Mathematical modeling of thin layer solar drying of tomato slices

Abstract

Thin layer drying of tomato slices was evaluated using a laboratory solar dryer.  The experimental moisture ratios of the samples were fitted to nine drying models.  The drying experiments were carried out on tomato slices with thicknesses of 3, 5 and 7 mm at the air velocities of 0.5 and 1 m s^-1.  The effect of drying thickness and air velocity on the drying time was evaluated.  The mathematical models were tested with the drying behavior of tomato slices in the laboratory solar dryer.  The coefficients of the models were determined by multiple regression method in three spaces (solar dryer, shadow, open sun drying) to find out the most suitable moisture ratio model.  The Page model was found as the best model based on statistical parameters of R², RMSE and χ².  The Page model is applicable to predict moisture content of tomato slices during solar drying of tomato slices.

Keywords: pedal operated thresher, thresher, thresher drive linkage, physiological workload