Sukup Fastir, Owner’S Instruction And Parts Manual

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Principles of Grain Drying
40
III.
Drying Precautions
WARNING! Carefully read all information listed below. Failure to heed these warnings may cause fire
damage to grain, equipment, and storage units, and could result in death or serious injury.
To Prevent an In-Bin Fire:
Grain drying temperature should not exceed maximum plenum temperatures for drying listed in table below and in
Table 13 , page 37. Temperatures listed are only guidelines intended to balance grain quality with risk of in-bin
fire. Your specific situation may require a lower maximum temperature.
Note
: Maximum drying temperatures for grains vary according to ambient temperature, moisture content, and rate of
drying. When drying other grains, consult your local extension office for information regarding your specific situation.
Table 15 - Maximum Plenum Temperatures for Corn Drying
Maximum Plenum Temperature for Corn Drying
Drying Method ºF ºC
In-bin Drying without Stirring Machine 10 above outside air temp. 5 above outside air temp.
In-bin Drying with Stirring Machine 120 50
In-bin Continuous Flow Drying 160 70
Portable Dryer 200 93
 Do not combine drying equipment from multiple companies. Sukup heaters are designed to be used with
Sukup fans only. Sukup heaters have a variety of automatic controls to shut them down in case of ignition
failure, high temperature limits or airflow failure. Combining equipment from various companies may result
in a lack of safety controls needed to cut power. Inspect these items regularly for proper operation.
 Screen grain before it enters bin to prevent formation of fines and trash. Grain spreaders help distribute
fines.
 Keep area beneath perforated floors clear of all fines and foreign material as they may cause a bin fire. For
even heat distribution, floor supports should not block transition.
 To reduce risk of a fire or explosion from leaking fuel, thoroughly ventilate bins with a dryer fan before
starting heater.
 Ensure electrical components are wired by a qualified electrician. Inadequate electrical wiring can cause
fire.
If Fire is Suspected:
Follow these basic fire-safety procedures to ensure your well-being and that of your family and employees.
Consult your local extension office for more specific fire-safety information.
 Always account for all co-workers, neighboring farmers and first responders.
 Shut off gas at heater and supply tank.
 Shut off fan.
 Call Fire Department (phone #): __________________
 Seal fan inlet and any other openings to smother fire.
 Remove fan and heater from transition and sandbag transition opening.
 Take note of bin surroundings to avoid heat transfer onto neighboring structures. Be especially observant of
nearby propane tanks and cool if necessary.
 If possible, flood bottom of bin (plenum) with water to a depth of 4” (100 mm) above perforated floor to
protect steel floor supports and possibly extinguish fire.
 If fire is located higher in bin, insert a long pipe with small holes through bin wall or manhole and into grain
to direct water at source of fire and possibly keep fire in a centralized location.
 Do not enter a bin that is on fire. Grain can easily bury a person.
 All grain must be removed from bin to reach point of fire.
 Do not restart fan believing fire has gone out unless all grain has been removed from bin. Grain may
smolder for days.
 Do not cut holes in bin to remove grain.