Sorption Study on Developed Low-cost Solid Desiccant Material for Solar Dryer

A study was attempted to develop a solar regenerative Bentonite - CaCl2 based solid desiccant material, and examine it's moisture sorption performance and regeneration characteristics. The desiccant was developed from 60 % bentonite, 20 % vermiculite, 10 % CaCl2 and 10 % cement. Regeneration studies on the desiccant were carried out for moisture adsorption at 30 °C and 96 % R.H. for 144 h; and moisture desorption at 40 °C, 50 °C, 60 °C, 70 °C and 80 °C for 8 h. Regeneration temperature and time significantly affected the moisture sorption and desorption of the solid desiccant, and their combined impact was meaningful (p ≤ 0.05). Maximum adsorption capacity of the desiccant was 35.12 % (d.b.), and was efficiently regenerated by solar energy