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APPLYING THE DRYING CURVE TO YOUR DRYING PROCESS
THE LEVELS OF INITIAL DRYING RATES ALSO MAY ENHANCE AND MODIFY THE QUALITY OF THE FINAL PRODUCT.
As I explained in my column last month, the initial and constant drying rates may affect the falling rate and offer benefits or advantages as well as limitations. Most commonly, the elapsed time for this falling rate period is frequently directly dependent on the drying criteria achieved during the constant rate period. That is, if materials are dried rapidly in the high moisture range, they may continue to dry relatively quickly in the low moisture range. This can be attributed to the formation of a porous structure (capillaries), which favors more rapid diffusion and increases the exposed surface area of the product.
The levels of initial drying rates also may enhance and...