Drying Characteristic of Tea Leaves (III)

Effect of primary drying conditions on tea drying

Abstract

In order to clarify the factors which effect on the drying of tea leaves in primary drying process, some experiments were made under various conditions. Through the experiments, it was clear that the drying rate depended upon temperature, humidity, air-tea ratio, the revolution number of main shaft and the physical properties of tea material. The drying model of tea leaves which is based on the theory about constant rate drying in consideration of these experimental results well expressed the actual phenomena. Moreover we discussed about the primary drying tea roller with circulating path of exhaust air for controlling the drying state and improvement of thermal efficiency.