A Three Dimensional Model for Heat and Mass Transfer in Convective Wood Drying

Abstract

A three-dimensional model is proposed to describe the heat and mass transport process in drying of wood. The model is based on conservation of mass and energy and uses constant parameters obtained by comparing experimental data with numerical results. The model uses parameter values from literature. Experimental results obtained for temperature profiles during drying of a block of beech wood are compared with the model results. Satisfactory agreement is obtained over a range of drying air temperatures and velocities.

Keywords:

• Beech
• Moisture profiles
• Numerical method
• Temperature profiles
• Transfer coefficients

Acknowledgments

The experimental part of this work was supported by the Ministry of Science, Technologies and Development, Republic of Serbia. The title of the project is: Improvement of current state and development of laminated wood in furniture and kitchen elements (under contract BTP.5.06.0523.B).