Modeling High‐Moisture Faba Bean Drying in Fixed and Semi‐Fluidized Bed Conditions

Thin‐layer drying of high‐moisture faba beans with initial moisture content of 4.39 (d.b.) in fixed and semi‐fluidized bed was studied. Air temperatures of 40, 50, 60 and 70C at fixed and semi‐fluidized bed conditions were applied. Statistical indices showed that the Aghbashlo et al . model was the best for prediction of faba bean‐drying kinetics. Moisture diffusivity values for the first and second falling rate drying were between 3.04 × 10 −9 –9.62 × 10 −9  m 2 /s and 6.32 × 10 −9 –2.64 × 10 −8  m 2 /s, respectively. Maximum values of moisture diffusivity belonged to semi‐fluidized bed condition. Activation energy values were calculated between 21.68 and 27.42 kJ/mol for temperature boundary of 40–70C, and drying conditions of fixed to semi‐fluidized bed, respectively. Specific energy consumption values were computed in the range of 13.36 × 10 6 –64.30 × 10 6  kJ/kg from 40 to 70C with drying condition of fixed and semi‐fluidized bed, respectively. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The empirical equations of moisture diffusivity, activation energy and specific energy consumption are suggested to use in the computation of these property values of faba beans while the obtained equations are essential to compute the mass transfer and energy required during simulation of high‐moisture faba bean drying. High‐moisture drying curves were obtained in two falling periods. If empirical models of drying parameters in two falling periods are developed using experimental data of faba bean, the models developed can be used to more accurately predict the drying time and energy consumption using computer and can also be used to select the best operational point in the drying process and to more accurately to model and simulate the drying and storage of faba bean.