Dry System Research Articles

The Application of Pinch Technology to a Novel Closed-Loop Spray Drying System with a Condenser and Reheater.

Spray drying is an energy-intensive process in industrial use, making energy recovery a critical focus for improving overall efficiency. This study investigates the potential of integrating heat-recovery systems, including an innovative air reheater, into a closed-loop spray-drying unit to maximise energy savings. Through detailed pinch analysis, the system achieved a very low approach temperature, averaging 3.48 K, which is significantly lower than that of conventional open-loop systems. The study quantifies the energy-recovery potential by demonstrating that the integration of heat-recovery components can reduce the external heating demand by up to 30%. This not only enhances heat-transfer efficiency but also lowers operational costs and reduces the system's environmental impact. The results suggest that closed-loop systems with air reheaters offer a scalable solution for improving energy efficiency across different industrial applications. The research highlights a new paradigm: focusing on latent energy within the system rather than adjusting individual operational variables.

Assessment of thermochemical, physicochemical, and biochemical properties of purple cabbage powder converted by different drying systems

Assessment of thermochemical, physicochemical, and biochemical properties of purple cabbage powder converted by different drying systems

Non-invasive ultrasonic sensing of internal conditions on a partial full-scale spent nuclear fuel canister mock-up

The safe storage of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) in dry cask storage systems (DCSSs) is critical to the nuclear fuel cycle and the future of nuclear energy. A critical component of DCSSs is the SNF canister. The canister is a sealed stainless-steel structure, which is first vacuum dried and then backfilled with helium. The structural deterioration within a canister can be monitored through its internal gas properties. This monitoring serves as the driving force behind the non-invasive ultrasonic sensing approach in this paper. A major challenge in collecting gas-borne signals using ultrasonic sensing is the impedance mismatch between the stainless-steel canister and the helium gas inside. Only a small fraction of the ultrasonic signal makes its way from the transmitter to the receiver through the gas medium. In this paper, experimental studies on a partial full-scale canister mock-up were carried out to capture the gas-borne signals. Damping materials were applied on the outside, and blocking and unblocking tests were conducted to identify the gas-borne signal. The research results showed that the excitation frequency played an important role in maximizing the gas-borne signals. The gas-borne signal was successfully detected at around the theoretical time-of-flight (TOF) at 225 kHz. A high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was achieved in the measurements. Next, acoustic impedance matching (AIM) layers were added, and it was found that the gas signal energy was improved by 160.4% compared with that of no AIM layers. Subsequently, the relative humidity (RH) level and temperature of the gas were varied to simulate abnormal internal conditions of the canister. The non-invasive testing system demonstrated reliability and sensitivity in detecting gas temperature and RH variations. Theoretical calculations demonstrated the potential for detecting low-level xenon and air within an actual SNF canister filled with helium. Last, an active noise cancellation (ANC) method, previously developed by the authors, was verified on the canister mock-up for the first time. The results showed that the SNR of the gas signal was improved by 213.6% compared with that of no ANC.

Application of artificial intelligence to predict energy consumption and thermal efficiency of hybrid convection-radiation dryer for garlic slices

This study aims to examine the energy-related aspects of a hybrid convection-radiation drying technique employed in the drying process of garlic slices. Several factors, including infrared radiation intensity (1500, 2000, and 3000 W/m2), air temperature (40, 50, and 60 °C), and airflow rates of the drying chamber (0.7, 1.0, and 1.5 m/s) were evaluated to optimize the responses of drying time (min), energy consumption (kJ), thermal efficiency (%), and specific energy consumption (MJ/kg). Furthermore, an Artificial Neural Network model was employed to predict the effects of the parameters above on the drying system's specific energy consumption, energy consumption, drying time, and thermal efficiency. The obtained data were analyzed using a self-organizing map and principal component analysis. Interestingly, the findings showed that increasing the air temperature and infrared radiation intensity led to shorter drying times, while higher airflow rates resulted in longer drying durations. Additionally, it was found that higher infrared intensity and air temperature, combined with lower airflow rates, improved the energy indices. Increasing the air velocity to 1.0 and 1.5 m/s at the same air temperature and radiation intensity resulted in a considerable increase in drying time by 9 and 22.7%, respectively. The lowest efficiency value of 10.1% was observed at 40 °C temperature and an air velocity of 1.5 m/s. The Artificial Neural Network model demonstrated high accuracy with a Root Mean Square Error of 0.05 and an overall accuracy of (95%) in predicting the drying parameters. Notably, the self-organizing map visualization revealed that higher air temperatures and radiation corresponded to lower drying times, energy consumption, and specific energy consumption. Conversely, higher airflow rates resulted in increased drying time and energy consumption. The present study suggested that 60 °C, 3000 W/m2 and 0.7 m/s are optimum conditions for efficiently drying garlic slices under the hybrid dryer. This investigation addresses the limitations and deficiencies of previous work on energy optimization and efficiency analysis of garlic under a hybrid dryer with infrared heating systems. Further studies on the economic feasibility of applying such a system for sample drying and the impact of drying on the thermal behaviors of the products need additional investigation.

