Mathematical Modeling of a Cross Flow Conveyor Belt Dryer

Abstract

The drying of solids in a cross ow conveyor belt dryer (continuous operation system), in which particles (thin-layer) move in a wire net conveyor, was theoretically studied. A mathematical modeling that considers the in uence of bed porosity and transient terms in the drying process was developed and the changes in bed porosity and product density with the moisture content of seeds have been considered. Also, to have a more accurate model, some changes have been made to the speci c surface of the seed. The nite volume method was used to solve, numerically, the governing conservation equations. The results of the moisture content of the material (yellow corn kernel), residence time and conveyor length are presented and analyzed in order to modify the model, according to bed porosity, product density and the speci c surface changes of the seed. This model can predict humidity ratio, the temperature of air, moisture content and the temperature of the material throughout the drying process.