Title:
Experimental Determination of Moisture Diffusivity of Aspen (Populus Tremuloides)
Author(s):
He, X., Lau, A.K., Sokhansanj, S, Lim, C.J., Bi, X.T., Melin, S.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
Aspen is one of the readily available biomass sources. Its high moisture content makes it difficult to handle, and increases the cost of transport and pelletizing. Drying is usually applied before storage or other operations to reduce the moisture content of biomass to a safe and manageable level. Moisture migration in wood can significantly affect the drying process. The drying behaviour of Aspen was modeled on the basis of Fick's second law that governs mass diffusion in porous media. Data collected from the drying experiment were used to determine the moisture diffusion coefficient (effective diffusivity) through parameter estimation. Results showed that the diffusion 2 h¬1 coefficient of Aspen varied from 1.4×10¬7 to 1.2×10¬6 m within the temperature range of 20¬70oC. The diffusion coefficient exhibited a trend that follows Arrhenius equation with respect to temperature. The activation energy for moisture diffusion was found to have a moderate value of 32.2 kJ/mol. Eventually, the mathematical model may be applied to predict the dynamics of moisture movement, and provide the relevant data and guidelines for expediting the natural drying process. For artificial high¬temperature drying, the model may assist in terminating the drying process in a timely manner, with an aim to conserve energy consumption.
Keywords:
biomass, drying, modelling, moisture, characteristics
Topic:
Biomass Resources
Subtopic:
Biomass feedstock, residues and by-products
Event:
20th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1BV.1.30
Pages:
326 - 329
ISBN:
978-88-89407-54-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/20thEUBCE2012-1BV.1.30
Price:
FREE