Tomato dry farming as an agroecological model for California’s drought resilient future: Farmers’ perspectives and experiences

Small, diversified farms on California’s Central Coast have been dry farming for decades, allowing farmers to use water stored in soils from winter rains to grow tomatoes and other vegetables with little-to-no irrigation in summers without rainfall. As recent water shortages in California have forced a reckoning with the precariousness of the state’s water supply, policy groups and the general public have become increasingly interested in dry farming as a promising means of achieving water conservation goals. Academic research on this practice, however, has been scarce. Amid growing urgency to develop low-water agricultural systems in the state, we interviewed 10 Central Coast dry farmers, representing over half of the commercial dry farm operations in the region where this practice was developed, to collaboratively answer 2 central research questions: (1) What business and land stewardship practices characterize successful tomato dry farming on California’s Central Coast? (2) What is the potential for dry farming to expand beyond its current adoption while maintaining its identity as a diversified practice that benefits small-scale operations? We summarize farmers’ wisdom into 9 themes about current dry farm practice, its potential for expansion and future opportunities. We also synthesize farmer-stated environmental constraints on dry farm feasibility into a map of suitable areas in California. As we consider how dry farming might expand to new areas and operations, we highlight dry farming’s history as an agroecological alternative to industrial farming in the region and the need for careful policy planning to maintain that identity. In examining this California Central Coast dry farming system, we ask if and how it can enhance the viability of nonindustrial farming operations as the food system adapts to less water availability. Because policies that encourage dry farm expansion could change economic landscapes in which dry farming operates, we caution that well-intentioned policies could edge small growers out of dry farm markets if not carefully designed. At the same time, we emphasize the opportunity for dry farm tomato systems to model an agroecological transition toward water savings in California.

Vertical Connectors in Ancient Monuments: Documentation and Experimental Study of the Behaviour of Iron and Titanium Connectors

ABSTRACT Ancient monuments are constructed following the dry construction system. Large dimensional structural members, with perfectly plane interfaces, are placed without mortar. Two types of iron connectors, vertical and horizontal, used to connect individual stone blocks, are activated in case of relative displacements, e.g. earthquakes. The paper focuses on, iron or titanium, vertical connectors, crossing the interfaces between successive stone courses, and investigates their seismic behaviour. In situ and bibliographical documentation of vertical connections in ancient Greek monuments, including their topology, dimensions, and typical pathology attributed to them, served as a basis for the design of an experimental program. First, specimens simulating the original connections are tested under monotonic and cyclic actions. The behaviour of those connections, effectuated using iron vertical connectors, having confirmed the pathology observed in situ, i.e. fracture of the substrate, an alternative connection was tested aiming at avoiding or significantly delaying the failure of the substrate (marble). An unbonded length was provided to the connector, close to the interface, to postpone the contact between the connector and the marble. The test results confirmed the anticipated change of behaviour, associated though with smaller shear resistance and larger displacements at its attainment than for the original connections.

Thermodynamic and economic analysis of a solar-assisted ejector-enhanced flash tank vapor injection heat pump cycle with dual evaporators

This paper proposes a solar-assisted ejector-enhanced flash tank vapor injection heat pump cycle with dual evaporators (SEFVIC), designed for heat pump drying application. Compared to the standard flash tank vapor injection heat pump cycle (FVIC), the SEFVIC uses an additional high-temperature evaporator to further minimize irreversible losses during the heat transfer process. Moreover, it integrates solar energy to improve the drying quality and heating capacity of the cycle. Meanwhile, the introduction of an ejector improves the system's performance by reducing throttling loss. The advantages of SEFVIC over FVIC are evaluated using theoretical models based on the first and second laws of thermodynamics. Results show that SEFVIC reveals a 34.1 % improvement in the heating coefficient of performance and a 192.8 % enhancement in volumetric heating capacity compared to FVIC under typical operating condition. Notably, SEFVIC maintains superior performance even at lower evaporating temperatures. Moreover, exergy research indicates that 77.1 % of the total exergy destruction in SEFVIC is attributed to the solar collector. Economic analysis indicates that the integration of solar energy into the SEFVIC is economically beneficial. These findings highlight the prospective application of SEFVIC and guide combining the multi-temperature heat pump drying system and auxiliary solar source.

