Instructions for use: compute "k" based on previous drying runs. Use the "Compute k" button after entering the top four fields. The "drying volume" is the volume of heated portion of the drying system. To find the feedrate for new initial or final moisture conditions, change the first two fields and press the "Compute feedrate" button.

Since the drying model uses two parameters you need two known operating points in order to solve the k and n parameters. A rough starting guess for n is 1. You also need to estimate the equalibrium moisture content for the grain you are drying at the conditions of the drying air stream. For fuel based drying, the air temperature is high and the relative humidity is low and so the equalibrium moisture is also low. Using something like 2% could be a reasonable guess.

Calculations are based on Page's equation for thin layer drying. See the background page for more details on the model. Comments to the webmaster.