Abstract
Thin-layer drying experiments were conducted on cassava chips and grates at three levels of temperatures (30, 50 and 70°C) and two airflow rates (0.4 and 0.8 m 3 /m 2 /s). Results indicated that both airflow rate and the drying air temperature significantly affected the drying characteristics of the cassava chips and grates. The higher the drying air temperature and airflow rate, the higher was the drying rate. Furthermore, the drying curves (drying rate vs. moisture content) of both chips and grates showed only a falling rate period at the two airflow rates evaluated. Three thin-layer equations (Lewis equation, modified Page equation and the diffusion equation) were evaluated using the non-linear least squares analysis technique, results showed that all the models could satisfactorily describe the drying behavior of the cassava chips and grates. However, the modified Page equation appeared to be the best-fit model with the drying constant k 1 generalized by stepwise regression analysis in relation to drying air temperature and airflow rate.
Published Version
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