Particle modelling for convective drying of copra

Abstract

A three-dimensional particle model to describe the moisture distribution in copra for 20 hours of drying was developed using computational fluid dynamics. Drying experiments were performed for seven different temperatures in the range of 45 – 75 degrees of Celsius in a laboratory scale hot air dryer using copra samples of the dimensions 0.01×0.01×0.01 m3. Results of the spatial moisture distribution were graphically presented. The results of simulation were in agreement with the experimental observations and the optimum temperature for drying of copra was found to be about 60 degrees of Celsius.