Abstract

The aim of this study was to carry out an economic and financial evaluation of the use of a dryer column with steam system replacing a conventional furnace. Seeking an energetic and economic evaluation of the process of grain drying, a research was carried out on the drying of corn kernels using a dryer column (Comil CM 150 DR, double reuse) and a water-tube boiler (CW 40). In order to perform economic and financial analysis, the net present value (VPL), internal rate of return (TIR), profitability index (PI), rate of return (RR) and discounted payback were calculated. In the economic analysis, an investment of US$ 155,258.84 and a minimum acceptable rate of return (MARR) of 3.5% per year were considered. The VPL within 15 years was US$ 200,612.85. The TIR was 17.89% per year. The project presented a PI of 1.29% and RR of 29%, which were considered acceptable. The payback period, considered as the time required to recover the capital invested in the project was 7 years, which indicates economic feasibility.

Key words: Energy, firewood, storage.