Super-B SQ16 Continuous-Flow Grain Dryer

The Super-B SQ16 is the most-installed model in the SUPER-B Energy Miser SQ Series across the Canadian prairies. With 326 bushels of holding capacity, a 16-foot 4-inch grain column, and a 15 HP fan, the SQ16 is engineered for the single-combine prairie operation that needs serious continuous-flow drying capacity without stepping into the larger physical and capital footprint of an SQ20 or SQ24.

The SQ16 is the smallest model in the SQ Series available in the A configuration (with hot air return duct for fuel recovery), making it the entry point into Super-B’s “Energy Miser” energy-saving lineup. Combined with the standard centrifugal blower for quiet operation, the variable-width grain column for efficient moisture removal, and the EVENFLO drag-chain unloading system for gentle grain handling, the SQ16 delivers the full Super-B technology package in the smallest practical size for a serious commercial drying operation.

For prairie farms running a single Class 8 combine on mixed crops — wheat, canola, oats, and pulses — the SQ16 frequently represents the best capacity-to-cost ratio in the Super-B lineup before stepping up to the SQ20 or SQ24.

SQ16 Configuration Choice — D, E, A, or M

The SQ16 is offered in four standard configurations defined by the letter suffix after the model number. All four share identical grain column dimensions, holding capacity, and core drying technology — the differences are in drying mode capability and fuel-efficiency features.

SQ16D — Full Heat (Single Zone)

The simplest and lowest-cost configuration. Operates in continuous-flow full-heat mode using one temperature throughout the column. Grain leaves the dryer hot and is cooled in-bin afterward.

Best for: Single-crop feed-grade operations, smaller mixed grain farms with adequate in-bin cooling capacity, and buyers prioritizing the lowest capital cost in the SQ16 frame.

SQ16E — Continuous Flow with Louvers

Adds adjustable cooling louvers that enable three drying modes: full heat, pressure heat / pressure cool, and pressure heat / vacuum cool. The most-installed configuration on prairie farms because it covers virtually every drying scenario across mixed crops.

Best for: Mixed-crop prairie operations handling wheat, canola, oats, and pulses on the same machine. The standard recommendation for typical Canadian grain farms.

SQ16A — Continuous Flow with Hot Air Return Duct

Adds the hot air return duct that recovers exhaust heat for reuse — Super-B’s signature “Energy Miser” feature. Same drying mode flexibility as the E configuration, but with up to 20% lower fuel consumption during continuous operation. Higher capital cost recovers through fuel savings on heavy-use seasons.

Best for: High-volume operations drying 30,000+ bushels per season, custom drying businesses where fuel cost directly affects margins, and buyers planning long-term ownership where 5-year fuel savings outweigh the configuration premium.

SQ16M — Two-Temperature-Zone

Uses two distinct temperature zones (hotter top zone, cooler bottom zone) for full-heat or pressure-heat / pressure-cool drying. Designed for sensitive crops where temperature staging protects grain quality.

Best for: Seed-grade producers, malting barley operations, and pulse processors where temperature control directly affects grade-out and crop value.

Key Specifications

Specification	Value
Series	SUPER-B Energy Miser SQ Series
Configuration	Single-module continuous flow
Total Fan HP	15 HP
Auger Load HP	3 HP
Chain Unload HP	2 HP
Column Length	16′ 4″
Overall Length	27′ 2″
Overall Height	14′ 2″
Total Holding Capacity	326 BU
Configurations Available	D (Full Heat), E (Louvers), A (Energy Miser), M (Two-Zone)
Fuel	LP or Natural Gas
Burner	Brock full flame-wall with stainless steel baffles
Blower	Double-width, double-inlet centrifugal (standard)
Grain Column	Variable-width (narrower top, wider bottom)
Outer Skins	18-gauge stainless steel perforated
Unloading	EVENFLO drag-chain conveyor (replaces metering rolls/augers)
Standard Controls	QUANTUM or SPECTRUM
Optional Controls	INTUI-DRY 15.6″ touchscreen with remote access
Plenum Door	42″ × 22″ vertical access with safety shutdown switch

Drying Capacity by Crop and Mode

All capacities below are wet bushels per hour. Standard reference (corn 25.5%→15.5%) is published by Brock for cross-model comparison. Prairie crop capacities vary with grain temperature, ambient temperature, fines content, and crop maturity.

