Energy efficiency and physical integrity of maize grains subjected to continuous and intermittent drying

ABSTRACT Grain drying is a common process, due to its need for the maintenance of quality, but it activity with highest energy demand among postharvest stages. Thus, this study aimed evaluate effect different tempering times on efficiency process and cell membrane integrity maize grains harvested moisture content at 0.34 ± 0.01 d.b. The were dried in an experimental fixed-bed dryer control temperature air flow conditions. experiment was conducted completely randomized design five (0, 4, 8, 12 16 hours) four repetitions, where zero corresponds continuous drying, while remaining correspond intermittent dryings. 100 ºC 15.4 m3 min-1 t-1 until reaching 0.16 0.03 For interrupted 0.22 0.02 restarted after time. increase time led reductions effective time, specific consumption, electrical conductivity damage rate overall efficiency. Intermittent reduced being 30.25% more efficient than drying.