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 nonequilibrium 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 resuits also show that the initial moisture content of the medium has a considerable effect on water removal.