STUDY ON HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER IN SOFT GELATIN-CAPSULES IN THE PROCESS OF CONVECTIVE DRYING

摘要

A coupled model of heat and mass transfer on the base of diffusion theory for soft gelatin-capsules is presented. The equations were solved by the finite element method. The distribution and gradients of temperature and moisture developed inside a MaiTong soft gelatin-capsule during the drying process were simulated. The drying experiment on MaiTong soft gelatin-capsules was engaged in the convective drying apparatus. The surface temperature of soft gelatin-capsules was measured by an infrared thermal imager and the weight was tested by electronic balance with high accuracy. The experimental results agreed well with the simulation results of temperature distribution and average moisture content.