Use of low-quality geothermal heat in grain drying and related agricultural applications. Quarterly report, January 4, 1977-April 4, 1977

Technical Report · Fri Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1977

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5815543· OSTI ID:5815543

Gordon, T J; Wright, T C; Fein, E; Munson, T R; Richmond, R C

State profiles of geothermal area crop acreage, production, dollar value, and drying energy were begun. Technical feasibility analyses were done for four geothermally augmented, natural gas alfalfa dryers, a steam-tube predryer design, and an all-geothermal conveyor dryer; costing is underway. Details of a geothermal conveyor-type alfalfa dryer in New Zealand were obtained. A computer simulation of rotary drum dehydration was acquired and extensively modified for use in determining operating parameters and performance for low-temperature geothermal alfalfa dryers. The most important nutrients in alfalfa from a market standpoint were determined and experimental results assessed showing the changes nutrients undergo in conventional drying; indications are that low-temperature drying will yield an acceptable product. Innovative techniques for alfalfa processing were identified for potential geothermal application. Markets, institutional characteristics, and the outlook for growth in the dehydrated alfalfa industry were examined, and a list of existing plants near geothermal resources was compiled. Only three plants were close enough to permit geothermal retrofitting; two plants, at El Centro, California, and Twin Falls, Idaho, are the subject of site-specific studies in which detailed costs and siting options are to be analyzed.

• Research Organization: Futures Group, Glastonbury, CT (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5815543
• Report Number(s): IDO-1628-2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
151000* -- Geothermal Energy-- Direct Energy Utilization
AGRICULTURE
ALFALFA
CALIFORNIA
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
COST
DEHYDRATORS
DRYERS
DRYING
ENERGY
GEOTHERMAL HEATING
GEOTHERMAL PROCESS HEAT
Geothermal Legacy
HEAT
HEATING
IDAHO
INDUSTRY
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
LEGUMINOSAE
MARKET
NORTH AMERICA
PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION
PLANTS
PROCESS HEAT
PRODUCTION
RETROFITTING
SIMULATION
USA
WESTERN REGION