Current Volume 9
Simulation-Assisted Design and Fabrication of a Small Rotary Drum Dryer for Coconut Meat Residue (SAPAL)
Abstract
Coconut meat residue (sapal) is a by-product of coconut processing that contains high moisture content, making it susceptible to spoilage and limiting its utilization in agricultural and feed-processing applications. This study aimed to design, fabricate, and evaluate a simulation-assisted small-scale rotary drum dryer equipped with internal spiral agitating flights for drying coconut sapal. The Discrete Element Method (DEM) was employed to analyze particle movement and mixing behavior within the rotary drum and support the optimization of the dryer design. Experimental testing was conducted at rotational speeds of 13, 15, and 17 RPM under a drying temperature of approximately 65–70 °C. Additional trials were performed using loading capacities ranging from 5 kg to 30 kg. Drying performance was evaluated in terms of moisture content reduction and drying efficiency. The results indicated that both rotational speed and loading capacity influenced the drying performance of the developed system. Among the tested conditions, 17 RPM produced more consistent drying behavior and greater moisture reduction. The developed rotary drum dryer achieved an average drying efficiency of 60%, while the computed dryer efficiency reached 75.38%. Furthermore, DEM simulation results showed particle movement characteristics that were comparable with experimental observations, demonstrating the effectiveness of the simulation-assisted design approach. The developed rotary drum dryer exhibited satisfactory drying performance and shows potential for small-scale agricultural and feed-processing applications involving coconut meat residue.
Keywords
Coconut Sapal, Rotary Drum Dryer, Drying Efficiency, Discrete Element Method, Agricultural By-Products.
Citations
IRE Journals:
Karen B. Dela Cruz, Anne Sherina Mae M. Arela, Lea Ann E. Bugtong "Simulation-Assisted Design and Fabrication of a Small Rotary Drum Dryer for Coconut Meat Residue (SAPAL)" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 12 2026 Page 996-1006 10.64388/IREV9I12-1718732
IEEE:
Karen B. Dela Cruz, Anne Sherina Mae M. Arela, Lea Ann E. Bugtong
"Simulation-Assisted Design and Fabrication of a Small Rotary Drum Dryer for Coconut Meat Residue (SAPAL)" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(12) 10.64388/IREV9I12-1718732
About IRE Journals
IRE Journals is an open access online journals established with an aim to publish high quality of research work in various diciplines. We have more than 6 years in publications. Over 2500+ papers already published.
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