TY - JOUR AU - Gragasin, Michael Agcaoili AU - Martinez, Romualdo C PY - 2015/10/30 Y2 - 2024/03/28 TI - Development of Commercial Belt Dryer for Granulated Cassava JF - Asian Journal of Applied Sciences JA - AJAS VL - 3 IS - 5 SE - Articles DO - UR - https://www.ajouronline.com/index.php/AJAS/article/view/3141 SP - AB - <p>This research has successfully designed, fabricated, and field tested a technically feasible mechanical dryer for granulated cassava.  Test results revealed that the developed drying technology has an input capacity of 1,158kgh<sup>-1</sup>, output capacity of 509kgh<sup>-1</sup>, and cassava product recovery of 44.2% with an average moisture reduction rate of 40.2%h<sup>-1</sup>.  Cost-benefit analysis showed that the technology is financially feasible given an internal rate of return of 17.12%.  Total drying cost per kilogram output is estimated at US$0.027 (US$=Php45).  By accounting all the costs involved in drying, the farmers can realize net benefits of US$136.40 per hectare for using the technology given a higher product recovery of 44-48% as compared to the traditional sun drying method of only 34-38%.  As such, this technology provides a viable alternative solution to the drying problem of farmers to sustain the growth of commercial production of cassava in the Philippines.</p> ER -