Investigation of moisture transfer mechanism in porous media during a rapid drying process

Abstract

In this work, moisture transfer mechanism in wet porous media during rapid drying process was investigated experimentally and analytically. By use of scanning electron microscopic device, the rapid drying processes for potato, carrot and radish species were observed and recorded. A new displacement mechanism by pressure gradient in porous material during rapid drying was suggested. To analyze this displacement flow in porous material, a single capillary tube model was set up. The velocity of the displacement flow and its flow rate as well as displacement time of moisture were calculated.