drying chamber while controlled heated air passes through the grain layer. Moisture is removed gradually as the grain repeatedly moves through the drying zone.
Moisture Monitoring
The grain condition is checked during operation. Drying settings may be adjusted to match the actual incoming moisture, target moisture, grain characteristics and ambient conditions.
Discharge and Transfer
After the required moisture condition is reached, the paddy is discharged for temporary holding, silo storage or subsequent rice processing. The discharge route can be coordinated with conveying equipment and downstream capacity.
Drying Quality for Paddy
Paddy is sensitive to inappropriate drying conditions. Excessive temperature or overly rapid moisture removal may increase grain stress and can affect later processing. A controlled batch process allows the operator to adapt the drying program to the actual grain condition rather than applying the same settings to every load.
Important operating considerations include:
- Initial and target moisture.
- Paddy variety and grain condition.
- Drying-air temperature and airflow.
- Moisture uniformity within each batch.
- Ambient temperature and humidity.
- Cooling or tempering requirements.
- Coordination with storage or rice milling.
Actual operating settings should be established during commissioning and adjusted from observed grain conditions.
Installation in Uzbekistan
The two dryers were installed in Uzbekistan according to the confirmed project layout and local site conditions. Installation planning considered equipment position, grain feeding and discharge points, operating access, maintenance space and connections with supporting equipment.
A successful drying project depends on more than the dryers alone. Upstream feeding must supply grain at a suitable rate, while downstream conveying or storage must receive dried paddy without creating unnecessary delays. Electrical control, safety interlocks and operator access should also be coordinated with the complete layout.
Co-Grain can provide installation guidance, commissioning support and operator training according to the agreed project scope. Final service responsibilities should follow the commercial contract and confirmed site conditions.
Integration with a Complete Paddy-Handling Line
The two dryers can operate as the central drying section of a larger rice-handling process:
Paddy Receiving -> Pre-Cleaning -> Wet Paddy Buffering -> Parallel Batch Drying -> Dried Paddy Storage -> Rice Processing
Depending on the customer’s requirements, supporting equipment may include grain cleaners, bucket elevators, conveyors, buffer silos, heating equipment, storage silos and electrical control systems. Coordinating these sections helps maintain stable grain flow between receiving, drying and the next process.
Project Value
The installation gives the customer a dedicated mechanical drying solution for harvested paddy. Two independent dryers provide flexible production scheduling and allow capacity to be matched more closely to changing grain intake.
The project also establishes a practical basis for future system integration. Grain cleaning, conveying, storage or processing equipment can be coordinated with the drying section as operating requirements develop.
Planning a Similar Paddy Drying Project
The suitable number and capacity of dryers should be selected from actual project conditions. Co-Grain evaluates:
- Grain type and variety.
- Initial and target moisture.
- Required batch and daily throughput.
- Harvest pattern and grain-arrival schedule.
- Available heat source and fuel supply.
- Local temperature, humidity and altitude.
- Operating hours and labor arrangement.
- Upstream cleaning and conveying capacity.
- Downstream storage or processing capacity.
- Site layout, power supply and expansion plans.
Send these details to Co-Grain for a drying-process proposal and equipment configuration suited to your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total capacity of the Uzbekistan project?
The project uses two dryers, each rated for 20 tons per batch. Their combined nominal loading is 40 tons per batch when both units operate together. Actual daily throughput depends on moisture reduction, operating time and site conditions.
Can one dryer operate independently?
The parallel arrangement is intended to provide operational flexibility. Final control logic, conveying routes and independent operating modes should follow the confirmed project configuration.
Can the system dry paddy with different moisture levels?
Batch drying allows operating parameters to be adjusted for different incoming grain conditions. Paddy with materially different moisture levels should be evaluated and scheduled appropriately rather than mixed without process confirmation.
What supporting equipment can be added?
The drying section can be connected with receiving equipment, pre-cleaners, elevators, conveyors, wet-grain buffers, heating equipment, storage silos and downstream rice-processing equipment.
