A grain storage facility dries maize with 80,000 m3/h of 45 C exhaust at 12 percent humidity. EN159 recovered that heat to preheat incoming fresh air.
The Challenge
Drying exhaust carried usable heat that was vented. Preheating intake air would cut burner fuel. The operator required recovery that does not return moist exhaust air into the product stream.
Why Plate Air-to-Air Recovery
Food and agricultural drying must use sensible-only plate recovery with no return air. A rotary wheel is excluded because it would carry moisture and contaminants back into the grain. The plate keeps streams separate.
The EN159 Solution
EN159 BXB counter-flow plate modules, 80,000 m3/h, incoming 15 C air preheated to 32 C, stainless plates rated for grain-dust duty.
Measured Results
- Recovered heat: about 0.8 MW
- Intake preheated from 15 C to 32 C
- Burner fuel cut by 31 percent
- Estimated payback: 12 months
Compliance and Selection Notes
Sensible-only plate recovery, no return air, no rotary wheel. Exhaust and product air stay separated per food-safety rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why no rotary wheel for grain drying?
Rotary wheels transfer moisture and can cross-contaminate the product air. Plate sensible recovery keeps streams separate.
Is the plate washable?
Yes. Stainless plates are cleanable for food-duty hygiene.
Related Guides and Tools
Plate Heat Exchangers · Food and Agricultural Drying Recovery · Drying Heat Recovery · Grain Drying Plate Exchanger · Contact EN159
Get a Site-Specific Recovery Estimate
Talk to an EN159 application engineer about your grain drying exhaust stream. Call 15753355505 or visit our contact page for a site-specific recovery estimate.