Development and testing of a laboratory batch dryer

Abstract

A laboratory batch dryer incorporating a heating element of 1.5 kw, with a centrifugal fan to produce and supply the heated air needed in the cylindrical drying compartment was designed and constructed. A manual weighing scale of 250 g capacity was hung from the top and carries the scale pan inside the drying chamber. A worm and wheel mechanism was connected to the shaft of the electric motor driving the fan to measure the flow rate of the heated air. A thermocouple was also incorporated for accurate temperature measurement. The dryer was used to dry some food materials such as plantain, yam and cassava chips. The results obtained showed that the dryer is effective and compares well with imported types.

Keywords: Batch dryer, laboratory, heating element, centrifugal fan, drying chamber

International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences, 6(1): 16-22, 2010