Empirical Mathematical Model to Evaluate the Effective Diffusivity of Pumpkin Slice During Forced Air Convection Dryer

Abstract

In this work, through central composite design, the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) has been adopted to develop an empirical model to describe the effective moisture diffusivity versus the drying conditions (air temperature, velocity) and slices thickness. The instantaneous effective moisture diffusivity estimated by the inverse method based on experimental drying kinetics data for thin-layer of pumpkin slice during hot air forced convection. A range of air temperature (40–80 °C), air velocity (2–15 m/s) and slices thickness (0.4–1.4 cm) were tested. The relationships between drying conditions, slices thickness and effective moisture diffusivity were determined. The results obtained following of the efficient moisture diffusivity tests show good agreement with the predicted values. The mentioned thin-layer drying empirical model comprise the drying conditions and slices thickness can be applied in drying process simulation of pumpkin slices in a forced air convection dryer.