A continuous flow for all sections of recirculating batch and continuous-flow dryers should be maintained. Uneven flow will cause overdried spots and increase fire hazard. Drying equipment must not be left unattended day or night. The dried sunflower should be cooled to air temperature before storing. Seed should be cleaned for storage.
Fines tend to concentrate in the center of the bin.
This area tends to be wetter and is more prone to storage problems. Airflow will also be restricted by the fines, limiting cooling by aeration. Large pieces of head, stalk, and corolla tubes, which frequently adhere to the seed, should be removed because they are higher in moisture than the seed. Oil sunflower should not be stored above 10 percent moisture during the winter and 8 percent during the summer. Nonoilseed sunflower should not be stored above 11 percent moisture during the winter and 10 percent during the summer.