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A dual-scale model for describing drier and porous medium interactions

Perre, Patrick and Turner, Ian W. (2006) A dual-scale model for describing drier and porous medium interactions. AIChE Journal 52(9):pp. 3109-3117.

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Abstract

A dual-scale modeling approach is proposed to describe the coupling of the drier (large-scale) and the porous medium (macroscale) throughout drying. This model is used to investigate the vacuum drying of a softwood board placed in an experimental vacuum chamber that is heated by two infrared (IR) emitters. The large-scale model provides important information for the drying engineer to assess and tune the performance of the drier. This model allows simulation of the chamber wall and IR emitter temperature evolution, together with changes in the chamber vapor, air, and water mass balances. The comprehensive two-dimensional drying model known as TransPore is used to determine the heat and mass transfer occurring at the macroscale of the board. Finally, four case studies are presented to elucidate the intricate coupling that exists between the chamber technical specifications and the drying behavior of the porous medium. A highlight of the dual-scale model is its ability to predict the condensation on the walls of a poorly insulated vacuum chamber for the case of a weak pump.

Item Type:Journal Article
RM Number:2007004418
Status:Published
Keywords:two-dimensional heat and mass transfer; vacuum chamber model; experimental data; kiln-load coupling
Subjects:290000 Engineering and Technology > 291400 Materials Engineering > 291405 Timber
290000 Engineering and Technology > 291800 Interdisciplinary Engineering > 291802 Heat and Mass Transfer Operations
230000 Mathematical Sciences > 230100 Mathematics > 230116 Numerical Analysis
ID Code:8187
Deposited By:Conlon, Kylie
Deposited On:22 June 2007
Alternative Locations:http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/aic.10918
Copyright Owner:Copyright 2006 John Wiley & Sons
Additional Information:For more information, please refer to the journal's website (see hypertext link) or contact the author. Author contact details: i.turner@qut.edu.au