Application of microwave heating in vacuum for bagasse drying

Conventional methods of bagasse drying are using natural air convection or using forced air. The use of microwave energy to dry bagasse is not tried so far. It could be advantageous due to possibility of heating and drying bagasse at a much faster rate than conventional methods, thereby controlling calorific value accurately and improving boiler efficiency. Special setup is prepared to carryout experimental work of microwave bagasse drying in vacuum. Moisture and temperature profiles are plotted. Advantages of microwave bagasse drying are illustrated. The paper presents technical possibility of bagasse drying using microwave energy.