Modeling drying kinetics of Jacaranda mimosifolia seeds with variable effective diffusivity via diffusion model

Abstract

Jacaranda mimosifolia D. Don, a tree widely used for afforestation, has been studied for different applications due to the composition of its extracts. The drying kinetics of J. mimosifolia seeds in a thin layer and its process were modelled using an analytical solution of diffusion model, first considering the parameter Effective Moisture Diffusivity (EMD) to be constant. For variable EMD, a sequential and partial adjustment technique using a classic analytical solution was proposed. Thin layer drying kinetics were conducted at temperatures of 40 °C and 50 °C. When EMD was treated as a constant parameter, adjustments showed values of R2 ≥ 0.976 and χ2 ≤ 1.60 × 10−3, but when it was treated as a variable parameter, values of R2 ≥ 0.998 and χ2 ≤ 1.49 × 10−4 were found showing it to be more accurate. The proposed sequential fitting method showed good results, improving the understanding of diffusive mass transfer mechanisms. The technique show promise for applications in process control and product quality, in addition to dryer sizing and design.