<b>Fixed-bed drying simulation with constant enthalpy, using the improved Michigan State University model</b> - doi: 10.4025/actascitechnol.v34i2.7812

Abstract

Drying of agricultural products at high temperatures can be simulated by mathematical models, which intend to describe the drying process close to commercial patterns. They are based on simultaneous heat and mass transfer between the product that is losing moisture, and the air that is supplying energy to the process. All models use these balances, never allowing values of relative humidity of the air to be greater than 100%. However, it has not been common to evaluate air enthalpy, which should not have significant variation during the entire process, accepted as adiabatic. In this work, a mathematical model is proposed for fixed-bed corn (Zea mays L.) drying simulation, according to the Michigan State University (MSU) model. In the numerical solution, the enthalpy of the drying air was maintained constant as a quantitative physical indicator for correction of the heat and mass exchange in each step of the process, in order to obtain more real evaluations in all drying stages, and in the results for final moisture of the grain. As a result, greater space and time intervals for the simulation were possible. The simulation was validated by comparisons with literature results.