Design and Application of a Novel Dehumidifying System for a Fluidized Bed Dryer for the Drying of Canola Seeds

Abstract

A novel fluidized bed dryer equipped with a dehumidifying system was designed and constructed. The dehumidifying system was based on refrigeration cycle and composed of an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser an expansion valve and a damper. The drying experiments were carried out in three temperature (35, 45 and 55°C) and three relative humidity (30, 50 and 70%) levels. The results showed that the relative humidity of drying air has a significant effect on drying rate. The drying rates decreased as relative humidity increased at a constant temperature, and increased as temperature increased at a constant relative humidity so dehumidifying can accelerate drying and decrease drying times.