Anagi tray dryer
Practical Action
A removable dial thermometer is connected to the drying chamber.
There are 6 trays in the dryer.
The flue gas from the stove passes through a heat exchanger. The incoming air from the bottom of
the dryer gets heated and moves upwards through the trays in the drying chamber.
The dryer has been fitted with a lifting mechanism with which the trays can be easily loaded,
unloaded and moved downwards. A simple mechanical jack system operated by a lever, controls the
lifting and lowering of the trays. The cashew in the lowest trays dries faster than in the top trays.
The dryer can also be fitted with adjustable “flappers” on the top and bottom, to control the heat
flow.
Advantages of the Anagi Dryer
The Anagi dryer uses paddy husk or saw dust as an energy source and is freely available in rural
areas and can also be used in places that do not have access to electricity.
The uneven drying of cashew has been overcome because the heat flow can be controlled
The dryer, which has a simple lifting mechanism, permits the removal of a tray and the loading
of a new tray with fresh produce while the dryer is operational. This allows for higher output,
higher quality, prevents over roasting and improved fuel efficiency.
It is low cost, easy to operate and maintain and can be assembled in small workshops.
Can be easily operated by women.
NOTE: The Practical Action South Asia dryer was initially introduced to a group of cashew
processors who were mainly women. Upon the suggestions and comments of these women, the
dryer was further modified to accommodate their needs. The present model - Anagi, is the product
of their contribution and paid specific attention to the needs of women.
Technical Details
Construction
The frame of the dryer is fabricated with 1 1/4"X1 1/4"X1/8" and 1"X1"X1/8" angle iron.
The main body of the dryer is fabricated with 1" thick albesia timber planks or chip board
lined both sides with gauge 21 aluminium sheets.
The heat exchanger tubes are 125 mm in diameter and are fabricated from gauge 16 GI
sheets
A 425 mm diameter barrel is used for the hearth. The stove lid is made out of gauge 16 GI
sheets.
Tray frames are fabricated out of light duty pipes with a diameter of 20mm. These pipes are
affixed to planks made out of 1" thick timber (Albesia). An aluminium wire mesh is used for
the base of the tray.
A screw type jack fitted to a hand wheel is used as the lifting mechanism.
NOTE: See diagrams for details.
Capacity
It is possible to produce 70-80 kg of nuts per day and will need 30Kg of fuel (saw dust or paddy
husks).
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