Balacano, Edrien Dane M. balacanoedriendane@gmail.

com
Bautista, Kenneth DR. kennethbautista3026@gmail.com
Bonaobra, Abegail C. abegailcunananbonaobra29@gmail.com
Santos, Edsel P edselpogi111@gmail.com
Villalobos, Jonalyn A. jonalynvillalobos24@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The focused of this study is to create a device that could dry unhusked rice in an easier manner and at the same time could monitor the moisture content of the unhusked rice. This
device was named MOSCON which stands for Moisture Container. Moisture meter can measure the moisture content of grain. In addition, heated air dryer is attached to the
container to dry the grain on the device before storing. This device uses a SDLC Waterfall Model process such as; requirements, system design, implementation, integration and
testing, deployment of system and maintenance. Within this method, the researcher’s progression made the proposed device easily by these processes.

Testing of device is done through survey. Respondents consists of government organizations, consumers, farmers and businessmen that is related to this study. The device will dry
the grain to its specific moisture content the process is done through numerous trials using an actual unhusked rice to prove the effectivity of the device. Based on the assessments,
it was tested and approved that MOSCON is useful and customary to the people. Among the respondents are agreed that the process of the project is undemanding, and the device
can operate easily and time saving.
INTRODUCTION 1. How the project development based on the following stages:
a. Planning;
In agriculture, grain drying plays an important role. It is used as an initial process b. Analyzing;
for preservation, but most agriculturalists and farmers do not discover that drying is c. System Design;
sometimes a problem in the process of preservation rather than water removal. There d. Integration and testing:
are lots of existing drying methods and a careful selection of drying methods plays a
vital effect especially in the rice industry because an improper drying or uneven 2. How the respondent evaluates the project based on the following criteria:
drying will yields to discoloration of the grain, crop damage cause by insects, and loss a. Workability;
of germination that subsequently lead to a low market value. Among the crops that b. Functionality;
requires a drying process, rice drying is the most popular it is because rice is place as c. Accuracy;
the second to the highest worldwide crop production next to corn. d. Investment

One of the most common drying methods that is done in the rice or unhusked rice
is that, the unhusked rice will spread on the streets or highways while exposed under
the sun and constantly stirred. This method is too mainstream specifically on the third
world countries including the Philippines. But this method has a disadvantage such as
being a weather dependent and lately the department of works and highways (DPWH)
banned the farmers on drying an unhusked rice along national highways for the safety
purpose.
Statement of the problem
This research focus on creating a device for agricultural field that could dry
unhusked rice in an easier manner at the same time could monitor the moisture
content of the unhusked rice. The goal of the researcher is to answer the following
questions:
METHODOLOGY
This contains the methods or process used while conducting and testing the
research that will provide the reader a basic understanding on why and how the study
and the result was made. SDLC Waterfall was the process used on this research. The
device functions as a measuring and drying device in one large container. The device
uses a moisture meter, also available in the market for an accurate measuring of
moisture content on the grain. Heated air-dryer can be Switch On if the percentage level
is greater than the desired percentage level.
For the researchers to accomplish the project, the following phases below are followed:
Phase 1 – PLANNING MOSCON PROCESS

