Abstract

ARIAS BARRETO, A; ABALONE, R  and  GASTON, A. Mathematical modelling of momentum, heat and mass transfer in grains stored in silos: Part I: model development and validation. Lat. Am. appl. res. [online]. 2013, vol.43, n.4, pp. 377-384. ISSN 1851-8796.

A bidimensional finite element model that predicts temperature distribution, moisture migration and natural convection currents in stored grain is described. Validation was performed by comparing predicted and measured variables under laboratory conditions in corn and wheat. On average, standard errors were at most 1.7oC for temperature and 0.69 %w.b for moisture content. The sensitivity of the solution to variations in grain hygroscopic properties and to election of a sorption isotherm equation was examined. For a given temperature gradient, moisture migration was higher in soybean than in corn and wheat. As result of hygroscopic properties and permeability of grain, wheat exhibited the highest resistance to moisture migration

Keywords : Grain Storage; Numerical Modelling; Natural Convection; Heat And Mass Transfer.