Comprehensive energy analysis and environmental sustainability of industrial grain drying

Grain processing industries are concerned for energy -efficient suitable dryer with consistent environmental sustainability. The sole aim of this review was comprehensive energy analysis for typical industrial grain dryers. Comparative energy analysis of the industrial grain dryer was examined by specific energy consumption, energy efficiency, energy loss factor and drying efficiency. Energy and exergy analysis of the dryer were calculated based on analytical energy equation. Potential pretreatments like ultrasound, infrared, microwave and cold plasma were also focused for proficient energy management. Besides, novel approaches (catalytic treatment) were analyzed for reducing emission to obtain cleaner production and environmental sustainability in grain drying. Energy efficiency ranged between 26.3 % (rotary dryer) and 80 % (mixed flow dryer); and drying efficiency for mixed flow dryer was lower (12 %) while higher value was noticed for convection dryer (57 %). The electrical energy value was lower (0.29 MJ/kg H 2 O removed) for the fluidized bed dryer and higher for the rotary dryer (17.41 MJ/kg H 2 O removed). Specific thermal energy consumption was lower (0.45 - 0.75 MJ/kg H 2 O removed) for microwave dryers while higher value was noticed for rotary dryers (11.5 - 36.44 MJ/kg water removed). Application of pretreatment on grain drying anticipates lower unit energy consumption, higher energy as well as drying efficiency and leading quality of the dehydrated grain with ensuring lower environmental impact and higher sustainability. The systematic ideas and knowledge provided in this study will be helpful for efficient energy management in the grain drying field.