Investigation of Heat and Moisture Effects in Silos Containing Agricultural Bulk Solids

• Published in: Particle & particle systems characterization 2007-11, Vol.24 (4-5), p.284-290
• Main Authors: Prusiel, Jolanta A., Lapko, Andrzej
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: concrete silo wall; heat transfer; moisture; mustard seeds
• ISSN: 0934-0866; 1521-4117
• DOI: 10.1002/ppsc.200701119

This paper presents the results of experimental and theoretical analyses concerning thermal and moisture effects on a model cylindrical silo. The experimental studies were conducted on a thin‐walled cylindrical silo model bin of diameter 800 mm and total depth 2500 mm, filled with mustard seeds. For the purposes of modeling thermal changes in the particles, the external surface of the model silo bin was exposed to heating by electrical wires and then allowed to cool naturally, before filling the bin. The experimental results were compared with the numerical simulation results performed on the basis of equations of coupled heat and moisture transfer in the particulate solid and concrete wall, with the use of experimentally determined bulk solid properties. The transport of heat and moisture in a model cylindrical silo is addressed in this paper both, theoretically and experimentally. The experimental studies were conducted on a thin‐walled silo model bin filled with mustard seeds using external heating and subsequent natural cooling. Numerical simulations were obtained solving for the coupled heat and moisture transfer in the particulate solid and concrete wall. A comparison of simulations with experimental results shows good agreement.