Effect of Air Temperature and Final Moisture Content of Rough Rice on Drying Time and Milling Properties in Fluidized Bed Dryer with Two Thermal Sources

Determination of the proper drying methods of rough rice is one of the effective factors on reducing the grain losses. In this study effect of air temperature in three levels (40, 50 and 60 °c) equivalent radiations intensity (0.031, 0.042 and 0.053 w.cm-3) and paddy final moisture in three levels (8-9, 9-10 and 10-11% d.b.) on the drying time and rice milling characterization of Domsiah variety were examined in the fluidized bed dryer with two thermal sources; infrared radiation and warm air stream. The experiments were conducted in factorial layout based on completely randomized design with three replications. The results indicated that the effects of air temperature and drying method on the broken grains, cracked grains and drying time was significant (P