Performance study of the rapid heating drying system based on the reverse Brayton air cycle for agricultural application

Air temperature and humidity control are important for crop storage. Current drying methods in agriculture include solar heating and air source heat pumps, whereas solar heating may lead to poor quality of the dried product and air source heat pumps may not reach the desired temperature when the environment is harsh. In this paper, a rapid heating and drying system based on reverse Brayton air circulation is proposed to obtain high temperature and low humidity air quickly by adjusting the pressure ratio to achieve an adjustable crop drying process. An improved rapid heating and drying system with a water cooler is also proposed to increase the drying efficiency of the system. The results show that the total dehumidification rate of the improved system can reach 11.51 g/s, which is 1.48 g/s higher than that of the rapid heating and drying system without a water cooler, and the dehumidification energy efficiency of the improved system can reach 1.26 kg/(kW.h), which is 0.11 kg/(kW.h) higher than that of the rapid heating and drying system without a water-cooling device.

Optimization of thermal photovoltaic hybrid solar dryer for drying peanuts

The drying of agricultural products is traditionally carried out using solar radiation. However, this process is time-consuming and also unreliable in locations having cold and humid environments. This study experimentally investigates an innovative air collection system integrated with a dryer. The study focuses on the drying analysis of peanuts utilizing three operational modes of a solar dryer: forced convection, natural convection, and traditional open-sun drying. Key parameters including solar radiation intensity, moisture extraction, and outgoing air temperature from the collector were studied. Solar radiation served as the primary energy source, driving the solar dryer's operation within a drying air temperature range of 33 °C–58 °C, applied to 8 kg of peanuts. Initially, the peanuts exhibited a moisture content of 72 %. The developed solar dryer subsequently reduced the moisture content of the peanut by 18 %. The study evaluated three key aspects: electrical efficiency, thermal efficiency, and overall thermal efficiency of the proposed hybrid collector and solar dryer system, conducted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Results indicate that the forced convection mode of solar drying outperformed the other modes, demonstrating superior effectiveness. These findings hold significant implications for the advancement of solar dryer technology, offering valuable insights for the wider solar drying community.

Optical characterization and thermal performance of a novel solar dryer with dynamic control of solar radiation

In this study, a novel adaptive solar dryer with a coating of polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLC) was designed, built, and characterized to evaluate its optical properties and thermal performance by modulating the transmission of solar radiation toward the drying chamber. PDLC films can electrically switch between opaque and transparent states, making them ideal for controlling solar radiation. Unlike conventional direct dryers, the proposed solar drying system takes advantage of direct solar radiation, known for its rapid drying process, while minimizing the impact on product properties. The results show that the PDLC coating exhibited a significant difference in transmittance between the “on” and “off” states under ambient conditions. At 400 nm, the transmittance varied by 20 %, increasing to 30 % at 450 nm. The solar dryer with dynamic control of solar irradiance constantly maintained a temperature range of 52.19 °C–57 °C. Lower relative humidity values were achieved compared to the uncontrolled solar dryer, resulting in a uniform irradiance distribution within the drying cabinet. The solar dryer with dynamic control of solar irradiance (acrylic and PDLC film) presents a total thermal resistance (0.02817 mK/W) exhibiting better heat permanence inside the drying cabinet compared to polycarbonate (one of the materials most used for drying systems). The system's thermal efficiency ensures reliable operation regardless of weather conditions, efficiently capturing and converting solar energy into heat.

A Universal Biocompatible and Multifunctional Solid Electrolyte in p-Type and n-Type Organic Electrochemical Transistors for Complementary Circuits and Bioelectronic Interfaces.