Corn Capacity (Manufacturer Standard Reference)

Mode	Moisture Removal	Capacity (BPH)
Full Heat – Single Zone (Model D)	25.5% to 15.5% (10 points)	466
Full Heat – Single Zone (Model D)	20.5% to 15.5% (5 points)	770
Modified Full Heat – Single Zone (Models M, E, A)	25.5% to 15.5%	447
Modified Full Heat – Single Zone (Models M, E, A)	20.5% to 15.5%	740
Pressure Heat – Two-Zone (Model M)	25.5% to 15.5%	422
Pressure Heat – Two-Zone (Model M)	20.5% to 15.5%	687

Approximate Prairie Crop Capacity (Practical Estimates)

Crop	Moisture Removal	Approximate Capacity (BPH)
Hard Red Spring Wheat	16% → 14.5% (1.5 points)	1,500–2,000
Wheat	18% → 14.5% (3.5 points)	900–1,200
Canola (crush grade, 82°C max)	12% → 8% (4 points)	700–950
Canola (seed grade, 45°C max)	12% → 8% (4 points)	350–500
Oats	16% → 14% (2 points)	1,100–1,500
Yellow Peas	18% → 16% (2 points)	800–1,100

These prairie-crop estimates are derived from the published corn ratings and typical efficiency factors for each crop. Always confirm capacity for your specific crop, moisture differential, and ambient conditions with your dealer before sizing.

Fan & Heater Configuration

The SQ16 runs a single 15 HP centrifugal blower — a double-width, double-inlet design that is one of the SQ Series’ defining features. Compared to axial fans found on most competitors and earlier Super-B models, the centrifugal blower provides:

• Significantly lower noise (operators can hold a normal conversation beside the running unit)
• Higher static pressure capability for consistent airflow through the grain column
• Better efficiency at the SQ16’s 15 HP rating versus equivalent axial designs

The trade-off, well-known to long-time Super-B operators: centrifugal fans can ice up in extreme cold (typically below approximately –17°C) and may require a thaw-out cycle before resuming operation. For most prairie harvests this is not a daily issue, but late-October drying in northern Alberta and Saskatchewan occasionally requires interrupting drying briefly to clear ice from the fan housing.

The Brock full flame-wall burner with stainless steel baffles distributes heat evenly across the grain column using a shorter, cleaner flame than older perforated-tube designs. The plenum geometry is designed to deliver uniform plenum temperatures at every point along the column — meaning the grain near the walls dries at the same rate as the grain in the middle of the column, which reduces over-drying and protein/oil damage.

The SQ16 is configured for either liquid propane (LP) or natural gas (NG) at order. Natural gas typically delivers 30–60% lower fuel cost per BTU on the Canadian prairies but requires utility connection. Propane is more flexible for installations without natural gas service.

Grain Column & Holding Capacity

The SQ16 features Super-B’s signature variable-width grain column — narrower at the top and wider at the bottom. This geometry is the central technical idea of the SQ Series:

• The narrower upper section allows moisture-saturated drying air to escape more readily, optimizing the highest-moisture portion of the column for moisture removal
• The wider lower section reduces airflow velocity, providing better dwell time for finishing and cooling
• The result is more efficient drying than a uniform-width column of equivalent total capacity

Total holding capacity: 326 bushels — including the wet garner bin at the top, the active grain column, and the discharge zone. The wet garner is perforated, allowing exhaust heat from the lower drying chambers to pre-warm and partially dry incoming grain before it enters the main column.

