Experimental installation development for the technology of vacuum-pulse drying of baled hay

The article describes a new technology for drying baled hay and presents an experimental installation for vacuum-pulse moisture removal. Baling significantly reduces losses and improves the quality of hay. This is an efficient, high-performance forage conservation technology. The research results of the developed drying method confirm the effectiveness of using vacuum in the moisture removal process for drying baled hay. This technology makes it possible to implement this method of drying baled hay by improving the technical resources and post-harvesting processes at the level of modern requirements. The development is confirmed by the patent for the invention “Method for drying fiber baled materials”. The novelty of the work is the creation of a device based on the vacuum-pulse method of moisture removal for baled hay which provides high safety. The main difference between this method and standard and currently used installations is the accelerated process of moisture loss due to the vacuum and material uniform heating throughout the entire volume of the drying chamber. The technology of drying hay rolls in a vacuum drying chamber will decrease the drying time, reduce energy costs, and get high-quality hay. The purpose of the research is to develop a resource-saving drying technology that ensures high hay preservation and energy savings of 10-15%.