The development of soft and flexible devices for collection of bioelectrical signals is gaining momentum for wearable and implantable applications. Among these devices, organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) stand out due to their low operating voltage and large signal amplification capable of transducing weak biological signals. While liquid electrolytes have demonstrated efficacy in OECTs, they limit its operating temperature and pose challenges for electronic packaging due to potential leakage. Conversely, solid electrolytes offer advantages such as mechanical flexibility, robustness against environmental factors, and ability to bridge the interface between rigid dry electronics systems and soft wet biological tissues. However, few systems have demonstrated generality and compatibility with a wide range of state-of-the-art organic mixed ionic-electronic conductors (OMIECs). This paper introduces a highly stretchable, flexible, biocompatible, self-healable gelatin-based solid-state electrolyte, compatible with both p- and n-type OMIEC channels while maintaining high performance and excellent stability. Furthermore, this nonvolatile electrolyte is stable up to 120°C and exhibits high ionic conductivity even in dry environment. Additionally, an OECT-based complementary inverter with a record-high normalized-gain of 228 V-1 and a corresponding ultralow static power consumption of 1 nW is demonstrated. These advancements pave the way for versatile applications ranging from bioelectronics to power-efficient implants.

Evacuated Tube Solar Collector-Based Drying System: Analytical Modeling, Influencing Factors, and Recent Progress in Drying of Agri-Commodities

Evacuated Tube Solar Collector-Based Drying System: Analytical Modeling, Influencing Factors, and Recent Progress in Drying of Agri-Commodities

A novel weight index-based uniform partition technique of multi-dimensional probability space for structural uncertainty quantification

Accurately and efficiently achieving the uncertainty quantification of engineering structures is a challenging issue. The direct probability integral method (DPIM) provides an effective pathway to address this issue. However, the key partition technique via Voronoi cell of DPIM requires a prohibitive computational burden for multi-dimensional probability space. Moreover, due to the distributed nonuniformity of representative points, the accuracy of DPIM with the partition technique via Voronoi cell (DPIM-Voronoi) for obtaining the response probability density function (PDF) of structures with multi-dimensional probability space still needs to be improved. To this end, a novel weight index-based uniform partition technique is proposed in this study. This technique can generate uniformly distributed representative points and calculate their assigned probabilities using the weight indexes of representative regions. This feature ensures that the representative points can fill the probability space in a highly uniform manner, and avoid the resource-consuming calculation process of assigned probability by Monte Carlo simulation in the original partition technique via Voronoi cell. Based on the proposed technique, DPIM with a Weight index-based Uniform partition technique (DPIM-WU) is developed. Compared to DPIM-Voronoi, the advantages of DPIM-WU include: (1) improving the computational accuracy of response PDF for structures with multi-dimensional probability space, especially in the tail region, leading to improved accuracy of the dynamic reliability; (2) remarkably reducing the computational cost, with minimal computer memory required for the partition process of multi-dimensional probability space; (3) enhancing the robustness to the number of representative points. These advantages are verified through the stochastic response and dynamic reliability analyses of four typical examples, including the 5-story buildings, dry friction system, cylinder structure, and adjacent buildings with pounding motion. Notably, in the stochastic pounding response analysis of adjacent buildings, a stochastic P-bifurcation occurs as the coefficient of variation of the structural parameters decreases.

Exergy efficiency and sustainability indicators of forced convection mixed mode solar dryer system for drying process

The study investigates the effectiveness of a mixed-mode solar dryer (MSD) featuring two double-pass solar air collectors in series, with a focus on dehydrating cluster figs characterized by high moisture content and rapid deterioration. Exergy analysis is a powerful tool to assess the efficiency and sustainability of drying systems. The study involves experimental data obtained from the drying process under different air mass flow rates (0.018–0.062 kg/s). The solar radiation intensity ranged from 120 W/m2 to 750 W/m2 during these experiments. The solar air collectors and mixed mode dryer exergy efficiency is found to be dependent on solar radiation intensity, showing increased efficiency with higher air mass flow rates due to enhanced heat removal and reduced losses to the surroundings. The findings reveal that the optimal air mass flow rate of 0.062 kg/s yields the highest exergy efficiency in the solar air collectors. The overall exergy efficiency of the mixed-mode solar drying chamber increases with higher air mass flow rates, ranging from 18.8 % to 41.4 %. Improvement potential (IP) analysis indicates that, as the air mass flow rate increases, the potential for reducing exergy losses decreases. The sustainability index (SI), measures the environmental impact, and it ranges from 1.26 to 1.71, with higher values associated with higher exergy efficiency.

