Using AccuDry Mode
Last updated
Last updated
While running in manual mode, AccuDry mode will not be available until the system is "Ready." The ready state is shown by the color of the AccuDry button, which is explained below.
By default, the dryer will not have enough information to jump right into AccuDry mode and the AccuDry button will appear grayed out. In order for AccuDry to be "Ready," the system must achieve the following before it will allow the dryer to enter AccuDry mode:
There must not be any alarms present;
The dryer must be in the "Running" state of operation, further explanation may be found below;
The Actual Discharge Rate must be within 5% of the Suggested Rate;
The Discharge Moisture must be within 2% of the Setpoint Moisture and;
The AccuDry system must have enough knowledge and runtime, to have a Predicted Discharge Moisture within 2% of the Actual Discharge Moisture.
Attempting to enter AccuDry Mode, whether ready or not, by pressing the AccuDry button from any of the discharge settings pages, will cause an AccuDry Status screen to appear as shown below.
This screen will appear slightly different depending on the state of the AccuDry model. The items displayed on this screen are the dryer running state, the not ready reason, the AccuDry predicted discharge moisture, the actual measured discharge moisture, the AccuDry suggested rate, the actual discharge rate, and whether or not the DM510 board is recording data (AccuDry Learning). This screen will provide information to better achieve AccuDry readiness, and will get the dryer into AccuDry much faster than guess work in Manual mode.
On the AccuDry Status screen, the Learn mode will be illuminated when the dryer is operating (discharge is ON), and the moisture sensors have product being detected. This indicator states that the AccuDry system is "learning" from it's current operating inputs, and will stop "learning" and saving data when the discharge is turned OFF. Lastly is AccuDry mode, for when you are running in AccuDry mode.
The dryer state field indicates the seven (7) stages of operating your dryer. The seven states are as follows:
| Dryer State | Explanation |
|---|---|
Stand-By | The dryer fans, discharge, and burner(s) are off. The dryer may not be full (no moisture displayed by the infeed moisture sensor). |
Primed | The dryer fans, discharge, and burner(s) are off. The dryer is full (moisture displayed by the infeed moisture sensor). |
Idle Running | The dryer fans, discharge, and burner(s) are off. The dryer is full (moisture displayed by the infeed moisture sensor). This feature is only available on systems that make use of the fan switch input. |
Shutdown | The dryer is OFF. The fans, the discharge, and burner(s) are off. The dryer is full (moisture displayed by the infeed moisture sensor). This feature is only available on systems that make use of the fan switch input. |
Preheat | The dryer fans are on, the burner(s) are on, the discharge is off. The dryer is full (moisture displayed by the infeed moisture sensor). |
Running | The dryer fans are on, the burner(s) are on, the discharge is on. The dryer is full (moisture displayed by the infeed moisture sensor). Moisture is displayed at the discharge sensor. |
Holding | The dryer fans are on, the burner(s) are on, the discharge is off. The dryer is full (moisture displayed by the infeed moisture sensor). This is a temporary state and it will revert to Manual mode after 25 minutes as a safety precaution. |
The not ready field indicates the reason the dryer will not allow entry into AccuDry mode:
| Not Ready Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
Discharge Off | The discharge is off and must be turned on. |
Drying Temp Critical | Plenum temperature is in alarm and must be corrected. |
Inlet Moisture Critical | Inlet grain moisture is in alarm and must be corrected. |
Outlet Moisture Critical | Discharge grain moisture is in alarm and must be corrected. |
Inlet Temperature Critical | Inlet grain temperature is in alarm and must be corrected. |
Outlet Temperature Critical | Discharge grain temperature is in alarm and must be corrected. |
Burner Off | Burner is OFF and must be lit. |
Rate Off | Discharge rate is in alarm and must be corrected. |
Fan Off | Fan is OFF and must be turned on. |
Model Prediction | AccuDry is gathering data, and the predicted moisture (based on current data) is not acceptably close to the actual discharge moisture. Continue running in manual until enough data is taken to accurately predict correct discharge moistures. |
Beta 2 Filling | A technical subset of model prediction. The system is gathering feedback on how the dryer is efficiently drying a particular grain. Continue running in manual until enough data is taken to accurately predict correct discharge moistures. |
Beta 2 Stabilizing | A technical subset of model prediction as well. The system is fine-tuning feedback based on how the dryer is operating. Continue running in manual until enough data is taken to accurately predict correct discharge moistures. |
Target Difference | Moisture setpoint is not acceptably close to the actual discharge moisture. Continue running in manual until discharge moisture is within 2% of setpoint moisture. This is done to alleviate moisture overshoot when switching to AccuDry. |
The suggested rate field indicates what the AccuDry system would run at that given moment if it were to take over controls of the VFD. It is important to note that this field updates regularly, and will become more and more accurate as the dryer learns for each individual grain type.
The actual rate field indicates the real-time commanded speed from the PLC to the VFD.
While running in manual when the AccuDry button text will change from gray to white, AccuDry reaches the "Ready" state. Pressing the AccuDry button will again cause the AccuDry status screen to appear. When AccuDry is selected from this screen, the button will flash "Enabling..." for a few seconds and will illuminate the AccuDry text in green lettering; the dryer is now in AccuDry mode.
Once AccuDry mode of operation has been selected, the ability to manually change the speed will be inhibited and the only parameter that can be adjusted will be the discharge moisture setpoint. While running in AccuDry, the speed will continuously increase or decrease to maintain the target discharge moisture setpoint. Do not continuously tweak the discharge moisture setpoint, let it try to control to the setpoint value that was previously established.
The following steps should be included in the daily routine when using the AccuDry system:
Before dryer start-up, check the outlet moisture sensor to ensure it is clean and free of debris. The sensor chute has no obstructions ahead of the sensor, and the flow-metering device is operating.
Start the dryer as has been done in the past from the dryer control panel. The Pinnacle 20|20 software will indicate the dryer is in "Manual" mode.
On the Dryer Overview screen, verify the discharge rate and discharge moisture setpoints. Modify them accordingly.
After the normal fan and burner startup procedure, as outlined in the Operations Manual, begin discharging.
AccuDry can be selected when the AccuDry button is illuminated white. Begin running in AccuDry and double-check the discharge moisture setpoint (now the only setpoint able to be changed) is correct.
AccuDry will now automatically adjust the dryer discharge rate to achieve the displayed product target moisture.
Periodically check the moisture sensors to ensure they are clean and there is good product flow. Metering may be turned off for roughly 60 seconds to clear out any fines or bees wings that may have accumulated in the sampling chute.
While operating the dryer, calibrate the moisture sensors as required.
When dryer discharge is turned off, AccuDry will automatically revert to "Manual” mode after 25 minutes.