Some factors on considering on drying and measuring the amount of wetness in

grains, such as, harvest season, weather, and the new Department Order that is banning Meter Arduino Dryer
the people from drying of unhusked rice on streets brought the researchers to an idea
to invent the MOSCON. MOSCON’s aim is to help farmers and farm owners to - Program
overcome this factors that hindrance and makes their work more difficult. -Moisture code - Heated
percentage processing Air
Phase 2 – ANALYSIS - Motor
Driver
Researchers studied the proposed project through deep thinking and brain
storming. It means that the research are studied thoroughly the components from the
device that monitors grains wetness to the type of dryer to be use to the mechanism of FIG 1. Shows The MOSCON process starting from the moisture meter, to get the initial
the device that will satisfy the client that can do both measuring grains wetness while percentage of the moisture content of the specific grain up to the drying process using
drying to its specific moisture content if it is to be store or mill. a stepper motor that used a program into Arduino and a motor driver that is compatible
for the specific motor and a heated air dryer for the grain to dry easily.
Phase 3 – MOSCON SYSTEM DESIGN
The moisture meter is attached inside the cylindrical container as well as the
MOSCON can measure the moisture percentage of wetness of the grain. The two motor is placed on both side of the stand of it. Furthermore, the air dryer is fixed
proposed project has different features; it has a meter that measures moisture content inside the container for drying process.
as its sensor. It comes with air dryer if the grains wetness is too high you can switch it
on to lower the wetness percentage. And it has a stepper motor to rotate the container
by a certain degree to mix up the grains inside the container for fair drying. The stepper
motor serves as a device’s actuator.
 FIG. 1.b Circuit Diagram of the Stepper Motor starting from the positive (red) and
negative(black) wires to the 24V power supply that is connected to the PIN 10, 11, 12
of the Arduino Uno to connect the EN-, DIR-, PUL- of the stepper motor, and to
connect the EN+, DIR+, PUL+ of the steeper motor on the 5V supply of the Arduino.

FIG. 1.c Shows the schematic diagram of MOSCON from the moisture meter that is
attached on the bottom of the cylindrical container, and a stepper motor that is
connected to the motor driver and the Arduino that is connected to the regulator to the
extension.
FIG. 1.a Components placements of MOSCON on the FIG 1.
Research Hardware  DQ542ma 4A Stepper Motor Driver – is a two-phase hybrid stepper motor
driver. It is designed to control the adequate torque and speed of the motor that
The following instruments used for measuring the prototype and evaluating the is connected to the Arduino and stepper motor.
accuracy, functionality, dependability and the design of it:

 Digital Moisture Meter Intelligent Grain Moisture Measuring Instrument

Super Long Probe Hygrometer Humid Meter Humidity – used to measure
the percentage of water in a given substance. Grain products are very sensitive
to their moisture content. This information can be used to determine if the
material is ready for use or store, unexpectedly wet or dry, or otherwise in need
of further drying process.  Arduino Uno – it is the primarily component of the prototype. It is connected
to the driver to operates the stepper motor.

 Stepper Motor Nema 23 30kg-cm – generally used to control precise position

of the motor attached on both side of the container to its desirable angle and the  Generic Eco Quartz 2KW Electric Industrial Fan Heater Household
unwarranted cost and complexity of a feedback control system. Warmer Machine – a heated air dyer used for drying the grain in the container.
 SANWA AC – DC Converter – Charger SCC – 06D – used to supply 24V to IMPLEMENTATION
the stepper motor.
In the experiment made by the researcher in order to determine the accuracy of
the device. Observing the gathered initial and final moisture percentage shown in the
table, the trials made on (3) types of grains with the different moisture content at the
same time (20 mins). The moisture level of the wet grain was decreasing by an interval
of 1.5%.
 Cylindrical Container – the container used for the project.
Weight of the Time Moisture Moisture
sample grain (mins) Percentage Percentage
(kg) (Initial) (Final)
3 kg 30 13 11.5
3kg 30 16 14.5
3 kg 30 17 15.5

MOSCON – OPERATION MANUAL

1. Plug the extension on the outlet. (220 – 250 V)

 Heavy Duty Extension Cord – used for heavy duty devices.
2. Plug the Air dryer, Arduino and the Power Supply in the extension.
3. Turn on the switch of the extension to power on the Air dryer, Power Supply
and the moisture meter.
4. Use the 24V power supply to operate the motor and the driver on the container.
5. The pins of the wires in Arduino and motor driver should be properly pinned.
Put the testing grains on the container.
6. Measure the grain using the attached moisture meter on the bottom of the
container.
  If the result is higher than the storage percentage of the grain. (grain must
at least 14% or below) switch on the heated air dryer to lessen the moisture
level of the grain.
 If the desired moisture content of the grain obtained, then the grain measures
is ready to store.
7. Turn off the switch on the extension. Put the dry grain on the sack and it is ready
to store now.

