Artificial drying is one of the main problems of seed production, hence it affects quality of grains, and can decrease considerably their market value. This work aimed to develop a mathematical model to simulate a corn seed drying process. Simulation results were validated by comparison to experimental results. The drying method consisted of a fixed-bed, pre-drying of corn (Zea mays L.) ears, which were then kept on rest for 12 hours. After that the product was threshed and kernels were submitted to a final drying process on a fixed bed dryer: bins with radial air distribution. Air temperature was 42°C; specific air rate of the ear corn dryer was 44.8 m³ min-1 m-2 and of the drying bin 5.9 m³ min-1 m-2. The error of the average simulation model was 10.88%, which was considered satisfactory.
ear corn; dryer; mathematical model