Non-classical diffusion model for heat and mass transfer in laser drying

A numerical analysis of the laser drying process by employing a generalized, Maxwell-Cattaneo equation to treat both heat and mass transfer was presented. Calculations were performed to illustrate the non-classical transport of heat and moisture. The effect of the heat flux density and the initial moisture content on water removal was also investigated. The results indicate that the non-equilibrium mass diffusion plays an important role during the very early stages of moisture removal, especially at the surface of the medium. Away from the surface, the non-Fickian model shows a delay in the reduction of the moisture content. The calculation results also show that the initial moisture content of the medium has a considerable effect on water removal.