MASS TRANSFER MODELING FOR VIRGINIA TOBACCO CURING

Four mathematical models, describing the moisture transfer during Virginia tobacco curing under varying air-temperature and humidity were tested using experimental data from an industrial dryer.

The model, based on the assumption that the major resistance to moisture transfer is at the air boundary layer and that the driving force is the water activity difference, was found to be the most accurate. The appropriate mass transfer coefficient was determined.

An empirical equation, predicting the equilibrium moisture content of Virginia tobacco as a function of temperature and water activity of the surrounding air, was proposed and experimentally tested.