Prediction of drying times for irregular shaped multi-dimensional moist solids

In this paper, we deal with development of a new analytical model for predicting drying times of irregular shaped multi-dimensional moist solids. Irregular products are approximated by representative elliptical cylinder and ellipsoid for two- and three-dimensional shapes, respectively. Using the experimental drying parameters that are available from the literature, drying times of irregular, multi-dimensional products are determined through the present models. In this regard, geometric shape factors for elliptic cylinder and ellipsoid are employed and based on the reference drying time for an infinite slab geometry. In addition, the present models are verified through comparison with experimental drying times of several food products. The accuracy of the predictions using the present models is then discussed.