Evaluation of operational parameters for drying shrimps in a cabinet hybrid dryer

Abstract

This paper presents the design and performance evaluation of a cabinet hybrid shrimp dryer. The required energy of the hybrid dryer is provided through solar and an auxiliary infrared source by the solar collector and drying chamber. Three types of pre-treatments and four drying modes are applied in the hybrid dryer. The results of different cases are presented, compared, and evaluated in terms of drying time, amount of received energy, drying efficiency, and appearance of dried shrimp meat. The results reveal that using 2% (w/v) water-salt solution pre-treatment and hybrid drying without shade provide the best drying process and appearance of dried shrimp meat. Also, to use the dryer in the optimal condition with the highest mass of shrimp and dryer efficiency, the dryer capacity is determined. According to the results, the maximum capacity of the dryer is 2500 g, which has an efficiency of 16.37% in this capacity. In addition, the effect of using the infrared lamp as an auxiliary source on the drying process and the final quality of dried shrimp are investigated.