The Constant Shrink Factor Calculator calculates the total weight loss during drying by incorporating water shrink and handling loss. This method uses a constant shrink factor representing water evaporation and mechanical handling losses. By considering the initial harvested weight, initial moisture content, final moisture content, and the constant shrink factor, this calculator provides the total shrinkage percentage and final weight of the dried grain. It is ideal for grain buyers, sellers, and processors who must estimate the total shrinkage (weight loss) per point of moisture removed, including water loss and handling loss.

Calculator

1. the weight of the grain when harvested in pounds
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 pounds
3. the percentage of weight lost due to handling losses, including mechanical damage and material loss during the drying process

Constant Shrink Factor

The constant shrink factor is a percentage used to estimate the grain's total shrinkage (weight loss) during drying. This factor accounts for both water shrink (weight lost due to water evaporation) and handling loss (mechanical losses such as kernel breakage, dry matter loss, or material loss due to the drying and handling process). The constant shrink factor typically ranges from 1.2% to 1.5% per percentage point of moisture removed.  

Example

Harvested Weight: 1,000 lbs of grain.
Initial Moisture Content: 25% (moisture before drying).
Final Moisture Content: 15.5% (moisture after drying).
Constant Shrink Factor: 1.3% per point of moisture removed (including water loss and handling loss).

Calculate the Moisture Removed:

The moisture removed is the difference between the initial moisture content and the final moisture content:

Moisture Removed = Initial Moisture Content - Final Moisture Content

Using the example values:

Moisture Removed = 25 % - 15.5 % = 9.5 percentage points

9.5 percentage points of moisture were removed during the drying process.

Calculate the Total Shrink:

The total shrink accounts for both water loss and handling loss. It's calculated by multiplying the constant shrink factor by the moisture removed:

Total Shrink = Moisture Removed * Constant Shrink Factor

Using the example values:

Total Shrink = 9.5 * 1.3 = 12.35 %

The total shrinkage (weight lost) is 12.35 %.

Calculate the Final Weight:

The final weight is the weight of the grain after accounting for the total shrinkage:

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

Using the example values:

Final Weight = 1000 * (1 - 12.35 ÷ 100) = 1000 * 0.8765 = 876.5 lbs

The final weight of the grain after drying and handling losses is 876.5 lbs.

Determine Handling Loss:

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

Handling loss = Total Shrink - Water Shrink

Using the calculated values:

Handling Loss = 12.35 % - 11.24 % = 1.11 %

The handling loss is 1.11 %, which accounts for mechanical losses, dry matter loss, or kernel breakage.

Total Shrink: 12.35%.
Final Weight: 876.5 lbs.
Handling Loss: 1.11%.

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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