Adjustments of mathematical models for drying maize seeds on cobs

Abstract

The present study aimed to select the mathematical models that best fit the drying kinetics of maize seeds on the cob. A 50- and 150-cm maize layer was used in the dryer for four airflows: 5. 10, 15 and 20 m 3.min -1.t -1 was used for stationary drying. The ears were dried in four prototypes of stationary perforated false-bottom dryers with a diameter of 0.92 m, height of 1 m and axial fan. The temperature of the drying air was controlled at the base of the dryer chamber using a thermostat. The mathematical models were analyzed via linear regression. The model of Page and Handerson & Pabis was used. The results showed that the Page model was more satisfactory for predicting the data for the 50 cm layer of ears than the Henderson & Pabis model was for predicting the data for the 150 cm layer. However, both models can be used to represent the drying phenomenon of maize seeds on cobs