Phase 4 – INTEGRATION AND TESTING

This part is the project assimilation and operation stage. planning, analysis, and Fig. 2.a. Shows that in every 10 mins there is a 0.5% deducted on the moisture
system design and implementation were combined. It is the most essential stage in the level of the grains.
whole duration of the research since it includes the programming of the codes and
troubleshooting if the device will be operative and working. It also includes here the
assembly and compatibility of the device where all attached in the large container as
the device is aimed to be effective and convenient to the people that’ll be using it.

Respondents

15 respondents including the 8 government officials, 10 grain traders, 16

consumers, and 16 farmers along was the subject of testing the prototype to ensure the
functionality, workability, accuracy and as well as the design and concept of it. The
testing and survey were held at General Mamerto Natividad.

Fig. 2.b. Shows how MOSCON operates; the cylindrical container rotates in 180º to
mix the grain uniformly.

Fig. 2.c. Shows the measured temperature of MOSCON while drying the grain inside
the cylindrical container.
Moisture Level Discussion
To summarizes the target moisture content for the key postproduction
operation of the grain. On harvesting process, to avoid shattering of grain at least 20–
25% of the moisture content. In addition to that, when drying the grain to prevent
spoilage, fungal damage and discoloration the final moisture is 14 % or less.
Furthermore, when storing the grain, the moisture content must be less than 14%,
12% for seed and less than 9% for the preservation of the seed in a long period of
time.
Grains must be dried up to the desired moisture content depending on storage
period to avoid potential problems for example; to store the grain in a week to few
months the required moisture content is 14% or below to prevent molds, discoloration
or an insect damage. When it stores from 8 – 12 months, the moisture percentage
must be 13% or less. Seed storage should be at least 12% or below to avoid
germination and 9% or less when the grain stored for greater than one year from the
time being harvested.
DATA AND RESULTS
The goal is to know if the proposed device MOSCON would be an
advantageous and practical to the people when it comes on drying and measuring the
moisture of the grain accurately. In such case, the researchers conducted a survey that
will determine the opinion of every sector of people testing it and to comprehend
whether they were convince with the functionality and convenience of the device’s
innovation.
The following was the summary of the gathered statistical data. The data
gathered is presented with the tabulated analysis. The researchers introduced the data
in tabular form for the assessments and conclusions of the device.
For the researchers to determine the operability and consistency in the
interpretation of data, the sequence of specific questions raised was followed. The
assessment of MOSCON in terms of its basis and other aspects.
The percentage of MOSCON’s category is based on the assessment of the
government officials, consumers, farmers and traders’ respondents. Each percentage is
based on the assessment.
 Survey Scale / Legend appropriately”. The moisture meter is attached only at the bottom of the container
1 2 3 4 5 which causes the lower mean.
Completely Disagree Neutral Agree Completely
Disagree 2-2.99 3-3.99 4-4.99 Agree Evaluation of the respondents on the performance and functions of the device:
1-1.99 5
Table 1.b. The assessment result of the respondents for the functionality of the device
Evaluation of the respondents on the construction and workability of the structures of evaluated by the table shown below.
the device: Criteria Mean Impression
The heat of the dryer can dry the grain. 4.9 Agree
Table 1.a. The assessment result of the respondents for the workability of the device The machine’s workability is in a great state of 4.4 Agree
evaluated by the table shown below. quality.
Criteria Mean Impression The process or the device’s method is 4.2 Agree
The structure clearly recognized. 4.7 Agree comprehensive and easy to remember.
The moisture meter is accurate. 4.3 Agree
The materials and components used are intact 4.6 Agree The components of the device are attached 4.8 Agree
and fixed appropriately. properly.
Not complicated. 4.9 Agree
Weighted Averages 4.52 Agree
Working indoor. 5 Agree
Easy to use. 4.8 Agree The study reflects that the total weighted mean of the functionality of the device is
Weighted Averages 4.8 Agree “Agree”. Regarding of features, the top in the criteria is that “The heat of the dryer can
dry the grain.
