Simultaneous heat and mass transfer in a fixed bed dryer

This study evaluated the simultaneous heat and mass transfer between the air and soybean seeds in a fixed bed dryer in thick layer, using a two-phase model, with an adequate set of constitutive equations. The proposed model was solved numerically using the method of lines. The experimental data for seed moisture and temperature, and those of the drying air, obtained in a pilot unit at different positions along the bed, were compared to simulated results, indicating good agreement. Process heterogeneity along the fixed bed dryer was also analyzed. •The drying of soybean seeds in a fixed-bed dryer was studied.•The soybean seed drying can be successfully predicted by a two-phase model.•The used model was able to predict the heterogeneity of the process.•The simulated results were in a good agreement with the experimental data.