Energy differences in a grass mixture drying

Abstract

To understand the energy differences in the drying process of a mixture of grasses, in which the tissue dries at different rates, an analysis of the Isotherm Curves, Drying Curves, Vaporizing enthalpy and Latent Heat of Ryegrass and White Clover was made.  Data of Equilibrium Moisture Content was obtained from literature and drying curves were developed in the drying lab.  In general, White Clover Leaves dries first and the White Clover Stems slowest.  The Isotherm Curves of the parts of the ryegrass was similar, but not the White Clover parts.  Drying curves are different for every part in each temperature, but for all the plants and plant parts the drying is similar at 75 and 60℃.  Vaporization Enthalpy is very similar for the two plants and plant parts, for almost all the Moisture Contents.  The heat of vaporization during the drying was calculated; Ryegrass needs more heat for evaporating water than the White Clover parts.

Keywords: grass drying energy, isotherms, vapour enthalpy, grass mixture drying