Mathematical Modelling of a Laboratory Drying Process: Case Study for Experimental Design Project

The drying process was chosen as a case study for the experimental design project. This design project is related to a heat and mass transfer laboratory for undergraduate students. The drying process was performed at different operating variables such as sample drying temperatures, air velocities, and sample particle size. Many runs were performed for each operating variable and the work was twice repeated for consistency. Each experimental run was continued until no further mass change was observed. The mass of material, wet and dry bulb temperature and air velocity were collected as a function of time. Many mathematical formulas were applied. The kinetics and the model of the drying process were estimated. The heat and mass transfer coefficients were calculated and related to the air temperature, moisture content, velocities, and the size of the sample. It was found that the drying process of wet sand followed the proposed model by Wang and Singh. Many other drying relations were studied as shown in the entire paper. This is a non-ending design project work.