Thin-Layer Equation Effects on Deep-Bed Drying Prediction

MOISTURE content predictions from the deep-bed drying model of Bakker-Arkema et al. (1974) using a thin-layer equation developed by Li and Morey (1983) were compared to moisture contents measured in four laboratory experiments. Good agreement was obtained between predicted and measured results. Thin-layer equations developed by Thompson et al. (1968), Sharaf-Eldeen et al. (1979) and Misra and Brooker (1980) were also evaluated in the deep-bed model. Drying rates predicted with all of these equations were slower than the measured results. The effect of the thin-layer equation on design related results from the deep-bed model was illustrated.