Influence of Oscillatory Motion of a Rice Dehydrator on Energy Consumption and Milling Quality of Rice

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the oscillatory motion of a rice dehydrator on drying time, drying rate, electrical energy consumption, specific energy consumption, milling quality (broken milled rice, head milled rice and milling recovery) of rice varieties of FARO 62, FARO 15, and FARO 60. The dehydrator was designed to operate either in a stationary or oscillatory motion. The dehydrator motion influences the drying time, drying rate, electrical energy and specific energy consumption and milling quality regardless of the rice variety. The drying time of the rice varieties ranged from 125 to 290 mins, drying rate (2.897 to 6.72 kgH2O/kg solids h), electrical energy consumption (15.43 to 35.46 MJ), specific energy consumption (5.25 to 11.20 MJ/kg), milling recovery (67.58 to 73.97%), head milled rice (60.47 to 69.10%) and broken milled rice (1.62 to 9.46%), respectively. The oscillatory motion of the dehydrator aided a shorter drying time, faster drying rate, less electrical energy consumption and specific energy consumption, and desirable milling quality. The study concluded that the adoption of oscillatory motion during drying would aid in energy conservation and in the production of quality milled rice.