No abstract

The effects of drying parameters on the drying kinetics of fermented ground cassava were studied. Fermented ground cassava (TMS 30572) was dried in a bench scale rotary dryer at different inlet air temperature (115-230°C), inlet air velocity (0.83-1.55 m/s), feed drive speed (12-100 rpm), drum drive speed (8-18 rpm), relative humidity of inlet air (50 to 80 percent), and mass of feed (50-500 g). It is shown that inlet air temperature and inlet air velocity have the most significant effects on the drying rate of fermented ground cassava. A model which predicts the drying rate of fermented ground cassava as function of inlet air temperature and inlet air velocity is presented. Predictions of the model are compared with experimental data, and good agreement is obtained. For proper gelatinization of fermented cassava mash, the inlet air temperature should be within the range 140-230°C, low inlet air velocity (< 1.55 m/s), low drum drive speed (8-12 rpm), moderate air humidity (50 to 65 percent), and low feed drive speed of about 12 rpm. For high mass of feed (> 500 g), inlet air temperature in the range 190-230°C is recommended for proper gelatinization of fermented cassava.

In this study, the kinetics modeling for design of adsorbers for multiple adsorption of heavy metal ions was carried out using activated carbon from waste Nigerian bamboo. The bamboo was cut into sizes, washed, dried and was carbonized at 350°C-500°C. It was then activated at 800°C using nitric acid. Simultaneous batch adsorption of different heavy metal ions (Cd 2+ , Ni 2+ , Pb 2+ , Cr 3+ ,Cu 2+ and Zn 2+) in same aqueous solution using activated carbon from Nigerian bamboo was carried out at different initial concentration till equilibrium was reached. In order to determine the mechanism of sorption for multiple adsorption of these heavy metals ions, the kinetic data were modeled using the pseudo first order, pseudo second order kinetic equations, and intra-particle diffusion models. The pseudo first order did not fit well into the kinetic data. The pseudo second order equation was the best applicable model to describe the sorption process. Hence the pseudo second order kinetic reaction is the rate controlling step with some intra particle diffusion taking place. An empirical model was also developed which can then be used for predicting and designing adsorber for the multiple removal of 99% heavy metal ions at any given initial heavy metal ions concentration and the adsorption time required for any multi-stage adsorption system using Nigerian Bamboo activated carbon.