BDC Systems Limited’s Moisture Monitoring System (MMS) is helping farmers/grain store operators overcome the perennial challenge of how to accurately and automatically check moisture content (mc) of wet grain as it enters storage. BDC’s MMS now emails details of mc to any mobile device as well as sending text alerts if mc pre-defined limits are exceeded.
“Since our MMS became commercially available in 2019 it has been extremely well received,” said Andrew Head, BDC’s MD. “These latest developments meet the increasing demand for real-time information to be remotely delivered to farmers/grain store operators.”
Pre-configured timings for the delivery of screen shots of the MMS’ control panel highlighting mc details via email to any mobile device, mean that there is no longer the need for anyone to be on hand at the grain plant to manually check levels and make any necessary adjustments. Valuable manpower resources can be assigned to other more revenue generating tasks.
“The ability to remotely adjust grain dryer settings enables farmers/grain store operators to be confident that the dryer is optimised to ensure that grain enters storage at the right mc which ultimately leads to a significant decrease in energy costs,” added Mr Head.
Crucially, the MMS can be pre-configured to automatically send text alerts should the mc fall below pre-defined maximum and minimum levels. The necessary adjustments can be made remotely to swiftly restore mc to the required levels.
“I am sure that these latest developments to BDC’s MMS will be welcomed by farmers and grain operators alike,” said Charlie Edgley, Kensham Farms, High Wycombe, an original MMS test site. “Defra’s plans around The Path to Sustainable Farming – the Agricultural Transition Plan, mean that we need to do more with less and keep a close eye on reducing our carbon footprint. BDC’s MMS can help by reducing staff costs or making existing staff more efficient and help reduce our energy useage – a win win situation!”
After spending several years on R&D around its MMS, there are now seven operational systems in place with a further three in the process of being installed for harvest 2021.
Using bespoke sampling units designed and developed by BDC, the MMS takes grain from both the incoming (wet) elevator and outgoing (dry) elevators. These samples are then processed through a multi-chamber duct incorporating a Sinar Technology moisture probe, specifically designed for this application. Live readings showing the mc of both samples, in a percentage format, are displayed on the control panel’s screen together with a graph showing the moisture trend. Historical data is stored in the control panel’s memory for future reference.
BDC’s MMS can be monitored directly from the control panels of all new BDC’s grain dryers but for anyone wanting to deploy the MMS with an existing drying system, a stand-alone control panel would be required.
“BDC is continuing to develop our MMS’ features and functionality to make sure that it delivers exactly what our customers need,” said Mr Head. “We will be showcasing the MMS at Cereals 2021 (Stand No: 921) at the end of June, and look forward to demonstrating to visitors how it can help make harvests now, and in the future, as productive and efficient as possible.”
