A one-step non-isothermal method for the determination of effective moisture diffusivity in powdered biomass

The effective moisture diffusivity (D-eff) is an important drying parameter. D-eff is usually calculated using a traditional two-step isothermal method. The current study presents a one-step non-isothermal method as a promising alternative for determining D-eff of biomass particles. Non-isothermal drying experiments were performed at various heating rates (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 degrees C min (1)) from room temperature to 100 degrees C. Isothermal drying experiments were also performed to obtain D-eff at five temperatures (50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 degrees C) for comparison. All experiments were conducted using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) due to its precise temperature control capability and accurate recording of mass loss. Thermal lag was significantly reduced under non-isothermal conditions, and the values obtained by the one-step non-isothermal method were in agreement with those obtained by isothermal procedures. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.