HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER LABORATORY (CHE504)
SEMESTER MARCH – JULY 2024
OPEN-ENDED LABORATORY
LABORATORY: TRAY DRYER
1.0 PROGRAMME OUTCOMES
TEST
PO2: Identify, formulate, research literature and analyze complex chemical
engineering problems reaching substantiated conclusions using first principles of
mathematics, natural sciences and engineering sciences.
LAB REPORT/MANUSCRIPT & RUBRICS
PO3: Conduct investigations of complex problems via literature review, design of
experiments, analysis and interpretation of data as well as synthesis of information to
provide valid conclusions.
PEER EVALUATION
PO9: Function effectively as an individual and as a team member with the capacity to
be a leader in multi-disciplinary settings.
2.0 COURSE OUTCOMES
LAB REPORT/MANUSCRIPT & RUBRICS
CO1: Develop (C6) laboratory procedures and understand the working principles of
experimental units in order to conduct experimental works successfully and safely
either individually or in a group. (PO3)
TEST
CO2: Evaluate (C6) experimental data and relate with the fundamental theories and
concepts related to heat and mass transfer. (PO2)
PEER EVALUATION
CO4: Display leadership skills effectively, positive attitude, teamwork and
responsibility with other members on the experimental designs and methods adopted,
findings and conclusions of the experiments and in conducting experimental work and
group discussion. (PO9)
3.0 Theory & Background:
A tray dryer consists of trays that are placed on top of each other in trolleys which are
enclosed in an insulated chamber. Tray dryers are used in processes involving heating
and drying and essential equipment in manufacturing processes in industries such as
chemicals, dye, pharmaceuticals, food products, colours, etc. Tray dryers can be used
for drying pigments, food, bakery, electrodes, and chemical and plastic powders.
In this Lab course, students are expected to conduct an appropriate laboratory
experiment. The assignment should be according to the assigned experimental theme,
objectives, problem statement, and task expectations.
PROBLEM STATEMENTS
Design your problem statements for the experiment performed. Answer your
statements in the Discussion section of your writing.
4.0 Objective of this experiment:
1. To perform the drying process of any samples using drying equipment.
2. To evaluate the effect of different two parameters on drying rates.
3. To determine the moisture content and drying rate of the samples
5.0 Experimental theme
The proposed experiment must be conducted using drying equipment that is available
in the laboratory.
The sample preparation and drying conditions (e.g. time, temperature, type of oven,
humidity, and pressure) influence the efficiency of moisture removal.
You are required to use any samples for the analysis. Please take note that, the
chosen samples may be sensitive to heat whereby by excessive exposure, the dryness
capability may be compromised.
All experiments must be carefully conducted following the precautions and safety
procedures. Use proper protective equipment during handling the samples from the
drying equipment for weighing purposes.
The resulting drying time required to complete the process can vary from minutes to
hours depending on the process conditions, the nature of the samples, and other
relevant factors.
6.0 Experimental methodology/procedure
You may propose the most suitable experimental methodology according to the
experimental theme and objectives.
Common methodologies include:
i. Designing the step-by-step operating methodology/procedures of the
experiment inclusive of the data collection (qualitative) and/or observation
(quantitative). You are also required to summarize all the procedures in a
well-organized flow diagram.
ii. Preparation of material or any chemical used in the experiment.
iii. Sampling weight at your selected interval of time for instance every 10
minutes or etc. Please choose accordingly to ensure at least 10 minimum
data is collected considering until the weight of the sample reaches plateau.
iv. Any safety issues that should be considered or implemented when planning,
setting up and conducting the proposed experiment.
*Conduct an appropriate experiment that promotes more efficient use of food
resources, reducing food waste, and encouraging sustainable practices.
Discuss the physical criteria of it in the Lab Report.
7.0 Discussion
a) The relationship between drying rate, moisture content and drying time with the
samples.
b) The characteristic of samples toward the mass flow rate of collected weight.
c) Based on your literature reading, relate the drying process with mass and heat
transfer mechanism/principle.
d) Propose the application of similar work/study/setup in the industry.
e) Provide suggestions to improve the lab demonstration
8.0 Report:
Abstract/Summary,
-Introduction,
-Aims/Objectives,
-Theory
-Apparatus
-Methodology/Procedure,
-Results,
-Calculations
-Discussion,
-Conclusion,
-Recommendations,
-Reference,
-Appendix.
Notes:
i) All data for both qualitative and quantitative methods must be clearly reported.
ii) You are expected to report on the success/failure of the objectives, and the
methodology effectiveness/failure.
iii) Provide relevant citations to support your discussion. Use APA format for the
list of references.
