Experimental and Simulated Performances of a Batch-Type Longan Dryer with Air Flow Reversal Using Biomass Burner as a Heat Source

This article presents experimental performance of a batch-type longan dryer using a biomass burner with air flow reversal and also presents modeling of the longan dryer for drying of whole longan. The dryer essentially consists of a biomass burner and a drying bin with an arrangement for periodic air flow reversal. Three drying runs with loading capacity of 2,000, 1,500, and 1,000 kg of whole longan were carried out. There was no significant difference in temperatures in different positions (except inlet and outlet) inside the dryer (p < 0.05) or moisture content inside the dryer (p < 0.05). Whole longan was dried from an initial moisture content of 74% (wb) to a final moisture content of 14% (wb). The drying…