Using Microwave Sensing to Investigate Kernel Moisture Content at the Front and Back of Semitrailers during Peanut Drying

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 611-617 ◽  
Author(s):  
Micah A. Lewis ◽  
Samir Trabelsi ◽  
Stuart O. Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Real Time ◽  
The Other ◽  
Moisture Loss ◽  
Monitoring Systems ◽  
Moisture Profile ◽  
Drying Time ◽  
Moisture Sensor ◽  
M 10 ◽  
Drying Efficiency

Abstract. Several factors influence the effectiveness of peanut drying. Such factors include temperature and relative humidity of the air used for aeration, air velocity through the peanuts, and the presence of foreign material that could obstruct air flow. All of these factors can vary at any location in a semitrailer holding 20 to 25 tons of peanuts being dried. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that a volume of peanuts >71 m3 (2500 ft3) will dry uniformly. During the drying process, an operator removes samples of peanuts for kernel moisture content testing every 3 to 4 h to validate the estimated drying time determined by peanut-drying models used in the peanut industry. However, if samples are only taken from one location, it is likely that other locations differ in kernel moisture content. To investigate kernel moisture content near the front and back of the semitrailer, two peanut drying monitoring systems, each equipped with a microwave moisture sensor, were deployed at a peanut buying point in central Georgia during the 2014 and 2015 peanut harvest seasons. Each system monitored in-shell kernel moisture content and drying parameters in real-time, every 12 s. In-shell kernel moisture content was determined with a standard error of prediction of 0.55% moisture when compared to the reference oven-drying moisture tests. The two monitoring systems were placed in 13.7-m (45-ft) drying semitrailers, one 3 m (10 ft) from the front and the other 3 m (10 ft) from the back. Data from the measurements were time-stamped and reconciled accordingly, and they were analyzed to compare the moisture loss in real-time at both locations in the trailer. The 12-s resolution provided a continuous moisture profile to analyze rather than the discrete profile currently provided by sampling every few hours. Results show that moisture loss, and therefore resulting kernel moisture content, can vary from one end of the trailer to the other during peanut drying. Therefore, systems that monitor peanut drying at various locations throughout the semitrailer would improve peanut drying efficiency. Keywords: Dielectric properties, In-shell kernel moisture content, Microwave sensing, Peanut drying, Real-time monitoring, Sensors.

Estimating Energy Costs of Nonbeneficial Dryer Operation by Using a Peanut Drying Monitoring System

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 491-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Micah A. Lewis ◽  
Samir Trabelsi ◽  
Stuart O. Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Monitoring System ◽  
Electric Energy ◽  
Monitoring Systems ◽  
Moisture Sensor ◽  
M 10 ◽  
Average Size ◽  
Moisture Content Determination

Abstract. Knowledge of kernel moisture content during peanut drying is important to ensure that the bed of peanuts is dried appropriately. However, the lack of a commercially available, industry-accepted solution for real-time kernel moisture content determination during peanut drying makes its detection cumbersome and laborious. Samples of unshelled peanuts are extracted from the semitrailer by an operator periodically, and the samples have to be cleaned and shelled to determine kernel moisture content with the official meter. A peanut drying monitoring system that includes a microwave kernel moisture sensor, developed within the USDA ARS, provides a means for monitoring in-shell kernel moisture content in real-time. The system determines kernel moisture content with a standard error of prediction (SEP) of 0.55% moisture content when compared to the reference oven-drying method. During recent peanut harvest seasons, peanut drying monitoring systems were placed in 13.7-m (45-ft) drying semitrailers, one 3 m (10 ft) from the front of the trailer and the other 3 m (10 ft) from the back of the trailer. As the peanuts dried, pod and kernel moisture content, temperature of the drying peanuts, temperature and relative humidity of the air exhausted from the peanuts, and temperature and relative humidity of the air being blown into the peanuts were measured every 12 seconds. The continuous data, provided by the monitoring systems, were useful in observing the loss of moisture by the peanuts throughout drying. The data also revealed periods of at least 3 hours during which dryer operation did not result in loss of moisture from the peanuts; thus, identifying nonbeneficial dryer operation. Such periods cause a peanut buying point to accumulate unnecessary expenses for propane and/or electric energy which can total up to $3,250 annually for an average-size buying point. Keywords: Dielectric properties, Energy cost, In-shell kernel moisture content, Microwave sensing, Peanut drying, Real-time monitoring, Sensors.