Stainless steel perforated outer skins (18-gauge) are standard on all SQ Series dryers — including the SQ16 — and represent one of the most expensive structural components. With proper maintenance (regular cleaning between crops, especially after canola), stainless skins typically outlast every other component on the dryer.

For drying canola or other small grains, a small grain screen option is available at order. Canola fines and small kernels can partially plug standard screens during operation, requiring periodic cleaning. Plan for daily screen inspection during canola drying campaigns.

Loading, Unloading & Metering (EVENFLO System)

The SQ16 uses Super-B’s patented EVENFLO drag-chain unloading system — a unique feature that distinguishes the SQ Series from virtually every competitor.

Loading: A 3 HP top auger feeds wet grain from your wet bin into the SQ16’s perforated wet garner. The 3 HP rating is sized to keep pace with the SQ16’s drying capacity without becoming a bottleneck.

Unloading via EVENFLO: Instead of metering rolls and a discharge auger, the SQ16 uses a slow-moving drag-style chain conveyor at the base of the dryer. Advantages over conventional metering-roll systems:

• Gentler grain handling — significantly less kernel damage during discharge, which directly affects pulse and oat grade-out at the elevator
• Debris-tolerant — passes most foreign material that would jam an auger or metering roll
• Even unloading across all grain columns — eliminates the column-to-column flow imbalance common with metering-roll systems
• Easier cleaning — the top cover of the conveyor assembly removes for safer, easier cleaning between crops or at end of season
• Lower maintenance — no meter rolls to clean or replace

The chain unload is powered by a 2 HP variable-speed AC motor, and take-up adjustments are located at both ends of the conveyor for easy chain tension management.

For Canadian operations frequently switching between crops — especially canola where seed contamination in the next batch can create significant grade-out issues — the EVENFLO’s clean-out advantage is a meaningful operational benefit.

Operating Modes

The SQ16 supports continuous-flow drying with mode capability dependent on configuration:

Full Heat (D, E, A, M configurations) — Maximum drying intensity. Grain exits the dryer hot and is cooled in-bin afterward. Best for high-throughput drying on crops with adequate in-bin cooling capacity. Highest published BPH ratings.

Pressure Heat / Pressure Cool (E, A, M configurations) — Cooling air pushed through the lower portion of the grain column. Grain exits cooled and ready for direct binning. Slower than full heat but eliminates in-bin cooling requirements.

Pressure Heat / Vacuum Cool (E, A configurations) — Cooling air pulled through the lower portion of the grain column via vacuum. Grain exits cooled with slightly different airflow characteristics than pressure cool.

Two-Zone Pressure Heat (M configuration only) — Separate temperature zones for sensitive crops where staged drying protects quality.

For prairie operators handling multi-crop harvests, the E configuration typically provides the right flexibility-to-cost balance. The A configuration adds heat-recovery fuel savings for heavy-use operations. The M configuration is reserved for seed-grade and specialty applications.

Transport & Installed Dimensions

Dimension	Value
Overall Length	27′ 2″
Overall Height	14′ 2″
Overall Width (SQ16-A)	Approximately 10′ 2″
Overall Width (SQ16-E)	Approximately 9′ 8″
Total Fan HP	15
Auger Load HP	3
Chain Unload HP	2

The SQ16 is designed primarily as a fixed installation rather than a portable dryer. While it can be relocated between sites with appropriate crane or heavy-haul equipment, most prairie installations are permanent — set on a reinforced concrete pad with three-phase electrical service, fuel infrastructure, and a wet bin / discharge handling system in place.

Concrete pad requirement: Plan for an engineered reinforced concrete pad. Typical SQ16 installations require a pad rated for the dryer’s operating weight plus full grain load — confirm specifications with your dealer and local engineer based on soil conditions.

INTUI-DRY Controls and Remote Monitoring

The current SQ16 supports two control system options:

QUANTUM or SPECTRUM Controllers (Standard) — Brock’s standard electronic dryer controllers covering all operating modes, plenum temperature setpoints, moisture targeting, and basic diagnostic logging. Suitable for operators who manage the dryer on-site during operation.

