Method for determining the appropriate thin layer drying model for a feedstock

Abstract

In practice, drying is one of the most common food preservation technique. At microscopic level, drying is not merely a moisture removal process and it involves complex heat and mass transport phenomena and depends on material properties. So mathematical models in drying are important for process design, optimization and energy integration. Therefore, in the present study, first theory of drying is elucidated concisely. Further, general modelling approaches and commonly used thin layer drying equations are presented. Later, method for evaluation of appropriate thin layer drying model for a feedstock is explained. Effective moisture diffusion coefficient (Deff) and activation energy (Ea) calculations methods are also presented.