Abstract
This study was performed to develop a simulation model of circulating concurrent-flow rice dryer. The simulation model consists of drying model, tempering model and crack prediction model. The drying and tempering models were developed based on mathematical analysis, and the crack prediction model was developed by thin layer drying tests. Rice drying tests were done with three replications by use of a pilot scale dryer of holding capacity of 700 kg. Experimental values for moisture content, rice temperature, rice crack, and drying energy were compared with predicted values by simulation model. The RMSEs of predicted moisture contents were ranged from 0.5807% (d.b.) to 1.1951% (d.b.). and the coefficients of determination were 0.9688 to 0.9812. The RMSEs of predicted rice temperatures at the exit of the drying chamber were 1.83 to $3.81^{\circ}C$ and the coefficients of determination were 0.8834 to 0.9482. The results for moisture contents and rice temperatures showed very good relationships between predicted values and experimental values. The RMSEs of predicted value of crack ratio were 0.4082 to 0.7967% and the coefficients of determination were 0.8742 to 0.9547.