INTUI-DRY Controller (Optional Upgrade) — A 15.6-inch full-color touchscreen system with intuitive management of all dryer functions. The INTUI-DRY adds:

• Remote monitoring and control via smartphone or computer
• Enhanced data logging for season-over-season optimization
• Multi-grain profile management for fast switching between crops
• Real-time alerts for fault conditions and setpoint deviations

For operations running the SQ16 during harvest pressure — when the operator is also running the combine, hauling grain, or managing other yard work — INTUI-DRY’s remote access capability is a significant labor-saver. Setpoint adjustments, fault response, and basic monitoring can happen from the cab of the combine without a trip to the dryer.

Optional Equipment

Beyond the standard configuration, the SQ16 supports several factory and dealer-installed options:

Small Grain Screen — Smaller perforations for canola, mustard, and other small grains. Reduces maximum throughput on standard crops by approximately 20%.

MOISTURE EQUALIZER System — A patented Brock option that moves the hottest and driest grain through the dryer faster, improving drying uniformity and reducing over-drying. Particularly valuable for operations where grain quality directly affects grade-out and price.

INTUI-DRY Touchscreen Upgrade — Replaces the standard QUANTUM/SPECTRUM controller with the 15.6-inch touchscreen system and remote access capability.

Heat-Recovery Hot Air Return Duct (A configuration) — Up to 20% fuel savings during continuous operation. Specified at order — cannot be retrofitted to D, E, or M configurations.

Reversing Cooling Louvers (E, A, M configurations) — Adjustable cooling louvers for fine-tuning the cooling air volume.

Service Access Catwalks and Platforms — Required for safe operation and maintenance access. Typically specified at order.

Best Applications for the SQ16

The SQ16 fits a specific operational profile across Canadian prairie farms.

Best fit for the SQ16:

• Single-combine prairie operations (Class 8 combine, 600-1,200 acres of mixed crops)
• Mixed-crop farms handling wheat, canola, oats, and pulses on the same dryer
• First-time grain dryer buyers stepping up from natural-air drying
• Replacement of older 1980s/1990s AS-series Super-B units (AS300G, AS600G)
• Operators wanting the smallest A-configuration “Energy Miser” model for fuel savings
• Farms with three-phase power available and plans for permanent dryer installation

Best fit for the SQ16E (most-installed configuration):

• Mixed-crop prairie farms that need flexibility across full heat and pressure cool modes
• Operators handling 15,000–40,000 bushels of drying per season
• Buyers prioritizing capability over maximum fuel efficiency

Best fit for the SQ16A (Energy Miser):

• High-volume operations drying 30,000+ bushels per season
• Custom drying businesses where fuel cost is a direct margin factor
• Long-term ownership scenarios where 5-year fuel savings justify the configuration premium

Less suitable for:

• Two-combine operations consistently exceeding the SQ16’s drying throughput — step up to the SQ20 or SQ24
• Pure seed-grade canola or specialty pulse operations needing two-zone temperature control — consider the SQ16M or step up to a larger M-configured unit
• Yards without three-phase electrical service (single-phase operation requires a phase converter and adds installation complexity)

How the SQ16 Compares to Adjacent Models

SQ16 vs SQ12: The SQ12 has a 12′ 3″ grain column and 245 bushel holding capacity versus the SQ16’s 16′ 4″ column and 326 bushel holding. Both run 10 HP fan motors on the SQ12 and 15 HP on the SQ16. The SQ16 delivers approximately 33% more drying capacity for typical prairie crops. The SQ16 is also the smallest model available in the A (Energy Miser) configuration — the SQ12 is offered in D, E, and M only. For operators expecting heavier annual drying volumes or who want the heat-recovery option, the SQ16 is the meaningful step up.

