Alfalfa grass (such as Medicago sativa) has high-quality characteristics of high protein and high fiber, and is often used as feed for livestock farming. However, the rainfall during the rainy season often brings the decay and deterioration of grass, seriously affecting the income of aquaculture. For small farms with limited land and budgets, it is important to choose a suitable alfalfa drying machine.

Types of drying techniques for alfalfa grass

1. Multi layer mesh belt dryer

The mesh belt dryer uses a mesh belt to spread the grass evenly, and hot air is blown in from below to exchange heat with wet alfalfa, reducing its moisture content.Suitable for mixed grasslands with diverse varieties. Simple structure, low maintenance cost, moderate energy consumption.

2. Rotary dryer

Alfalfa grass rolls forward in the cylinder with the rotation of the drum, and comes into direct contact with hot air to achieve drying. Rotary dryer has a large processing capacity, suitable for commercial processing stations that require rapid storage of large quantities of alfalfa grass during the rainy season or rapid replenishment during the dry season. High thermal efficiency, good heat utilization, and the fastest drying speed (10-30 minutes/ton). In addition, when using a rotary dryer to dry alfalfa hay, the raw material first needs to be cut into pieces less than 10 centimeters.

3. Airflow dryer

The airflow dryer uses high-speed airflow to blow out small water droplets from alfalfa grass. Suitable for situations where alfalfa grass has high water content and fiber content, or environments that are highly sensitive to dust after drying. Low energy consumption, energy-saving and environmentally friendly, thorough drying, and less likely to cause grass to overheat and turn yellow.

4. Heat pump dryer

The heat pump dryer uses a reverse Carnot cycle compressor for circulating heating. Suitable for organic farms that are extremely picky about the nutritional value of alfalfa grass. The heat pump dryer adopts low-temperature drying, with a drying temperature of only about 45 ℃. This temperature can maximize the retention of amino acids and proteins, and the energy consumption is 50% lower than that of coal-fired/oil fired machines.

Points to confirm before purchasing equipment

1. Capacity

Confirm the daily amount of grass that needs to be dried (tons/day), choose a production capacity slightly higher than the daily demand, and avoid accumulation caused by concentrated drying during the rainy season.

2. Energy source

Due to the relatively high cost of electricity, mixed energy or drying equipment with heat recovery, such as biomass, gas, or heat pump+heat recovery schemes, can be considered to reduce long-term operating costs.3. Drying technology: For high moisture alfalfa, choose rotary drum or air flow, while for low moisture and heavy nutrient retention, choose mesh belt or heat pump.

4.Equipment durability

Choose a model with dust-proof mesh and quick disassembly and cleaning.

5. Dust treatment method

During the drying process, alfalfa grass generates a large amount of dust, so it is necessary to ensure that the equipment is equipped with a dust removal system to prevent dust from overflowing and polluting the environment.

The above lists common alfalfa drying machine and selection points, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Small farms need to choose according to actual conditions to achieve maximum economic benefits. You can contact us anytime to help you choose the most suitable equipment and develop a drying plan.