Fixed-bed drying of grains: analysis of the structural properties of packed-beds of non-spherical particles

[EN] Structural properties of packed-beds of non-spherical biological materials were investigated. The particles tested were oats, lentil, barley and soy, with sphericity ranging from 0.4 to 0.8. Porous alumina particles with sphericity of 0.98 were also included. The particles dimensions and sphericity were measured under moisture content ranging from the equilibrium up to 24% (dry basis). Mean voidage, bulk density, permeability and tortuosity of the packed-beds were obtained in the whole moisture range. The data were used as input into a correlation to predict Sherwood numbers under constant air velocity and the results were compared to evaluate the influence of packing characteristics on convective mass transfer.