Fuzzy logic systems applied to fluidise bed coffee drying

Abstract

The present investigation deals with a system for coffee bean drying on a fluidised bed. A prototype was used in which coffee beans were dried using several drying temperatures. The results showed 6 to 8 hour drying periods. The coffee beans presented uniform final humidity content and the product presented good sensory characteristics. Complementing the foregoing and considering this process' degree of uncertainty, fuzzy logic systems were used for establishing some possible preliminary control strategies for drying coffee beans on a fluidised bed related to establishing the point of fluidisation, controlling surface air speed and using air temperature greater than 50°C at the start of the process.