scholarly journals Unjuk Kerja Pengering Tenaga Surya Tipe Efek Rumah Kaca Untuk Pengeringan Cabai Dengan Perlakuan Low Temperature Long Time Blanching

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 42-58
Author(s):  
Andi Muhammad Irfan ◽  
Arimansyah Arimansyah ◽  
A. Ramli Rasyid ◽  
Nunik Lestari
Keyword(s):  
Low Temperature ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Greenhouse Effect ◽  
The Other ◽  
Final Moisture Content ◽  
Drying Rate ◽  
Drying Time ◽  
Solar Dryer ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Drying Efficiency

Abstrak. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji unjuk kerja pengering tenaga surya tipe efek rumah kaca pada pengeringan cabai dengan perlakuan low temperature long time (LTLT) blanching. Selain itu, pada penelitian ini juga dilakukan kajian mengenai karakteristik pengeringan cabai yang dipengaruhi oleh perlakuan LTLT blanching, terutama pada kadar air, laju pengeringan, kecepatan pengeringan, dan kualitas warna. Pengujian dilakukan dengan cara mengeringkan cabai merah dengan pretreatment LTLT blanching yang dikombinasikan dengan perlakuan merotasikan rak pengering (R) dan tanpa merotasikan rak pengering (TR). Sebagai kontrol adalah cabai yang dikeringkan tanpa blanching dan tanpa merotasikan rak pengering (K). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perlakuan LTLT blanching yang dikombinasikan dengan merotasikan rak pengering (R) merupakan perlakuan yang terbaik, dengan kadar air akhir cabai kering sebesar 9,82% dan sesuai dengan standar SNI. Waktu pengeringan yang dibutuhkan adalah selama 5 hari. Warna cabai kering yang dihasilkan adalah yang terbaik dari dua perlakuan lainnya, dengan nilai L*, a*, dan b* untuk setelah proses LTLT blanching (sebelum proses pengeringan) dan setelah pengeringan berakhir (cabai kering) berturut-turut adalah 36,02, 38,22, 13,62, dan 32,44, 33,89, dan 10,19. Energi yang terpakai untuk pengeringan cabai adalah sebesar 596181 kJ. Perlakuan R ini juga menghasilkan efisiensi pengeringan terbaik, yaitu sebesar 34,01%.Performance of Green House Effect Type Solar Dryer in the Chillies Drying with Low Temperature Long Time Blanching TreatmentAbstract. This study aims to examine the performance of the greenhouse effect type solar dryer on drying chillies with low temperature long time (LTLT) blanching treatment. In addition, a study was also conducted on the characteristics of drying chillies and the final product affected by LTLT blanching treatment, especially in terms of moisture content, drying rate, drying speed, and color. Testing was performed by drying red chilli with LTLT blanching treatment, which was combined with the treatment of rotating dryer rack (R) and without rotating dryer rack (TR). As a control, chillies were dried without blanching treatment and without rotating dryer rack (K). The results show that the LTLT blanching treatment combined with rotating the drying rack (R) is the best treatment, with a final moisture content of 9.82% which is in accordance with SNI standards. The drying time needed is 5 days. The dried chilli color produced is the best of the other treatments, with values of L*, a*, and b* for after the LTLT blanching process and after drying ended, respectively 36.02, 38.22, 13.62, and 32.44, 33.89, 10.19. The energy used for drying chillies is 596181 kJ. This R treatment also produces the best drying efficiency, which is 34.01%.

scholarly journals 955 PB 455 EVALUATION OF WINTER PROTECTION STRATEGIES FOR RED RASPBERRY CANES

HortScience ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 570e-570
Author(s):  
Kerrie B. Badertscher ◽  
Harrison G. Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Electrolyte Leakage ◽  
Relative Survival ◽  
The Other ◽  
Moisture Loss ◽  
Red Raspberry ◽  
Cold Temperatures ◽  
Relative Moisture ◽  
Protection Strategies ◽  
Extreme Cold

