Identification of Effective Diffusivities in Anisotropic Material of Pine Wood during Drying with Superheated Steam

Abstract

Simulation of 3D drying of anisotropic solids requires knowledge of the diffusivities of moisture in all three directions. These are seldom available in the range of temperatures and moisture contents of interest. This article presents methodology for identification of axial and radial diffusivities in wood in superheated steam drying and the results for wood of Pinus silvestris at a steam temperature 160°C and atmospheric pressure. Axial diffusivity (along fibers) was 5.76 times higher than radial diffusivity.