7 Key Factors for Choosing the Right Commercial Drying Room Equipment
Cannabis growers can earn high yields with high-quality products, but proper processing is crucial. Drying is a critical step that requires the commercial drying room and suitable equipment, since drying should reduce water content, prevent mold growth, and preserve terpenes and other biomolecules. Proper drying can also extend the shelf life of the product.
A right commercial drying room is necessary for success, when selecting equipment, consider factors such as efficiency and effectiveness to ensure maximum results. Let us start to read this post.
Determine Your Drying Needs
Consider the following factors to help you choose the right equipment size and gear:
The type of product you are drying
The moisture content required
The volume of product you need to dry
Consider the Size of Your Commercial Drying Room
The second thing to consider is the commercial drying room size and how much cannabis needs to be dried at a time.
Suggestion for different growers:
Small-scale growers: If you only need to dry a limited amount of cannabis, you can use a simple and small drying unit that fits into space.
Larger growers: If you have a large cannabis amount to dry at once, you may need to invest in larger equipment or multiple pieces to do this effectively.
In a word, making sure right size of the equipment you choose for the current commercial drying room will effectively dry the cannabis buds you need evenly.
Know the Climate Condition
Drying chambers remove excess moisture from plants after harvest. Although the buds are no longer growing, they are still alive and evaporate large amounts of water. Untreated moisture can also lead to mold and bud rot, which can break out after harvest and even after packing. (Note: moldy cannabis is illegal to give to sick people or sell for recreational purposes).
If you ignore it, moisture in the buds will quickly raise relative humidity levels to 100%. So the plants cannot continue drying under these conditions.
Growers need to monitor the relative humidity and temperature of the commercial drying room constantly. Most experts agree that ideal conditions for drying weed plants are in the 45 - 60% RH and 60 - 72 degrees Fahrenheit daily.
In addition, growers must keep the drying room dark. Too much light may damage the delicate trichomes on the flowers at this stage.
Choose the Right Type of Drying Equipment
Now you need a right drying equipment for commercial drying room. There are several types, including air dryers, dehumidifiers, AC and dehumidification all-in-one machines, and others.
Air Dryer
An air dryer is a special type of filtration system designed to remove the moisture inherent in compressed air. A popular choice due to its low cost and ease of use and a professional air compressor supplier or manufacturer can help you select a suitable air dryer.
An air dryer filters the compressed air and removes moisture, oil, and other contaminants. This helps protect sensitive equipment, prolong the life of pneumatic tools, and improve the system's performance. Several types of air dryers are available, including refrigerated air dryers, desiccant air dryers, and deliquescent air dryers.
Types of air dryers | Description |
|---|---|
Refrigerated Air Dryers | Cools air to below the dew point, causing moisture to condense and be removed. Ideal for low dew point applications. |
Dehumidifying Air Dryers | Uses a desiccant material, like silica gel or molecular sieve, to absorb moisture from compressed air. The desiccant is regenerated periodically to maintain effectiveness. |
Deliquescent Air Dryers | Uses a deliquescent material, like calcium chloride or sodium hydroxide, to absorb moisture from compressed air. The material dissolves as it absorbs moisture, and the solution is drained away. |
Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier can effectively remove moisture from the air, making condensation more difficult to form and reducing the overall humidity in the drying room, also reducing the risk of mold formation.
Work principle of a dehumidifier
It draws in the moist air from the surrounding environment through a refrigerated coil; the moisture condenses on the coil and is collected in a reservoir (or drains out). The dehumidified air is then returned to the room.
Dehumidifier Size Selection
Dehumidifiers come in various sizes and capacities, ranging from small, portable units to large, industrial-sized systems. Consider the room's size, the desired humidity level, and the air volume that needs to be dehumidified.
Many Other Benefits
They can improve indoor air quality by removing allergens from the air.
They can also reduce energy costs by reducing the load on the air conditioning system.
