Design and construction of a desiccant air dryer for seeds and vegetables

The object of this research is the design an affordable desiccant dryer for local farmers seed and vegetable drying. subsequent increase in food production has led to accompanying need easy, safe, preservation methods. This a substantial number driers, which are expensive acquire. Seeds certain vegetables do not well, under high heat used most dryers drying as process often final step before packaging selling agricultural products. Desiccant hygienic, low energy, cost, safe method products without degrading them or reducing their nutritional quality. A air seeds was designed constructed, its performance tested using bitter leaves (Vernonia amygdalina). materials were carefully sourced selected based on cost materials, availability, strength, lightness (weight), resistance rust. chamber external dimensions 43 cm by 30 internal 28 25 cm. divided into five layers; each layer 48 44 with total surface area 0.2112 m2.
 Results showed significant moisture loss dried sample 26 hours from 167 g 54.1 when compared ambient values. Proximate analysis leaf higher values across all parameters air. From results obtained, it therefore concluded that samples faster than common air-drying method. It recommended should be other shelf life reduce perishability.