Effect of process variables on the drying rate of mango pulp by Refractance Window

Abstract

Refractance Window (RW) process is considered a novel and promising drying method, which uses hot water in contact with a polyester film (Mylar) at its bottom face to heat up and dry out a solution spread on the film surface. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of process variables on the RW drying of mango pulp: water temperature (75, 85 and 95°C), product thickness (2, 3 and 5mm) and radiant source (transparent and painted Mylar film). Films' transmissivities to infrared radiation were determined and the drying kinetics of mango pulp with the nine possible pairs of layer thickness and water temperature were assessed. Mylar film was partially transparent to infrared radiation, while the black film (Mylar painted) blocked all infrared radiation emitted from the hot water. RW evaporation capacity was up to 10kgm−2h−1 (pulp with 2mm, water at 95°C), indicating a very efficient drying process. RW is more efficient than black film process for pulp thickness up to 3mm. In fact, this study clearly established that radiative heat transfer contributes to less than 5% of the total amount of energy delivery to food during the RW drying process.