Thermodynamic Analysis of Continuous Vibrating Fluidised Bed Drying of Grain

The performance of continuous vibrating fluidised bed drying of corn grits was simulated (using a previously validated mathematical model) and analysed based on the first- and second law of thermodynamics. The energy and exergy analyses were performed for several drying conditions. The effects of inlet air velocity and temperature, vibration intensity, and particle size on the efficiencies and inefficiencies of drying process have been simulated and discussed. Generally, application of vibration during fluidised bed drying enhanced the drying process. The application of higher levels of drying air temperature and velocity led in higher exergy efficiencies and energy utilisation. Also, the exergy loss had maximum value when higher drying air temperature and velocity were used for the drying process.28th Inter-American Congress of Chemical Engineering (IACChE 2016). October 10-12, 2016. Cusco, Per