SQ16 vs SQ20: The SQ20 has a 20′ 5″ grain column and 408 bushel holding capacity. Fan motor steps up to 20 HP and the auger load motor jumps from 3 HP to 5 HP. Drying capacity in corn at 5-point removal increases from 770 BPH to 976 BPH — about 27% more. The SQ20 is the right choice if your single-combine operation regularly approaches the SQ16’s capacity ceiling, or if you’re planning for fleet growth. The SQ16 is the right choice if you want a simpler installation and lower capital cost, with capacity matched closely to a single Class 8 combine on typical prairie crops.

SQ16 vs SQ24: The SQ24 jumps to a 24′ 6″ column, 490 bushel holding, and 25 HP fan. Drying capacity nearly doubles compared to the SQ16. The SQ24 is the standard prairie choice for two-combine operations, while the SQ16 is sized for a single-combine operation. Stepping from SQ16 to SQ24 is a significant capital and infrastructure increase — only justified when actual drying demand exceeds what the SQ16 can sustain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between the SQ16, SQ16E, SQ16A, and SQ16M? All four are the same SQ16 model with different drying mode capabilities. SQ16D is full heat only, SQ16E adds louvers for pressure cool modes, SQ16A adds the heat-recovery duct for fuel savings, SQ16M provides two-temperature-zone operation. The E configuration is the most-installed on prairie farms.

Is the SQ16 a portable or fixed dryer? The SQ16 is designed primarily for fixed installation on a concrete pad. It can be relocated with appropriate equipment, but most prairie installations are permanent.

What’s the holding capacity of the SQ16? 326 bushels total — including the wet garner bin, active drying column, and discharge zone.

How much grain can an SQ16 dry per hour? Manufacturer-published capacity in corn is 770 BPH at 5-point moisture removal (Model D, full heat). For prairie crops, capacity varies significantly: wheat at 1.5-point removal can run 1,500-2,000 BPH, while seed-grade canola at 4-point removal at the 45°C temperature limit may run 350-500 BPH. Confirm capacity for your specific scenario with your dealer.

Can the SQ16 run on single-phase power? Three-phase service is preferred and is the standard configuration. Single-phase operation is possible with a phase converter but adds cost and complexity. Most permanent SQ16 installations are wired for three-phase service from initial commissioning.

Does the SQ16 handle canola? Yes. With the optional small grain screen and proper temperature management (45°C maximum for seed grade, 82°C maximum for crush grade per Canola Council guidelines), the SQ16 dries canola effectively. The variable-width column geometry and EVENFLO unloading system are well-suited to canola handling. Daily screen inspection is recommended during canola drying campaigns.

What fuel does the SQ16 use? LP (liquid propane) or natural gas (NG), selected at order. Natural gas typically delivers lower fuel cost per BTU but requires utility connection. Propane is more flexible for installations without natural gas service.

How long does an SQ16 last? With proper maintenance, current SQ Series units are designed for 25–30+ year service life. Stainless steel perforated skins, the most expensive structural component, typically outlast the rest of the machine. Original Super-B AS-series dryers from the 1980s are still operating across the prairies in 2026.

Can I see an SQ16 running before I buy? Most authorized Brock dealers in Canada — including Rosler Construction (Saskatoon), GlenMor Equipment (Prince Albert), Valley Agro Services, and Agri-Systems — host customer demonstrations during harvest season. Contact your nearest dealer to arrange a working farm visit.

What’s the warranty on a new SQ16? Standard Brock warranty terms apply. Confirm specific warranty coverage and duration with your dealer at the time of purchase, as terms can vary by configuration and dealer-supplied installation services.

Related Models in the SQ Series

• Super-B SQ12 — 245 BU holding, smaller-frame option for smaller operations
• Super-B SQ20 — 408 BU holding, mid-range step up from the SQ16
• Super-B SQ24 — 490 BU holding, prairie sweet spot for two-combine operations
• Super-B SQ28 — 572 BU holding, large-scale commercial option

For complete buying guidance — sizing, crop-specific operation, used vs. new pricing, and how Super-B compares to GSI, Vertec, and Neco — read our Super-B grain dryers buyer’s guide.

Browse all grain dryers on Aglist to compare across manufacturers.

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