Automation of the control system for drying grain crops of the technological process for obtaining biodiesel fuels

Process of grain drying is discussed by the authors, which is considered one of the preliminary stages in the technology of biodiesel production. The drying process has a number of disadvantages that affect the quality and cost of biodiesel fuel. The impossibility of uniform heating and maintaining the required temperature with minimal energy costs is considered one of the most important defects that deserve scientific research. The authors propose a method for changing the heating system and preheating raw materials, based on world experience. We carried out mathematical calculations, provided the change in the temperature field of the drying chamber over time, and we also performed industrial experiment. Based on our results we determined the optimal number of heating sources of raw materials, taking into account the dimensions of the drying chamber. The authors propose a technical solution with which a uniform temperature field can be obtained in the drying chamber. Thus, the uniformity of the chamber heating will be increased, and large operating costs associated with leakage of oil from the grains will be disappeared.