Renewed interest in red raspberry production in Colorado has been limited by winter kill of canes. Winter kill in Colorado may be the result of extreme cold temperatures, desiccation, or a combination of the two. We are evaluating winter protection strategies to increase survival and to better understand the winter stress of raspberries. The four (4) cane treatments of red raspberry, Rubus ideaus L. cv. Heritage, used were (1) canes bent and wrapped with plastic; (2) canes bent and mulched with hay and soil; (3) canes upright with anti-desiccant spray; (4) a control of canes upright without protection. Moisture content and electrolyte leakage were evaluated at intervals. Relative moisture loss was greatest in the control as compared to the other treatments. The terminal sections of the canes exhibited greater moisture loss as compared to basal sections in the control with a similar trend in the other treatments. Relative survival as indicated by electrolyte leakage was monitored and will be correlated with moisture loss.

Thin-Layer Mathematical Modeling of Turmeric in Indirect Natural Conventional Solar Dryer

2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Masnaji R. Nukulwar ◽  
Vinod B. Tungikar
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Modeling ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Thin Layer ◽  
Air Velocity ◽  
Drying Time ◽  
Sun Drying ◽  
Solar Dryer ◽  
Air Temperatures ◽  
Drying Efficiency ◽  
Kinetics Of

Abstract The objective of this study is to find an optimized thin-layer mathematical model suitable for drying kinetics of turmeric. Turmeric has a high moisture content which necessitates effective drying. A 10 kg, sample batch, of turmeric was dried in a solar dryer. Drying air temperatures and air velocity were observed in the range of 55 °C–68 °C and 0.7 m/s–1.4 m/s, respectively, in the drying experiments. It is seen that the moisture content of the turmeric is reduced from 77% to 11.93% in 22 h when compared with open sun drying, which required 60 h for the same reduction in the moisture content. Scheffler dish was used to generate steam for the dryer. Seven thin-layer mathematical models, cited in the literature, had been used for the study. These models were applied for different trays placed in the dryer. The result of the research and experimentation showed that the Page model fits best for drying in the steam-based dryer and open sun drying. Experimental results showed 63.33% saving in drying time, and the drying efficiency was found as 29.85%. Uncertainty in the drying efficiency was observed as 0.67%. Experimental investigation and the findings from the mathematical modeling are presented in this paper.

Customizable Multipurpose Nodes Based on Internet of Things for Various Applications

2020 ◽  
pp. 68-86
Author(s):  
Shubham Tiwana ◽  
Vaibhav Mathur ◽  
Sushabhan Choudhury
Keyword(s):  
Internet Of Things ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Environmental Parameter ◽  
The Other ◽  
Monitoring Systems ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Compact Size ◽  
Human Effort ◽  
Electronic Sensors ◽  
Entire Network

It is a common saying that science is just a philosophy without precise engineering. Available monitoring systems for real-time monitoring of space, goods, or life stocks are either too complex or too costly for the majority of the population to operate so users have to revert back to visual inspection, which results in increased human effort. The proposed model works on internet of things-based technology for more accurate and secure real-time-based monitoring made accessible to the general public. Each node primarily contains an entire network of electronic sensors to measure the environmental parameter. Due to its compact size, this device is capable of deployment over remote areas. Older modules were mostly manual and could only be engaged for a singular task, but the proposed network of nodes is fully customizable and with minor changes can be used for a task that is entirely different from the other.

Performance Comparison of Three Density-Independent Calibration Functions for Microwave Moisture Sensing in Unshelled Peanuts during Drying

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 667-672
Author(s):  
Micah A. Lewis ◽  
Samir Trabelsi
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Complex Permittivity ◽  
Free Space ◽  
Calibration Function ◽  
Moisture Sensor ◽  
Content Determination ◽  
Transmission Measurements ◽  
Independent Calibration ◽  
Moisture Content Determination

