Journal of Microwave Power and Electromagnetic Energy (JMPEE)
TITLE	A Model for Microwave-Assisted Drying of Leather: Development and Validation [PDF]
AUTHORS	J. Monzó-Cabrera, J. M. Catalá-Civera, P. Plaza-González and D. Sánchez-Hernández 2004 39 1 53-64
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Abstract In this work microwave energy is employed in the drying process of leather sheets to achieve an uniform moisture distribution along their entire surface and to obtain an enhanced final quality for this material. In order to obtain a deeper understanding of the process, a new three-stage drying model has been derived based on the knowledge of the dielectric properties versus moisture content and the specific energy use during each of the drying periods. The model validation shows a close behavior between experimental and simulated results. The fast convergence of experimental drying curves indicates that a very uniform moisture distribution along the hides can be obtained provided that microwave energy is properly used.