Model for drying of Eri silkworm pupae with microwave and hot air combination

Abstract

The thin layer drying of Eri silkworm pupae using microwaves combined with hot air was conducted. Several empirical models simulating thin layer drying of Eri silkworm pupae were selected and analyzed. Microwave power between 100 and 200 W and drying temperatures between 50 and 70°C were used in the study. The comparison between experimental results and those of the models indicated that the Page’s model was the best predictor for the thin layer drying of silkworm pupae. In addition color measurements showed that L* values increase with increased microwave power. The best drying condition of Eri silkworm pupae was also, found at microwave power of 200 W combined with the hot air at the temperature of 50°C.