A STUDY ON DRYING AND AERATION OF RICE AND OTHER AGRICULTURAL CROP DURING STORAGE PERIOD Linear Air Flow Resistance of Rice and Sunflower Grains

Abstract

The predicting of the static pressure drop when a fluid flows through beds of grains and seeds has been given a great deal of interest for many years. This is due to the fact that engineering information and data are required to make the right decision to choose fans or blowers as well as the proper systems for storage, drying, aeration and cooling of grains and seeds. In addition to, the energy requirements ofthe system could be calculated for any proposed operating conditions.

The objectives of the present study are:

1- To study some of important physical properties of rough and white rice grains (varieties: Sakha 101 and Giza 178) and sunflower seeds (variety: Vidoc). 2- To study the effect of airflow rate (eight levels ranged from 581 to

987 m3/h.m2) and bulk density [four levels ranged from 559 to 605 kg/m3 for rough rice (Salcha 101) at moisture content of 12.82% (w.b.), from 542 to 588 kg/m3 for rough rice (Giza 178) at moisture content of 12.59% (w.b.), from 839 to 880 kg/m3 for white rice (Sakha 101) at moisture content of 13.21% (w.b.) and from 826 to 867 kg/m3 for white rice (Giza 178) at moisture content of 13.07% (w.b.)] on the static pressure drop in beds of rough rice and white rice grains. 3- To assess the relative differences in the resistance to airflow between rough and white rice grains at the same level of airflow rate and approximately the same level of moisture content. 4- To study the effect of airflow rate (eight levels ranged from 581 to

987 m3/h.m2), bulk density (four levels ranged from 393 to 446 kg/m3 ) and moisture content (four levels ranged from 7.5 to 18.5%, wet basis) on the static pressure drop in beds of sunflower seeds.