Isı Pompalı İnfrared Kurutucuda Dilimlenmiş Limonun Kurutulmasının Performans Analizi

Abstract

In this study, drying sliced lemons with an infrared-heat pump dryer is analyzed. The testing apparatus is designed for two different systems: closed air loop and fresh air inlet. Experiments are competed with same values for both systems and the effects of these systems on drying kinetics are compared. 5mm thick sliced lemons are dried from 6,6804 g water/ g dry matter moisture content to 0,045 g water/ g dry matter moisture content at 60 °C constant temperature and 595 m³/h inlet air flow. The drying process completed in 5 hours with closed air loop system and in 6 hours with fresh air inlet system. In the literature studies, drying of the lemon slices in the infrared dryer was examined and drying process completed at 8 hours. The average COPws value calculated as 2,67 for fresh air inlet system and 2,74 for closed air loop system. According to experiments, drying time decreased 16,67% on closed loop system as against fresh air inlet system. Visual analysis of dried lemons showed no difference between the two systems in terms of product quality. It is considered that evaluating of lemon by drying process which has an important place in the domestic and international markets, will contribute greatly to the economy of the country.