Energy Efficiency of Okara Drying Process Using Multipass Impinging Stream Dryer with Corrugated Feeding Pipes

Corrugated feeding pipes and multipass drying concept were applied to an impinging stream dryer for improving the energy efficiency of okara drying process. The moisture reduction of okara and specific energy consumption of the dryer were evaluated. The results showed that increasing the drying temperature led to an increase in the amount of moisture reduction of the okara and a decrease in the specific energy consumption of the drying process. With the use of the corrugated feeding pipes, not only the moisture reduction of the okara was enhanced, but the energy efficiency was also improved. The specific energy consumption for the one-pass and two-pass drying of the drying system using the corrugated feeding pipes could be reduced up to 21% and 31%, respectively, as compared with the drying system using the smooth feeding pipes.