Modeling of Wood Particle Drying by Superheated Steam

Abstract

In this study, an experimental investigation of the superheated steam drying behavior of
individual wood particles at high temperatures (i.e. 120°C, 140°C, 160°C, and 180°C) is conducted
utilizing a magnetic suspension balancing system. A coupled heat and mass transfer drying model is built
to explain the experimental drying behavior. While other thermo-physical characteristics are assessed, an
inverse analysis is used to calculate the moisture diffusivity in the wood particles. The moisture transport
in the particles is described by two different forms of effective diffusivities: moisture-dependent effective
diffusivity and temperature-dependent effective diffusivity. Utilizing the finite volume element approach,
this mathematical model is built and resolved. The experimental findings serve as a standard for the
numerical results using temperature-dependent effective diffusivity and moisture-dependent effective
diffusivity. It suggests that