DEVELOPMENT OF A PORTABLE AIR FLOW DIGITAL METER FOR GRAIN DRYING
A.B. Istifanus and C.C. Mbajiorgu
Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering
University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
E-mail: yowiri@gmail.com
ABSTRACT: Technological progress allows more and more instruments to be developed for different purposes based on the prevailing need. The development of a portable air flow digital meter relied on a computer based design. Assembly language was used in writing a set of instructions that were programmed into the micro controller component of the system. This produced an interface which enabled interaction using a monitor. The codes were translated from analogue to digital using a Digital Converter (ADC) and then interpreted in a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) in m/s. The speed of the fan or the position of the mesh-like tray regulated how moist the grain is or how fast the drying exercise is to take place. When the speed of the fan is increased, more air was produced and this led to faster drying of the grains as higher values of flow were correspondingly displayed. The meter measures values accurately to over 1 102m/s.