Modeled dryer using an automatic control system for agricultural products

Abstract

ABSTRACT.

A laboratory Model Dryer fully automated was fabricated for monitoring and controlling of drying process of agricultural products. Instrumentations were installed for monitoring rate of moisture remover using Aluminum Load Cell, and was interfaced to a personal computer at an interval of 30 seconds. A voltage/frequency AC motor speed controller for air flow rate, temperature controller K - type, model WRX – 31 and K-type thermocouples for monitoring the temperature at 8 different points on the sample tray which were later logged into the personal computer via the TC-08 Thermocouple Data Logger. Result of the evaluation of the drying   kinetics of Industrial Cassava mash shows that the system allowed the dryer to operate at a constant temperature with desired drying airflow and also provided full control of the temperature and drying airflow in a wide range. It also gave room for computerized real-time automatic control system in order to retain quality. The automatic control system was reliable and of easy implementation and maintenance.