Magesh Ganesapillai

Bio: Magesh Ganesapillai is an academic researcher from VIT University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Microwave. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publications receiving 48 citations.

Modeling of Thin Layer Drying of Banana (Nendran Spp) under Microwave, Convective and Combined Microwave-Convective Processes

Abstract: Drying kinetics of microwave, convective and microwave assisted convective drying of thin layer Nendran banana was investigated on a modified microwave oven. The drying characteristics through the operating parameters of the drying process, such as power output, air temperature, slice thickness and sample mass in terms of drying rate equation, were analyzed. An appropriate empirical model to represent the drying process was established by analyzing the available literature models with current experimental data. The statistical analysis for the selected model was performed, parameters like Mean Bias Error, Root Mean Square Error, reduced chi square and t-stat were estimated to examine the consistency of the model to represent the present experimental results. Higher rates and shorter drying times were achieved at a higher temperature and microwave heating power and lesser sample thickness and load. Microwave drying resulted in a substantial decrease in the drying time with better quality product when dried at higher power (300 W) level compared to other processes.

A Review on Thin-Layer Drying-Curve Equations

Abstract: This paper presents a comprehensive review of thin-layer drying-curve models available in the literature and their comparisons for single-layer drying applications from 2003 to 2013. In this regard, a total of 67 models are selected and classified under 28 performance assessment criteria for comparison purposes. These models are then evaluated by considering the following parameters: (1) product type; (2) pretreatment type; (3) drying parameters, such as temperature, air velocity, layer thickness, microwave power levels, amount of solar radiation, vacum pressure, frequency of sound wave, excitation amplitude, relative humidity, bed depth, product shape, pH, salt content, absolute pressure, etc.; and (4) drying method employed. Furthermore, the best models obtained are employed for product drying applications and compared for different drying methods, drying parameters, and dried products.

Recent advances of novel thermal combined hot air drying of agricultural crops

Abstract: Background Developing an efficient drying system with combined novel thermal and conventional hot-air drying of agricultural crops has become potentially a viable substitute for conventional drying techniques. Due to the synergistic effect, the total energy and time required can be drastically reduced, and the final quality of agricultural crops preserved. The growing interest and research in recent years have already shown that novel thermal with hot-air drying technology can adequately be used in the drying of agricultural crops. Scope and approach This review attempts to give a summary of recent advances in the research and applications of novel thermal combined hot-air drying technology for agricultural crops, with particular emphasis on the combination mode, process conditions, process-quality interaction, drying kinetics, energy demand and drying efficiency. Key findings and conclusions The combination of novel thermal with hot-air drying provides distinctive opportunities in the development of advanced agricultural crop drying technologies. The most significant advantages of using the above method were the reduction in the drying time and energy consumption as well as, an increase in the drying rate and overall efficiency. More so, the application of infrared and hot-air drying on agricultural crops is advantageous in obtaining dried products of better quality. In conclusion, the findings suggest that these technologies have great potentials. Therefore, more studies, especially in their industrial and commercial application are indispensable.

The Application of Carbon Nanotube/Graphene-Based Nanomaterials in Wastewater Treatment.

Abstract: The treatment of organic wastewater is of great significance. Carbon nanotube (CNT)/graphene-based nanomaterials have great potential as absorbent materials for organic wastewater treatment owing to their high specific surface area, mesoporous structure, tunable surface properties, and high chemical stability; these attributes allow them to endure harsh wastewater conditions, such as acidic, basic, and salty conditions at high concentrations or at high temperatures. Although a substantial amount of work has been reported on the performance of CNT/graphene-based nanomaterials in organic wastewater systems, engineering challenges still exist for their practical application. Herein, the adsorption mechanism of CNT- and graphene-based nanomaterials is summarized, including the adsorption mechanism of CNTs and graphene at the atomic and molecular levels, their hydrophilic and hydrophobic surface properties, and the structure-property relationship required for adsorption to occur. Second, the structural modification and recombination methods of CNT- and graphene-based adsorbents for various organic wastewater systems are introduced. Third, the engineering challenges, including the molding of macroscopically stable adsorbents, adsorption isotherm models and adsorption kinetic behaviors, and reversible adsorption performance compared to that of activated carbon (AC) are discussed. Finally, cost issues are discussed in light of scalable and practical application of these materials.