Selection and Verification of a Drying Model for Maize (Zea mays L.) in Forced Convection Solar Grain Dryer

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Date
2017Author
Osodo, Booker
Nyaanga, Daudi
Muguthu, Joseph
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Various researchers have fitted experimental drying curves for various products to existing drying
models. In this study, an experimental forced convection solar grain dryer was used to select the best fitting drying
model for shelled maize. 0.04 m thick grain layer of shelled maize was dried an air velocity of 0.408 m/s and a 40°C
drying air temperature. Using Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Coefficient of Determination (R2) and Chi Square
(𝜒𝜒2) the selected drying model was the one by Midilli et al. (2002), with R2, 𝜒𝜒2 and RMSE values of 0.9487, 0.4278
and 0.1723 respectively. The model coefficients were determined for drying air temperatures of 40, 45, 50 and
55°C. It was found that the predicted and experimental data agreed satisfactorily with R2 and RMSE values of
0.9225-0.9786 and 0.0325-0.0750 respectively. A computer simulation model was developed to predict moisture
ratio at a given drying time.