EasyDry M500 Maize Dryer

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

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.

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.

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).

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.

Academic Research and References

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