Engineering analysis in manufacturing process of Nori made from mixture of Ulva lactuca and Gracillaria sp

Abstract

A research had been conducted regarding the drying of nori made from local seaweed of Ulva lactuca and Gracillaria sp. The drying process was carried out at 50°C, 60°C and 70°C using mechanical dryer. Drying rate was evaluated with four thin layer drying models, namely Henderson and Pubis, Lewis, Page and Modified Page. The most suitable model is determined from the the highest R2 value and lowest Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) value. The results indicated that nori could be made from local seaweed of Ulva lactuca and Gracillaria sp with a specific method and composition. Drying rate of local nori showed a long constant drying period as compared to it's falling rate period. Drying rate increased and drying time decreased as the drying temperature increased. The highest drying rate is obtained at 70°C and the Page model was found to be the best suitable model to describe nori drying characteristics.