The Constant Shrink Factor Calculator (Metric) is designed to calculate the total shrinkage of grain during the drying process. It uses the constant shrink factor, which accounts for both water loss and handling loss, to determine the overall reduction in weight. The calculator works with inputs in kilograms, allowing users to calculate how much weight will be lost as grain dries from a higher moisture content to a lower one. This tool provides accurate insights into drying by factoring in mechanical handling losses and water shrinkage.

Calculator

1. the weight of the grain when harvested in kilograms
2. the percentage of water present in the grain at the time of harvest
3. the target moisture percentage after the drying process is complete
4. decimal precision, the number of digits after the decimal point
5. constant shrink factor(% per point), the percentage used to represent total shrinkage, including both water shrink and handling loss (typically ranges from 1.2% to 1.5% per point of moisture removed)
6. decimal precision, the number of digits after the decimal point

Result

1. the overall percentage of weight lost due to water removal and handling loss calculated using the constant shrink factor
2. the remaining grain weight after all shrinkage (both water and handling loss) in kilograms
3. the percentage of weight lost due to handling losses, including mechanical damage and material loss during the drying process

Example Calculation

Harvested Weight: 1000 kg
Initial Moisture Content: 25%
Final Moisture Content: 15%
Constant Shrink Factor: 1.3

Calculate the Moisture Removed:

Moisture Removed = Initial Moisture Content - Final Moisture Content

Moisture Removed = 25% - 15% = 10%

Calculate Total Shrink:

The total shrink is the product of the moisture removed and the constant shrink factor.

Total shrink = Moistur Removed * Constant Shrink Factor

Total Shrink = 10% * 1.3 = 13%

The total shrink is 13%.

Calculate Water Shrink:

The water shrink is calculated using the following formula:

Water Shrink Factor = 100 / (100 - Final Moisture Content)

Water Shrink Factor = 100 ÷  (100 - 15) = 100 ÷ 85 = 1.17647%

The water shrink is approximately 11.77%.

Calculate Handling Loss:

The handling loss is the difference between the total shrink and the water shrink:

Handling Loss = Total Shrink - WaterShrink

Handling Loss = 13% - 11.77% = 1.23%

The handling loss is approximately 1.23%.

Calculate Final Weight:

The final weight is the harvested weight after the total shrink is accounted for:

Final Weight = Harvested Weight(1- Total Shrink ÷ 100)

Final Weight=1000 * (1 - 13 ÷ 100) = 1000 * 0.87 = 870 kg

The final weight is 870 kg.

Results:

Total Shrink: 13%
Final Weight: 870 kg
Handling Loss: 1.23%

This tool helps users in the grain industry estimate total shrinkage more accurately by factoring in handling loss alongside water evaporation.

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