Dynamic equilibrium moisture content for grain drying

For analysis of thin-layer drying data, equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of grains is needed. Two methods to assess equilibrium moisture content values, one based on sorption data (static EMC, Me-s) and the other based on non-linear regression of thin-layer drying data (dynamic EMC, Me-d), were investigated for application to the drying of corn and rough rice. The Me-d values were different from Me-s values in the high and low RH ranges. The fitting of thin-layer drying equations for corn kernels and rough rice was improved by adopting the Me-d parameter. Validation of the Me-d concept on other grains needs to be done and relationships among Me-d and other factors need to be established.