Effect of Temperature at Tray Position on Drying of D.ark Re.d Oni.on slice.s at Elevated Air Velocity

Abstract

The convective drying process is used to dry onion-slices. The drying experiments are conducted at a drying temperature of 50oC, 60oC, 70oC, and at an air velocity of 1.99, 3.54, 5.66, and 7.52 m/s. The objective is to study the influence of tray position on drying of dark red onion. The work diverges in analyzing drying constants at air velocity beyond 2 m/s. The moisture ratio for the middle tray is greater compared to the top and bottom tray. A smaller moisture ratio is observed for 60°C compared to 50 and 70°C. Moisture removal per unit mass flow rate ratio is lowest observed for bottom tray with 60°C. The ratio of moisture content and mass flow rate for 60 and 70 °C, displays a downward trend with drying time. The randomness in the drying rate at 60 °C and 70 °C is comparatively lesser than 50 °C.