Simulation of the corn seed drying process in fixed bed

Abstract

Artificial drying is one of the main problems of seed production, hence it affects quality of grains, and can decrease considerably their market value. This work aimed to develop a mathematical model to simulate a corn seed drying process. Simulation results were validated by comparison to experimental results. The drying method consisted of a fixed-bed, pre-drying of corn (Zea mays L.) ears, which were then kept on rest for 12 hours. After that the product was threshed and kernels were submitted to a final drying process on a fixed bed dryer: bins with radial air distribution. Air temperature was 42°C; specific air rate of the ear corn dryer was 44.8 m³ min-1 m-2 and of the drying bin 5.9 m³ min-1 m-2. The error of the average simulation model was 10.88%, which was considered satisfactory.