Process analysis for an alfalfa rotary dryer using an improved dimensional analysis method

Authors

  • Zheng Xianzhe PhD, Prof, Engineering College, Northeast Agricultural University
  • Yubin Lan
  • Wang Jianying
  • Dong Hangfei

Keywords:

alfalfa, drying, rotary dryer, dimensional analysis

Abstract

All parameters in terms of wet alfalfa input capacity, dry alfalfa output capacity, alfalfa stem length, rotary speed, heated air temperature, air flow velocity and number of lifting flights fixed at the interior wall of rotary dryer were integrated and derived into four π terms based on Jiang’s principle. The drying temperature was a significant factor influencing the drying rate and the post-drying quality of alfalfa hay. An improved G. Murphy theorem with high confidence was used to design an experimental program for alfalfa drying in a rotary dryer. A πequation was derived by using the multiplication of component equations involving the drying parameters and most of its correlation coefficients were higher than 0.99. The validation results show that most of the relative errors of πterms were lower than 10% and are acceptable in engineering practice. This empirical equation may be used to investigate the parameter interactive effects on conveyor performance, which may be useful in the design and selection of rotary dryers for drying alfalfa hay.
Keywords: alfalfa, drying, rotary dryer, dimensional analysis
DOI: 10.3965/j.issn.1934-6344.2009.03.076-082


Citation: Zheng Xianzhe, Yubin Lan, Wang Jianying, Dong Hangfei. Process analysis for an alfalfa rotary dryer using an improved dimensional analysis method. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2009; 2(3): 76

Author Biography

Zheng Xianzhe, PhD, Prof, Engineering College, Northeast Agricultural University

CURRICULUM VITAE Zheng Xianzhe Office Address:                                 Home Address: 

Engineering college                                           Northeast Agricultural University campus

Northeast Agricultural                        Harbin, China 150030

University                     

Harbin, China 150030

Tel: 86-451/5519-1606                     Tel: 86-451/5519-0591

Fax: 86-451/5519-0667                                                                     

E-mail: zhengxz@neau.edu.cn     

 CITIZENSHIP: Chinese 

EDUCATION: 

           Visiting Scholar

                       Department of Bio&Agri Engineering, California University at Davis, CA, USA

                       (09/04-08/05)

Postdoctoral Research Associate (

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Published

2009-09-30

How to Cite

Xianzhe, Z., Lan, Y., Jianying, W., & Hangfei, D. (2009). Process analysis for an alfalfa rotary dryer using an improved dimensional analysis method. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 2(3), 76–82. Retrieved from https://ijabe.migration.pkpps03.publicknowledgeproject.org/index.php/ijabe/article/view/92

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 3 (2009): IJABE

Section

Agro-product and Food Processing Systems

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