A methodology for tunnel dryer chamber design

Abstract

We present a methodology for estimating the required dimensions of tunnel dryers used in the drying of agricultural products. The methodology incorporates a material model that describes the drying behaviour of the product based on the 'receding front' concept, and a formulation of the transfer processes in tunnel drying. The material model is first validated using experimental data before it is integrated into the dryer model. The overall dryer model in finite-difference form is used to simulate the performance of a tunnel dryer under varying conditions. The resulting simulation algorithm becomes an engineering tool for designers of tunnel dryers, enabling the estimation of required dimensions and the drying time to reach the desired moisture content under different drying conditions and dryer performance. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.