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Document Type
Thesis - University Access Only
Award Date
2012
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Mechanical Engineering
First Advisor
Stephen P. Gent
Abstract
This thesis is an experimental and computational investigation of the effects of thermal energy propagation, moisture removal rates, and drying capacity within a continuous cross-flow grain dryer. The effects of grain column thickness, air flow rate per volume of corn, and drying air temperature are investigated. In the first portion of this study, thermal profile data was collected from a pilot-scale cross-flow corn dryer on the campus of South Dakota State University. This dryer has a drying column height of 132 in., column width of 24 in. and a variable thickness of 8 in. to 12 in. An array of thermocouples was arranged through the packed bed of corn to measure the temperature profile as the air propagated through the corn. The experimental temperature profiles were compared and analyzed against other experiments. It was found that air flow rate per volume of corn is a primary factor in the drying rate of corn. The second portion of this study involves the development of a two dimensional numerical model that predicts several phenomenon within the grain column. These effects include: air and grain temperature, grain moisture content, and air humidity ratio. These parameters are based upon coupled partial differential equations of heat and mass transfer that describe the thermal propagation and moisture removal rates. The results of the numerical model are compared with the experimental results. The theoretical model can provide further insight for improving the design of grain drying.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Grain -- Drying.
Corn -- Drying.
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
129
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Rights
In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-EDU/1.0/
Recommended Citation
Abrahamson, Chad, "Experimental Testing and Theoretical Model Development of Continuous Cross-flow Grain Drying" (2012). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 4785.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd/4785