HighlightsReal-time, free-space transmission measurements of relative complex permittivity in unshelled peanuts during dryingDynamic application: temperature, density and moisture content changing during dryingThree density-independent calibration functions evaluated for accuracy in real-time moisture content determinationReal-time moisture content determination with standard error of performance (SEP) = 0.55% moisture content for all calibration functionsCalibration function most commonly used with microwave moisture sensor was determined to be most accurate; SEP = 0.448% moisture contentAbstract. A microwave moisture sensor, developed within USDA ARS, has been used to determine moisture content in unshelled peanuts during drying. Relative complex permittivities of the peanuts obtained from free-space transmission measurements at 5.8 GHz are used for the moisture determination. Due to variations in density caused by drying, it is advantageous to estimate moisture content independent of bulk density. Therefore, moisture content was estimated with three density-independent calibration functions to assess which one provided optimal accuracy. One of the functions is based on the measured attenuation and phase shift, and the other two are permittivity based (one of which is commonly used with the microwave moisture sensor). The sensor was calibrated for peanut pod moisture content determination over a temperature range of 10°C to 40°C and a moisture content range of 6.5% to 19% wet basis (w.b.). Statistical analysis showed high coefficients of determination (r2), = 0.97 for the calibration with each function. Peanut pod moisture content was determined with the sensor in real-time as peanuts dried, and estimated moisture content was compared to the reference oven drying method. While the standard error of performance (SEP) for the three functions was = 0.55% moisture content, the calibration function most commonly used with the microwave sensor was observed to be the most accurate (SEP = 0.448% moisture content). Microwave sensing is a viable solution for nondestructive, real-time determination of moisture content in peanuts in dynamic situations such as drying. Keywords: Complex permittivity, Dielectric properties, Free-space measurements, Microwave sensing, Moisture content, Peanut drying.

scholarly journals Studies on drying characteristics and techno-economic analysis of sprouted moth beans (Vigna aconitifolia) in solar tunnel dryer

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. M Badgujar ◽  
O. S. Karpe ◽  
S. R. Kalbande
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Economic Analysis ◽  
Initial Moisture Content ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Drying Time ◽  
Sun Drying ◽  
Tunnel Dryer ◽  
Present Worth ◽  
Drying Efficiency

A commercial solar tunnel dryer (STD) was evaluated for drying of sprouted moth beans and also its techno-economic analysis was carried out. The maximum temperature 58ºC was recorded at 13:00h in STD during the drying process i.e. 41.0% (34.2ºC) higher than the maximum ambient temperature at the same time. A total drying time of 13:50h were required in STD to reduce the initial moisture content from 177.7% dry basis (d.b) to a final moisture content of 16.6% (d.b). However, the open sun drying took 16.5 drying hours to obtain desired moisture content. The net present worth and cost-benefit ratio of dryer was Rs.5,83,910.68/- and 1.19, respectively. However, the payback period for STD was 15 month 8 days. The cost economics of dried products were proved better for STD than open sun drying method. STD samples were found to be of good quality in terms of color, taste and aroma as compared to open sun dried (OSD) with an overall drying efficiency of STD was 19.7%. Therefore, the evaluated solar tunnel dryer were recommended for the drying of sprouted moth beans.

scholarly journals Development and testing of a capacitive digital soil moisture sensor with printed circuit board as a probe

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 911-917
Author(s):  
V. Ogwo ◽  
K.N. Ogbu ◽  
C.C. Anyadike ◽  
O.A. Nwoke ◽  
C.C. Mbajiorgu
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Printed Circuit Board ◽  
Soil Moisture Content ◽  
Gravimetric Method ◽  
Circuit Board ◽  
Moisture Sensor ◽  
Printed Circuit ◽  
Soil Moisture Sensor