太阳能-热泵联合干燥条件下紫花苜蓿动态干燥特性

To promote the application of solar energy-heat pump combined drying technology in forage processing and enhance the drying efficiency of alfalfa, an experimental study was conducted. The research utilized a solar energy-heat pump drying system and a mesh belt dynamic drying device to investigate the drying characteristics of alfalfa. Drying characteristic curves were obtained, and the drying model and parameters were determined through model comparison. The study also analysed the impact of factors such as hot air velocity, temperature, alfalfa stacking thickness, turning angle of the spinner rack, and conveyor belt speed on the drying characteristic curves and parameters of alfalfa. A predictive model for alfalfa moisture content was developed, and the effective moisture diffusivity and activation energy were calculated. The findings revealed that alfalfa does not exhibit a constant speed drying stage, and its drying primarily occurs during the deceleration drying stage. The Logarithmic model was found to accurately describe the moisture change pattern during the dynamic drying process of alfalfa, with a model fitting coefficient R^2 exceeding 0.994, with an effective moisture diffusivity ranging from 2.776×10-10 m2/s to 4.7324×10-9 m2/s, and an activation energy of 37.02 kJ/mol. The study suggests that increasing the hot air velocity and temperature, reducing the conveyor belt speed, and adjusting the alfalfa stacking thickness can further enhance the drying rate and reduce the drying time.

Drying kinetics of camellia oleifera seeds under hot air drying with ultrasonic pretreatment

Camellia oleifera seeds with high moisture content are prone to decay, leading to oil rancidity and seriously affecting subsequent processing and tea oil quality. Thus, an efficient drying method is needed. Hot air drying with ultrasonic pretreatment is a potential drying method for camellia oleifera seeds. In this paper, the effects of key parameters such as ultrasound power, ultrasound pretreatment time, and hot air drying temperature on the moisture ratio of camellia oleifera seeds, as well as the changes in microstructure of both seed shell and seed kernel, and the main quality parameters such as peroxide value and acid value of tea oil were explored. Results showed that the shorter the ultrasound pretreatment time, the greater the ultrasound power, the higher the temperature, the faster the drying rate, and the shorter the drying time. The drying time and specific energy consumption was reduced by up to 26.7 % and 16.8 % with the ultrasonic pretreatment, respectively. The optimal ultrasonic pretreatment time is 2 min, and the ultrasonic power is 300 W. A Genetic Algorithm Optimized Backpropagation Artificial Neural Network (GA-BP-ANN) drying model was proposed to predict the changes in moisture ratio during the drying process of camellia oleifera seeds to provide guidance for the development of intelligent drying system. The experimental results showed that the proposed drying model had a good predictive performance, with an RMSE of 0.0076969 and an R2 of 99.909 %, which can accurately estimate the effect of ultrasonic pretreatment on hot air drying. The research results of this study are expected to reduce post-harvest losses of camellia oleifera fruits and provide theoretical support for the development of drying systems of camellia oleifera seeds and similar agricultural products.

Feasibility of using chest strap and dry electrode system for longer term cardiac arrhythmia monitoring: Results from a pilot observational study

Background and aimCardiac arrhythmia diagnostic yield improves with increased duration of monitoring. We investigated patient comfort, diagnostic quality of ECG, and arrhythmia diagnostic yield using a single lead longer term external cardiac monitor (ECM). MethodsThe observational ECM feasibility study enrolled patients with increased risk of cardiac arrhythmia. The ECM investigational prototype was designed using a chest strap with dry electrodes connected to module capable of triggered loop recording of ECG, and automatic detection of arrhythmia. In group-A of study (24-h inpatient), patients wore ECM and Holter that recorded ECG from the ECM and adhesive electrodes. In group-B of study (12-weeks ambulatory), at monthly follow-ups patients filled out a comfort survey and device stored arrhythmia episodes were reviewed. ResultsThe study enrolled 34 patients (38 % females, average age 57.5 years, 65 % had palpitations, 12 % had syncope). Diagnostic quality ECG was recorded on 76.5 % of the monitoring duration in 12 of 20 patients with reviewable data in group-A, with motion artifacts causing loss in ECG signal for 18.7 % of the time. In 14 patients in group-B, 94.9 % of the survey responses indicated that ECM was comfortable to wear. Cardiac arrhythmia was observed in 4 of 17 patients (24 %) in group-A and 9 of 14 patients (64 %) in group-B in device recorded episodes. All ECM detected pause and tachycardia were inappropriate detections due to motion artifacts and temporary device removal. ConclusionThe chest strap-based ECM device was mostly comfortable to wear and recorded diagnostic quality ECG in three-fourth of monitoring period. Cardiac arrhythmia was observed in 64 % of patients over 3-month monitoring along with large number of motion artifact induced inappropriate detections.

