MATHEMATICAL MODELLING OF DRYING PROCESS

Abstract

The aim of this study is to experimentally investigate the drying kinetics of common basil using a solar drying unit. The tests consist in studying the effect of constant and variable drying air temperature on the drying kinetics. In this empirical approach, we aim to determine and compare drying characteristic curves under conditions where the drying air temperature is constant or variable. Subsequently, correlations describing the drying rate will be developed, these will be used at a later stage to size and model the solar dryer. Few numerical models have been used in the literature to explain the drying kinetics of common basil, in fact, given the complexity of the transport mechanisms and the diversity of products, a single model cannot represent all situations. This justifies an experimental study in the laboratory to determine the drying kinetics of a particular product.