The study reflects that the total weighted mean of the workability of the device The device can heat the entire grain. The lower mean in these criteria is “The
is “Agree”. Regarding of features, the top in the criteria is that “Not complicated.”. All process or the device’s method is comprehensive and easy to remember”. The
the components used are easily to recognized and not complicated. The lower mean in complexity of the device for the respondents.
these criteria is “The materials and components used are intact and fixed
Evaluation of the respondents on the accurate process of the device: Table 1.d. The assessment result of the respondents for the investment of the device
evaluated by the table shown below.
Table 1.c. The assessment result of the respondents for the accuracy of the device Criteria Mean Impression
evaluated by the table shown below. Willingness and certainly buy the device if it 4.9 Agree
Criteria Mean Impression will be released in the market soon.
The equipment is helpful to the household to dry 4.7 Agree Can make a good profit. 4.8 Agree
their crops easily without drying under the sun.
The device can help the farmer to dry their crops 4.8 Agree Time conserving. 5 Agree
right away.
The device is helpful for the laboratories while 4.5 Agree Commercial use in near future. 4.6 Agree
doing research.
The equipment is convenient and useful for 4.3 Agree Energy efficient 5 Agree
commercial uses.
The air-dryer and moisture meter measure and 4.4 Agree Weighted Averages 4.86 Agree
dry effectively
Weighted Averages 4.54 Agree The study reflected that the total weighted mean of the investments and
profitability of the device is “Agree”. Regardless of the cost, the willingness of the
The study reflected that the weighted mean of the accuracy of the device is consumers to buy the device soon is high due to its time conserving and energy
“Agree”. Regardless of the time being use of the device, the top in the criteria is that efficient”.
“This device can truly help the farmer to dry their crops right away.”. It eases the works,
especially on small household. The lower mean in these criteria is “The equipment is COSTING
genuinely convenient and useful for commercial uses”. It is not that big for commercial
use. Since, MOSCON is a new device, the costing of the materials and components
used in the project will be shown in the table below. The purpose of this is to let people
Evaluation of the respondents on the investment and profitability of the device: know that even if it a bit costly the quality of it is guaranteed.
 Materials Price References
Air-Dryer 2 250
Moisture Meter 1 499 1. Singha, Poonam, Muthukumarappan Kasiviswanathan, Grain Drying Systems,
Power Supply 1 299 Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, South Dakota State
Container 1 700 University, Brookings, South Dakota, U.S.A., “Encyclopedia of Agricultural, Food,
Stepper Motor with Driver 2 975 and Biological Engineering” Edition: Second, pp.3, June 01, 2016, [Retrieved Online],
Arduino Uno 650 Available: https://www.researchgate.net [Accessed: 17-Apr-2019]
TOTAL ₱10 373
2. Sammy Sadaka, Scott Osborn, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
CONCLUSION Preparing for Grain Drying and Storage Season, August 30, 2016, [Retrieved Online],
Available: https://www.researchgate.net [Accessed: 17-Apr-2019]
The project that was made was convenient and helpful for those people who are
saving their time, energy and space on drying grains in harvest season. In this project a Johnson Manabat,Abs-Cbn News, Nov 08, 2018 3:34 PM, Abs-Cbn Corporation
moisture sensor meter used for measuring, heated air dryer for drying and stepper motor [Retrived Online] https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/08/18/drying-palay-on-national-
for making the container in motion and mixing the grain inside the container. Attaching roads-can-get-you-a-fine-jail-time-dpwh [Accessed: 8-Apr-2019]
everything accurately of the container makes the device accurate. The respondents
suggested to consider the factors affecting the moisture content since it is attached at 3. M. Gummert, 2013, Pili Drive, Los Banos, Laguna 4031, Philippines, The
the bottom inside the container. Also, the air dryer attached is manually operated so International Rice Research Institute [Retrieved Online]
the device needs to open in every drying process. http://www.knowledgebank.irri.org/step-by-step-production/postharvest/milling/
Based on the findings and conclusions presented, the respondents recommend milling-and-quality/measuring-moisture-content-in-milling#in-milling [Accessed: 01-
that the MOSCON can weigh the amount of grain before it measures. The study suggest Apr-2019]
that the meter is properly fixed in order to obtain its full measuring potential. Also, the
study suggested to use larger motor to be able to mix the grain uniformly.