Author(s) :

Isiaka, M..

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Thin layer drying characteristics of sliced tomato under forced convection solar drying was investigated. Using airflow rate and sliced thickness as variables, five model equations were evaluated. Each of the equations was linearised and then least square technique was used to obtain the models’ parameters. The results revealed that at 15 and 20 mm sliced thicknesses, Page’s and Modified Page’s model equations adequately describe the thin layer drying characteristic while at 25 mm sliced thickness only Modified Page’s model equation gave the best prediction. The best results were obtained at 15mm slice thickness and 4.50m3/s air flow rate. The results, also, showed that the resistance to moisture diffusion increases with increase in slice thickness. The Modified Page’s model adequately describes the drying characteristics of sliced tomato under forced convection solar drying.

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