Prediction of Moisture Content Evolution in a Grain Batch Dryer Based on On–line Temperature Measurements

ABSTRACT

The time evolution of the moisture content in a grain batch fluidized bed dryer is estimated by means of an on–line non–linear estimator (Marquardt–Levenberg algorithm). The inputs to the estimation algorithm are on–line temperature measurements and the output is the surface moisture content. The surface moisture content is used for predicting the grain moisture content through the solution of a single ordinary differential equation that combines the moisture and energy balances over the dryer. In this way the drying curves are obtained through incorporating in a very simple model easily obtainable physical information of the process.

Keywords and Phrases::

• estimation of surface moisture
• fluidized bed
• grain drying.