DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE DIFFUSIVITY OF PINE NUT SEEDS

Abstract

The mechanism of drying and the diffusion of water in fresh pine nut seeds (2.5–2.62mm diameter) were successfully interpreted and modeled by using Fick's law. The initial moisture content of fresh pine nut seed was 23–24% and drying temperatures (45–60°C) were varied, but the drying air was kept at constant velocity and humidity. The effective diffusivity was estimated from drying rate curves and expressed by an Arhenius relation. In addition, the absorption, and desorption-isotherms for fresh pine nuts were estimated at 20°C at water activity of 0.15–1.00. The isotherms of the fresh pine nuts were estimated in experimental runs.