Mathematical modelling and simulation of mass transfer in osmotic dehydration processes. Part II: Simulation and model verification

Abstract

In Part I of the present communication, a mathematical model describing mass transfer in osmotic dehydration was proposed. This second part presents a computer simulation procedure used to solve the model equations to obtain concentration profiles in tissue subjected to osmotic dehydration. In the simulation, a one-dimensional finite element method was used as a numerical tool. The model was validated using experimental data obtained in osmotic dehydration of potato tubers and a good agreement was obtained. A sensitivity analysis and parametric study of the model will be presented in Part III of this series of communications.