Mathematical modelling of far-infrared vacuum drying processes

Abstract

In this paper, a mathematical model of far-infrared vacuum drying of shrinkage body is presented. The system of two coupled partial differential equations for heat and mass transfer with appropriate initial and boundary conditions are solved numerically with used of the finite difference method. On the basis of the numerical solutions a computer program for calculation of temperature profiles, transient moisture content, mid-plane temperature, and the volume averaged moisture content changes for given drying regime was developed. For verification of the mathematical model a series of numerical drying experiments of potato slices were realized.

Keywords

• far-infrared vacuum drying
• mathematical model
• potato