Mass Transfer in Irregularly-Shaped Solid: an Exact Solution Using the Galerkin-Based Integral Method

This paper presents a theoretical investigation of the mass transfer during the drying of solids of revolution with arbitrary shape. A two-dimensional mathematical model by assuming the liquid diffusion to be the sole mechanism of moisture transport, constant thermophysical properties and convective boundary condition at the surface of the solid is presented. The resulting equation is solved analytically by using the Galerkin-based integral method. Results of the mean moisture content and moisture content distribution within the porous solid are present and analyzed during the process, for different Biot number and aspect ratio. We conclude that solid drying rate is affected by Biot number and area/volume relationships, and which drying process is faster in sharp areas and closed to surface of the solid.