Integrated HVAC Equipment
Humidity and air circulation are complex issues in most grow rooms. As we mentioned before, too much or too little moisture content can negatively affect the final product. Excessively high humidity levels can make your product too wet. Altaqua's grow room HVAC equipment can ensure that your plants get enough fresh air at the right temperature and humidity is controlled at optimal levels.
Drying Rack
In addition to an optimal climate in the drying room, drying cannabis requires adequate drying racks for the final drying.
- A cannabis hanging drying rack is the best way to dry, especially if growing cannabis indoors. It saves space and allows air to flow through the entire stem, ensuring cannabis quality. The process is slow, but it is worth it.
- You can try another popular method - dry the buds without scraping the branches at all. Use a cannabis drying rack to dry the buds properly. (Tips: make sure the buds are cut from the main stem and cut into smaller pieces to maximize space) This process dries out the cannabis quickly, but you need to check on them often to make sure they're not drying out to a brittle state.
You don't have to use one drying method. The drying time can be shortened using a variety of drying methods.
Look for Energy-Efficient Options
When choosing equipment for your commercial drying room, it's important to consider energy efficiency. Energy-efficient equipment can save you money on your utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Look for equipment with high Energy Star ratings or other energy-efficient certifications.
Additionally, consider the size of the equipment and how it will fit into your drying room. Choosing equipment that is appropriately sized for your needs can also help to reduce energy consumption.
A commercial drying room can reduce its energy consumption and lower operating costs by implementing these energy-efficient options:
- You can consider an energy-efficient climate control system for the least amount of energy possible.
- Look for energy-efficient LED lighting, they are better than traditional lighting options and produce less heat, reducing the load on the climate control system.
- Proper insulation will reduce the heat or cool source in the drying room.
- Using less energy than traditional fans.
- Consider programmable thermostats, they can adjust the temperature and humidity levels according to a schedule, reducing energy waste.
- Using solar power, the solar panels can generate electricity, reducing the need for grid-supplied energy.
Consider Maintenance and Repair Needs
Seek out reliable manufacturers with warranties and readily available replacement parts, and local repair services. Because investing in low-maintenance equipment can ensure efficient operations and saves time and money.
There are some tips of maintenance and repair needs for a commercial drying room:
- Climate control system maintenance.
Monitor and regulate the temperature and humidity levels to ensure optimal drying conditions.
- Electrical system maintenance.
The electrical system must be in good working order to power the climate control system, lighting system, fans, and so on.
- Lighting Maintenance
Check the lighting system regularly to ensure the plants receive the correct amount of light.
- Fan maintenance
Check and clean the fans in the commercial drying room regularly, since they play a crucial role in circulating air and reducing moisture levels.
- Cleaning and sanitization
Regularly clean and sanitize the drying room to prevent the mold and bacteria.
- Structural repairs
Repair the drying room's walls, floor, and ceiling if they become damaged.
Regular maintenance and repair are essential to ensure the optimal operation of a commercial drying room and the health of cannabis plants.
Conclusion
Drying cannabis after harvest is a crucial step in the production process. The quality and quantity of the buds can be affected if not done correctly, which can impact your business.
A commercial drying room is necessary for success in the cannabis industry, but choosing the right equipment can be overwhelming.
When selecting equipment, consider your specific drying needs, the size of the drying room, the type of drying equipment, energy efficiency, and maintenance and repair needs. Considering these factors, you can ensure that your commercial drying room is efficient and effective and produces high-quality cannabis.
FAQ
1.What are the requirements for a drying room?
A drying room should maintain a temperature of 60-72°F, a humidity level of 45-60%, adequate air circulation, and be kept dark to preserve the quality and potency of the material being dried.
2.What is a drying room in a building?
A drying room in a building is a designated space where materials or goods are air-dried. This could range from clothing and textiles to food items or plants like cannabis.
3. How can commercial drying equipment help extend the shelf life of cannabis products?
Commercial drying room equipment can help extend the shelf life of cannabis products by removing excess moisture and preventing the growth of mold, which can cause products to degrade more quickly. By using equipment designed for optimized airflow and temperature control, growers can achieve consistent results and maintain product quality over time.