Response Surface Approach to Modeling and Optimization of Airflow Resistance through a Dry Bed of Bambara Nuts (VignaSubterranes (L) Verdc)
Abstract
Drying is essential to prolong storage life of crops. This study is carried out to provide design information for developing a Bambara nut dryer. Bambara nuts samples were condition to 6, 8, 10 and 12% db. Pressure drops along depth of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1m were obtained using a constructed aerodynamic apparatus. Airflow resistances at these depths were calculated for airflow rates of 0.025, 0.035, 0.045, and 0.055m3/s. I – Optimal response surface design was use to model and optimize the airflow resistance. Reduces quadratic model was selected among other models to be the best for modeling and optimizing airflow resistance of Bambara nuts. This study shows that airflow rate, bed depth, packing type and moisture content all influence airflow resistance of Bambara nuts. Optimize airflow resistance values for drying Bambara nuts within and outside the experimental design space were obtained. Cube plots for dryer designers were established for Bambara nuts.
