Arduino based control of the Food and Water Conveyance Systems of a Refractance Window Dryer
Loading...
Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Scientific Advances
Abstract
A refractance window dryer with a 14.5kg/hr throughput capacity was developed to effectively dry food
product of 3mm on the conveyor belt. For efficient dryer performance an automated system for the
conveyor belt movement and water conveyance system was designed. The automated system comprised
of an ARDUINO centered control system, an arrangement of sensors, water pump and the conveyor
motor. A computer program was written in Arduino environment, successfully compiled and uploaded
on to the controller board to process all commands. The system was fi rst simulated successfully in ISIS
Proteus environment and connected onto a bread board for testing before attaching the motor onto the
main circuit board. Performance tests done at 85°C revealed that there was no movement of the belt as
temperature built steadily from 31.19°C until it reached a temperature of 92.0°C in the boiler. The
maximum recorded water temperature was 98.06°C and the system had an operating range of 95±3°C.
Achieving this led to an automated food conveyance system that was reliable and ensured high product
quality. The Arduino based system worked well and is recommended for the refractance window dryer
and can be up scaled to a bigger similar machine.
Description
Keywords
Dryer, Automation, Arduino, Food conveyance, Water conveyance
Citation
Mutumba, R., Kigozi, J., Tumutegyereize, P., Ssenyimba, S., & Muyonga, J. Arduino based control of the Food and Water Conveyance Systems of a Refractance Window Dryer. International Journal of Scientific Advances. DOI: 10.51542/ijscia.v2i5.25