Steady-state investigation of desiccant drying system for agricultural applications

Present study provides the applicability of desiccant drying system (DDS) for the drying of cereals grain at low temperature and lower humidity. The performance of two drying approaches with two desiccant materials i.e. silica gel and lithium chloride (LiCl) have been analyzed by a desiccant dehumidification model available in literature. Two desiccant drying cases discussed are: Case-I, latent load control effect, Case-II both latent and sensible load control effect. Case-I approach seems more effective towards the drying of delicate and temperature sensitive agricultural product like seeds. However, results showed that Case-II gives more economical and energy saving drying solution for the commercial purpose drying. Regarding the appropriate desiccant material used, LiCl is appropriate choice for Case-I and silica gel is appropriate choice for Case-II.