ABSTRACT
This study consisted of designing and building an experimental dryer that allows working with different temperatures and velocities of the air, aiming to perform studies on thin- and thick-layer drying of agricultural products. The project was divided into three stages: heat source designing, dryer geometric parameters, and fan selection to meet operational demand. Heating was made by a set of six electrical resistances totaling 12 kW and the drying bed in thin layer was composed of two trays with diameter of 0.20 m. Operational demands were met using a centrifugal fan with a power rating of 735.5 W. The used methodology was able to size the experimental dryers for thin- and thick-layer drying working at distinct temperatures and air velocities.
thin layer; electrical resistance; temperature; air velocity
