MICROWAVE DRYING OF CORN SEEDS: EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON DRYING TIME, ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND GERMINATION RATE

In this work, the microwave drying of corn seeds at different temperatures has been studied. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of the temperature on drying time, energy consumption and the germination rate of corn seeds after drying with microwave energy. The tests were performed in a domestic microwave oven at three drying temperatures (35, 55 and 75 degrees C). It was observed that an increase in the drying temperature causes a simultaneous decrease in drying time (similar to 78%) and in the consumption of energy (similar to 79%) required to dry the seeds. However, there is also an unacceptable decrease (similar to 87%) in the germination rate of the seeds with the drying temperature. In order to increase the germination rates of corn seeds, after the drying process, it is necessary to employ drying temperatures between 35 and 50 degrees C.