Sun-infrared heating film drying analysis of Sultana seedless grapes: Operating modes

In contrast to the technique of utilizing infrared heating films (IRHFs) as the main or auxiliary heating source in the dryer, this study investigated the quality and performance parameters of sun drying the Sultana seedless grapes (Vitis Vinifera L.) on IRHFs without using a dryer system. In this context, sun drying with four IRHF operating modes was analyzed: sun drying (Model-1), sun + daytime IRHF (Model-2), sun + 24 h IRHF (Model-3), and sun + night IRHF (Model-4). Model 1 used no electricity, whereas the other models consumed 7.21, 10.38, and 9.80 kWh of electricity. The average drying efficiency of all drying models varied between 5.25 % and 16.48 %. Considering all experiments, average De values changed from 4.2837E−07 to 5.443E−07 m2/s. The drying times were significantly shortened (2–3 times faster) in Models 2 and 3, and the color quality was highest in Model 4. Moreover, grapes dried using sun + IRFH gave the best results regarding physicochemical and bioactive quality properties such as pH, total phenol, total tannin, vitamin C, and total sugar compared to Model-1, which requires a long drying period. This study’s findings indicate that sun drying with IRHF, which shortens drying time and offers higher quality in terms of color and food content, may be an alternative method that can be adapted to the traditional sun drying method.

Determination Ca, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn release from food in simple gastrointestinal extraction test

In this study, by conducting simulated in vitro digestion experiments on samples, the extraction rates of several essential metal elements in some common food ingredients were determined to guide a rational and balanced diet. At the same time, taking vegetables as an example, the research investigated the impact of food preprocessing on the extraction rates of metal elements within them, demonstrating that the influence of heat treatment varies for different element extraction rates. A wet digestion system using nitric acid-hydrogen peroxide was established for seafood and vegetable samples, and an analytical method for determining Ca, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was developed. The detection limits of the method ranged from 0.0003 mg L−1 to 0.1567 mg L−1, with RSDs between 0.004% and 7.161%. The measured contents of several important metal elements in standard substances were largely consistent with national standards, confirming the accuracy and precision of the method. Based on wet digestion, the contents of various metal elements in simulated digestive fluids were determined. The detection limits for the simulated digestion method ranged from 0.0005 mg L−1 to 0.0077 mg L−1, with RSDs between 0.001% and 8.839%, verifying the precision of the method. Consequently, the extraction rates of metal elements in the two types of samples were obtained, leading to the conclusion that vegetable samples are more easily digested compared to seafood, releasing their metal elements. Moreover, the extraction rates of different elements vary within the same type of sample, and the extraction rates of the same element also differ across different samples. For dried fruit samples, a dry ashing digestion system was established, and an analytical method for determining Ca, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn using ICP was developed. The detection limits of this method ranged from 0.0003 mg L−1 to 0.0073 mg L−1, with RSDs between 0.001% and 1.076%, and the spiked recovery rates were between 85.43% and 105.96%, confirming the accuracy and precision of the method. Based on dry ashing digestion, the contents of various metal elements in simulated digestive fluids were measured, which led to the determination of the element extraction rates. Among these, the extraction rates for Ca, Cu, and Mn were relatively high.

Influence of drying chamber, energy consumption, and quality characterization of corn with graphene far infrared dryer

This study used a graphene far infrared dryer to experimentally evaluate the two varieties of corn (ZD88 and RP909) at three varying temperatures (35, 45, and 55 °C) to analyze the drying process. The experimental finding showed that ZD88 observed a minimum energy consumption of 2.93 kWh at 55 °C. The ZD88 at 35 °C did not show any effect on the structure on the surface of the corn grains with a higher RC of 43.85%. The RP909 showed the starch granules formed an amorphous granular structure on the surface with a lower RC of 37.45% at 55 °C. The color parameter values showed an L* and b* decrease, while the a* values increased. ZD88 and RP909 observed an A-type peak pattern crystal structure. Therefore, this innovative graphene far infrared drying system could be a promising solution to enhance food industrial applications and improve corn characteristics.