Generalized Mathematical Model of the Grain Drying Process

Convective cereal grain drying is an energy-intensive process. Mathematical models are applied to analyze and optimize grain drying processes in different types of dryers and in different stages of drying to improve final grain quality and reduce energy consumption. The aim of the present study was to develop a generalized mathematical model of the grain drying process that accounts for all drying stages, including loading and unloading of unprocessed grain, drying, and cooling of dry grain. The developed mathematical model is a system of algebraic equations, where the calculated coefficients are determined by the thermophysical and diffusive properties of dried grain. The model was validated for batch drying of wheat, canola, and corn grain, as well as continuous flow drying of wheat grain. The results were compared with published findings. The relationships between energy consumption during drying and drying time vs. air temperature at the dryer inlet and air stream volume were determined. Dryer capacity and drying conditions specified by the manufacturers, as well as loading and unloading capacity, were considered during batch drying. Continuous flow drying simulations were conducted in counter-flow, parallel-flow, and cross-flow mode. Simulation results indicate that the proposed models correctly depicted process flow in both batch and continuous flow dryers.