We are well Known for construction of a simple solar dryers in Kenya at pocket friendly charges.
Simple solar dryers are made of wooden structures covered with a greenhouse polythene covering the entire outer walls.
Features of Simple Solar Dryers in Kenya
Simple Solar dryers for food are built on a flat and well drained area.
They consist of racks or shelves made of wire mesh or insect net material which holds the substance to dry.
It consists of a ventilation that allows dry air inside and moist air outside the dryer. Ventilations are covered with insect nets to prevent entry of food contaminants or insects such as weevils.
Simple Solar Dryer Efficiency
Simple solar dryer takes 2-6 days to dry food depending on the weather conditions and what you are drying. If you need faster drying rates, go for solar dryers in Kenya.
Food crops with high moisture content take more time than those with less moisture content.
The number of days for drying depends on moisture content and the quantity, if the moisture and quantity is less the drying period decreases.
Which Size of a Simple Dryer is Ideal?
When planning on a simple dryer to build, you should consider the size of the produce you are drying and the cost of the structure.
We have several sizes.
- 2 m x 2m x 2m
- 3m x 2m x 2m
- 3 m x 5m x 2m
Other custom sizes available for large commercial solar dryers in Kenya.
Process of Drying food on a Simple Solar Dryer
Preparation for food products first before onset of drying is essential for successful and effective drying. The steps depend on which food product you are dehydrating, for example, solar dryers for fruits and vegetables take the following procedure:
Fruits( Mango, bananas)
- Wash the fruit.
- Peel the fruit and cut it into pieces to ease the drying process.
- Place them on shelves and spread them uniformly.
- Wait for 2-3 days for them to dry.
- After drying, pack in plastic bags.
Guavas & Papaya:
- Wash the ripe guava fruits.
- Cut the fruit and slice it into small pieces.
- Extract seeds
- Immediately after cutting dip slice in the syrup and hold for 15 minutes.
- Remove the slice and drain the syrup.
- Place them on shelves and dry them for 2-3 days.
- Pack them in packages ready for sale
Vegetables (Spinach, Tomato, Kales, Pepper)
- Wash the leaves well
- Chop them into small pieces
- Spread them evenly on the shelves of a dryer
- Add salt to enhance faster drying
- Allow them to dry for 2-3 days
How a Simple Dryer Works
It relies on solar energy to dry food products. A simple dryer’s chamber receives maximum heat from the sun through the roof of the solar dryer. Since the greenhouse cover material is translucent, it allows sunlight rays to penetrate. The rays provide heat energy which remains on the chamber as the material is plastic and poor heat conductor.
Air inside the chamber gets hot and circulates inside the chamber through the shelves. It heats up food and moisture evaporates and goes out through the ventilation.
Benefits of Simple Solar Dryers in Kenya
- They are low cost solar dryers compared to commercial solar dryers.
- Solar dryers have no effect on the environment. They do not release harmful waste or gases to the outside.
- Easier to construct and use. Zero manual to use, we only guide or train farmers on which products to dry.
- Materials for construction of simple dryers are readily available.
- Simple dryers last for a long time, usually more than 8 years.
- Minimum critical parts that could require special attention all the time.
- They are convenient for drying low quantities of food.
Uses of Solar Dryers in Kenya
- Simple solar dryer in Kenya enhances proper drying of fruits and vegetables at home or in industries.
- Coffee processing industries rely on solar dryers to dehydrate berries.
- Paper industries
- Pharmaceutical industries
- Fruit industries for drying fruits such as citrus, lemons, and pumpkin seeds.
- Fish drying
- Drying meat
Simple Solar Dryer Prices in Kenya
A simple solar dryer in Kenya costs KES 30,000 -100,000 depending on the size of the dryer. Affordable solar dryers are available at Aqua Hub LTD.
Call 0790719020
