Parametric Optimization of Fluidized Bed Dryer by Taguchi Method: Drying Kinetics of Ragi

Abstract This experimental study emphases on the assessment of the physicochemical properties of a long-term cereal Ragi (Eleusine coracana), using standard analytical methods. The main objective is to estimate their moisture content. The drying properties of these materials studied using a fluid bed dryer to estimate and evaluate parameters by Taguchi L9 (3x3) method. In addition, the fluid bed dryer is a proven and tested dryer to estimate the moisture rate in grains. In this regard an investigative model is necessary to gain insights into the factors influence on fluid bed dryer. This experimental investigation attentive on the influence of operating factors such as drying medium (air) air velocity, temperature, and solid holdup. Taguchi design technique with L9 (3x3) array settings was used. For the least number of experimental cycles with the required process factors, the L9 orthogonal array method was prepared the SN Ratio and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) analysis tools. Significant control factors for moisture ratio and, necessary for designers and users of fluid bed dryers, have been identified. ANOVA was performed at a 95% confidence level and a 5% significance level. F values (F>P) indicate the significance level of the control factors. The solid holdup parameter with the largest percentage contribution (76.66 %), followed by the factor air velocity (21.20%), are significant parameters, while the factor temperature (2.08 %) is insignificant for Moisture ratio (MR)