Análise energética e qualidade de grãos no processo de secagem de soja (Glycine max) em fornalhas de fogo indireto

Abstract

This study evaluated the energy efficiency of three soybean drying systems (A, B, C) coupled with indirect-fired furnaces using eucalyptus chips. The methodology involved monitoring three consecutive drying cycles, measuring operational parameters (temperature, energy consumption, moisture content) and assessing post-drying grain quality (germination, electrical conductivity, bulk density). Results demonstrated that System C (250 t total processed) was the most efficient overall, removing 33 405 kg H2O per cycle with 2.214 kcal/kg H2O consumption and final moisture content of 12.66%, attributed to its superior thermal capacity (12.5 × 106 kcal/h furnace) and shorter drying time (4.9 h). In comparison, System A (100 t/h) showed lower energy consumption (1.264 kcal/kg H2O) but limited productivity (18.9 t/h), while System B (100 t/h) had critical performance (5.105 kcal/kg H2O; 12% efficiency) due to combustion failures. Statistical analyses revealed a strong correlation (r = –0.998) between initial vigor and quality preservation, confirming that System C’s robust design minimized thermal damage. It is concluded that large-scale systems, when thermodynamically optimized, offer the best balance between industrial productivity (52.04 t/h), energy efficiency, and grain property maintenance (93.25% germination).