Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the drying kinetics and energy efficiency of a combined microwave/rotating pulsed fluidized bed (MW/RPFB) dryer to dry particles of poly-hydroxybutirate (PHB). In order to analyze the effects of microwaves and hot air conditions on the drying kinetics of PHB and energy efficiency, an experimental design technique was applied. Drying energy efficiencies were in the range of 12–30%, and an estimated value of 10.5% was found for pure convective drying of PHB in an RPFB with the same final moisture content.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors acknowledge the financial support of FAPESP for this work. Thanks are also due to BIOCYCLE for supplying samples of PHB.