Possible Directions in the Improvement of Small-Sized Household Drying Plants

Abstract

The main problem that we have to face in agriculture is processing and storage of agricultural products. One of the most preferred processing methods is drying. The dried product is stored longer, while the requirements for storage conditions are more tolerant. Standard dryers are a sealed chamber where the dried product is located; they work in cycles: loading-drying-unloading. Such characteristics are well suited for small agricultural enterprises. Traditional drying methods, as a rule, involve large energy costs and take a long time. The development of highly efficient drying equipment is possible because of improving the technology and designs of devices that intensify heat and mass transfer, by creating combined dryers and optimal drying schemes, combining the drying process with other processes. (Research purpose) The research purpose is in considering rational methods of physically justified processes of high-intensity drying of agricultural products for the development of effective drying equipment. (Materials and methods) The description of heat and mass transfer processes allows you to choose a rational method; solve the problem of forecasting processes; determine the way to increase the efficiency of drying and equipment. (Results and discussion) The rate of moisture transfer in the material depends on the moving of moisture inside and the surface of the material to the drying agent. The value of the drying speed depends on the temperature, humidity and air speed, the dried air accelerates the drying process. (Conclusions) The magnitude and relative direction of the thermodynamic forces of moisture conductivity and thermal moisture conductivity determines the intensity of material dehydration. For a specific drying method, optimal technological modes of dehydration should be created, ensuring the production of high-quality materials. Closed-cycle devices with recirculation of the drying agent and heat energy recovery reduce the energy consumption for the process.