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ABSTRACT
An analysis of convective drying of natural rubber in granule form. Exploitation of the mathematical model developed from analysis of internal transfers requires determination of the ‘drying rate’ and the ‘energy exchange coefficient’ between the material and the drying air. This was performed using a portable laboratory drier at the production site, avoiding the problem of changes in the material during transport. Analysis of the drying kinetics of material in thin layers led to modelling the drying rate at the temperatures, rates and relative humidity values encountered in industrial driers. The energy exchange coefficient was found by measurement of air and granule temperatures. Thick layer trials showed the suitability of the model for simulation of changes in moisture content and temperature of air and granules in a granular environment. The study as a whole led to the development of a computer program for simulating a zone drier. This software can be used to optimise the management of an industrial natural rubber drying installation.