Dry-matter balance formula
For 1,000 kg of corn at initial moisture Ui, dry matter is 1,000 × (1 − Ui). The final mass required to reach target moisture Ua is DM ÷ (1 − Ua). Water to add equals final mass minus the initial 1,000 kg. Assuming water density near 1 kg/L, the result in kilograms is approximately the same number in liters.
Example: from 25% to 37% moisture
The dry matter in 1,000 kg at 25% moisture is 750 kg. For those 750 kg to represent 63% of final mass (37% water), final mass must be 750 ÷ 0.63 = 1,190.48 kg. Therefore, approximately 190.48 liters of water should be added per ton of initial product.
Converting to machine capacity
If the line runs at 30 t/h, the same example requires about 5,714 L/h, 95.2 L/min or 1.59 L/s. At 40 t/h, it would require approximately 7,619 L/h or 2.12 L/s. This conversion is essential for sizing the pump, hose, tank and flow-control system.
Why recalculate during the day
Initial moisture may change between loads, and machine throughput varies with grain, settings and operator. A pump set only in L/h can produce a different final moisture when tons per hour change. Control must relate water flow to processed mass.
Practical control points
- Measure Ui before calculating.
- Use the target consistently on an as-fed moisture basis.
- Convert L/t to L/h and L/s.
- Check that the pump and piping can deliver the required flow.
- Confirm final moisture with real samples.
Common questions about this topic
Can I use 190 L/t for any corn?
No. That value applies only to the example of moving from 25% to 37% moisture.
Does 1 liter of water equal 1 kg?
For operational calculations with clean water, the approximation 1 L ≈ 1 kg is appropriate.
Does the MillS calculator perform this calculation?
Yes. The site's Calculators section converts the target into liters per ton, per hour and per second.
Related technical basis
Gomes et al. (2020). See the complete references and interpretation limitations in the MillS Technical Center.
The values and ranges cited are technical and operational references. Final recommendations depend on grain, machinery, diet, storage, climate and economic goals.