1. Paddy kernels are uniform in size and internally
homogeneous.
2. In the first fluidized bed disinfestation model, assuming
that any change in the moisture content of stored grain
is very small and has no effect on the process, moisture
loss from the grain surface was not accounted for. However,
in the second model, moisture loss and the corresponding
heat of evaporation were added to the
convective boundary conditions and energy equation,
respectively.
3. The effects of heat conduction and moisture transfer
between the grains, and heat loss, were not accounted
for.
4. The accumulation of thermal energy and water vapor in
the air in the bed was disregarded.
5. It was assumed that the grains were well mixed and had
the same temperature and moisture content at any location
in the bed.
6. With respect to up-modulating high air temperature and
high air flow rate, as in a fluidized bed application, it
was assumed the exit air and the grains in the bed had
not reached a condition of thermal equilibrium.