The quantity and quality of water present in the soil determine to a greater extent the performance of agricultural crops. Real-time determination of moisture content has a greater advantage over the traditional gravimetric method of determining soil moisture content. Thus, this work was based on the design and construction of a cost effective digital capacitive soil moisture sensor for real-time measurement. The moisture sensors comprised four integrated units namely: power supply unit with a 9V DC battery as a power source, sensor unit with a locally sourced Printed Circuit Board (PCB) as the single sensing probe, control unit made up of PIC16f877 microcontroller programmed with a C language and the C source code compiled in Corporate Computer Services Compiler (CSS C) compiler development environment, and a 16x2 display unit which displays the readings in percentage moisture content (%MC) and capacitance (μF) of the soil obtained from the sensor on its screen. Standard gravimetric moisture content was carried out to get the calibration factor which was used to calibrate the sensor for reliability. The validation was done by taking the reprogrammed (calibrated) sensor to the field for further measurement, after which soil samples were collected for further gravimetric analysis. A regression equation was obtained by plotting the moisture content obtained from gravimetric method (%MCG) against that from sensor reading (%MCS) with a high degree correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.998. The developed capacitive soil moisture sensor is cheap, portable, reliable and easy to use even by local farmers. Keywords: Calibration, Capacitive sensor, Printed circuit board, Soil moisture content, Validation.

scholarly journals Development and integration of soil moisture sensor with drip system for precise irrigation scheduling through mobile phone

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 1959-1965 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jitendra Kumar ◽  
Neelam Patel ◽  
T. B. S. Rajput
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Soil Moisture Content ◽  
Irrigation System ◽  
Irrigation Scheduling ◽  
Moisture Sensor ◽  
Soil Moisture Sensor ◽  
Level Sensor

Soil moisture sensor is an instrument for quick measurements of soil moisture content in the crop root zone on real time basis. The main objective of this research was development and evaluation of an indigenous sensor for precise irrigation scheduling. The various parts of sensor developed were ceramic cup, acrylic pipe, level sensor, tee, reducer, gland, cork, and end cap. The designed system was successfully tested on okra crop and calibrated with frequency domain reflectometry (FDR) by three methods of irrigation, i.e. check basin, furrow and drip, respectively. The average depth of water depletion in modified tensiometer by these methods was 27 to 35 cm at 50% management allowable depletion (MAD) of field capacity. This depth was useful for the level sensor to be installed inside modified tensiometer for real time irrigation scheduling. The correlation coefficient (R2) between soil moisture content obtained from the developed sensor and FDR was 0.963. Sensor network was integrated with global system for mobile communication (GSM), short message service (SMS) and drip head work to develop an automated irrigation system. This would enable farmers to effectively monitor and control water application in the field by sending command through SMS and receiving pumping status through the mobile phone.

Development of an Eighth-scale Grain Drying System with Real-time Microwave Monitoring of Moisture Content

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 767-774
Author(s):  
Micah A. Lewis ◽  
Samir Trabelsi ◽  
Stuart O. Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Real Time Monitoring ◽  
Seed Moisture Content ◽  
Moisture Sensor ◽  
Grain Moisture ◽  
Cereal Grain ◽  
Grain Drying ◽  
Drying System

Abstract. After being harvested, cereal grain and oilseed are stored and dried in large cylindrical storage bins. Drying is necessary to prevent spoilage and degradation; however, because of the significant depth of material in the drying bin, a common problem in grain and oilseed drying is overdrying the bottom layer while trying to dry the top layer. This is due to insufficient knowledge of moisture throughout the bin. In some cases, an operator is limited to probing reachable locations to determine moisture content. However, this does not lend to observing the dynamics of moisture content within the bin continuously, and the lower layers of grain or seed within the bin are susceptible to being overdried. Temperature and/or moisture cables to monitor conditions throughout the bin are more widely used. These sensors use a correlation between grain moisture content and temperature and relative humidity. However, error in moisture content determination increases greatly at high relative humidity and/or temperature. By using a microwave moisture sensor operating at 5.8 GHz, developed within USDA ARS, the moisture content of the cereal grain or oilseed can be measured continuously, providing real-time moisture content with 12-s resolution. An automated, eighth-scale grain drying system was developed utilizing temperature and relative humidity sensors at different heights within the grain bin and the microwave moisture sensor to observe drying parameters and moisture migration as the grain or seed dried. Grain and seed moisture content was determined in real-time with a standard error of calibration of = 0.54% moisture content when compared to the reference oven-drying method. Overall evaluation showed that the automated grain drying system is an effective solution for real-time monitoring of moisture content and other parameters during drying. Keywords: Dielectric properties, Grain drying bin, Moisture content, Microwave sensing, Real-time monitoring, Sensors.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document