AVALIAÇÃO DA EFICIÊNCIA DE SECAGEM DE GRÃOS DE SOJA EM SECADORES DE FLUXO CRUZADO E MISTO

Abstract

Post-harvest processes are essential to ensure the quality and preservation of grains. The drying stage is particularly vital as it reduces the moisture content in the grains, preventing their deterioration during storage. This stage can be carried out naturally or artificially, with artificial drying being further subdivided into low and high-temperature drying, the latter performed by equipment known as dryers. There are various types of dryers, each operating in a specific manner and delivering results according to their characteristics. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the drying efficiency of soybeans in cross-flow and mixed-flow dryers. The study was conducted in a completely randomized design with split plots and three replications, consisting of the following treatments: Dryers (KW and GSI); Days (January 8, 14, 15, and 17); Temperature (80°C, 90°C, and 100°C); and Period (Early Morning, Afternoon, and Night). Regarding drying efficiency for the evaluated days, the cross-flow dryer achieved an average moisture removal of 6.25%, while the mixed-flow dryer obtained an average of 4.88%. As for the drying period and temperature, the cross-flow dryer showed an efficiency of 5.75%, compared to 4.425% for the mixed-flow dryer. Therefore, it was possible to verify that the cross-flow dryer demonstrated greater drying efficiency in all evaluations. This opens the possibility for future research on the energy efficiency and environmental impact of the evaluated equipment.