Comparison of Five, Three-parameter Equations for the Description of Adsorption Data of Oats

Equilibrium moisture contents (EMC) of two cultivars of common oats (Dumont and Newman) and one cultivar of hulless oats (Tibor) were determined by equilibrating oats samples (approximately 10 g in size) to eight different relative humidities at each of the four different temperatures (10, 25, 40, and 558 C). The samples were equilibrated above saturated salt solutions. The EMCs of all three cultivars of oats decreased with an increase in temperature at constant relative humidity. The Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB) equation was modified for prediction of the effect of temperature on the EMC data. The modified GAB equation was evaluated against four other commonly used three-parameter equations (modified Henderson, Chung-Pfost, Halsey, and Oswin equations) for the description of the EMC data of oats. The modified Chung-Pfost equation was the best and the modified GAB equation was the second best in describing the EMC data of oats.