The Development of the KOTZUR Drying Silo Modern Engineering & Construction (manufacturer of KOTZUR silos) has an ongoing R&D program.     In early 1994 the company allocated resources to natural/ambient air drying trials and the development of an in-silo drying system. A number of trials were conducted and, with assistance from several research institutions, theoretical computer models were developed and the system was proven.     In mid 1996, the first production models were manufactured. By the end of 1996, 25 KOTZUR drying silos had been installed from central Queensland to the Victorian-NSW border.       Our clients have reported outstanding results!

The Advantages of Grain Drying THE ability to dry grain increases both your harvesting opportunities and your ability to store and market grain at optimum moisture and temperature levels. To avoid deterioration grains must be stored below a certain level - generally below 12% for cereals and 5-9% for oilseeds. However, harvesting grain at higher moisture levels has many advantages.... Harvesting earlier reduces in-paddock losses from shedding, bird/rodent damage and harvester losses, and also reduces the risk of major weather damage resulting in downgraded product(sprouted grain etc.).   Pulses and legumes can be harvested at higher moisture levels resulting in better yield, quality, colour and less cracking - essential for selling your pulses into the premium human consumption markets. Cereals also suffer less damage and cracking at harvest   Make more efficient use of labour and equipment. Harvesting can commence sooner, harvesting days are longer and weather interruptions are shorter. All resulting in a shorter harvest time.   Direct-heading of crops usually windrowed (swathed) can become a viable option.   Growing grain crops may now be viable in areas where harvest weather usually precludes cropping.      Grain crops that have been successfully dried in KOTZUR Drying silos include: wheat, barley, triticale, canola, maize, corn, popcorn, sorghum, peas, beans, sunflowers....

Significantly lower capital cost than conventional grain dryers.
 
Lower energy consumption-up to 75% energy saving on conventional drying.
 
Less handling of grain means less labour/equipment therefore lower handling costs.
 
Achieve a desired moisture level. With careful use of outside weather conditions you can raise, as well as lower, moisture levels. Over-dried grain can be as costly as grain that is wet.
 
Gentle drying-valuable crops will not be damaged by overheating as they can be by other drying systems. Problems such as grain cracking and loss of germination can be overcome with our system.
 
No screens or perforated floors which can restrict airflow, require cleaning or slow grain discharge. We get maximum airflow with minimum trouble.
 
Extremely fast aeration. Grain cooling can be achieved after drying in a fraction of the time it would take with conventional aeration.