Technical Evaluation of Pneumatic Drying of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Meat Particulates by modeling and Simulation Approach
Victor A. Rodulfo, Jr.1 and Ernesto P. Lozada2
ABSTRACT
The technical feasibility of pneumatic drying for coconut meat particulates through modeling and simulation procedures was investigated. A thin-layer drying experiment was conducted to determine the drying constants for a temperatures range 70-110oC, particle size range 1.6-2.4mm and initial moisture content range 53-41%. The drying constants of the Exponential Model were highly influenced by the particle size and initial moisture content of the samples but not by the drying air temperature. The predicted retention time and energy consumption were in agreement with validated values. The drying time for a particle size of 1.6mm, 105oC air temperature, 43 to 50% initial MC and 6% final MC was about 4 to 5 minutes with specific thermal energy consumption of 7.5 kJ per kg water removed. Electrical energy consumption of the system was 1.9 kWhr/kg.
Keywords: Pneumatic drying, modeling, simulation
1Engineer IV, Agricultural Mechanization Development Program, Institute of Agricultural Engineering, College of Engineering and Agro-industrial Technology, University of the Philippines Los Baños, 4031 College, Laguna, Philippines; 2Professor, Agricultural and BioProcess Division, Institute of Agricultural Engineering, College of Engineering and Agro-industrial Technology, University of the Philippines Los Baños, 4031 College, Laguna, Philippines.