Mathematical Modelling on the effect of Temperature on the Dehydration Kinetics of Rapana Venosa (Veined rapa whelk)
Abstract
Abstract
Mathematical modelling on the effect of Temperature on the Dehydration Kinetics of Rapana Venosa were investigated under six different temperatures, ranging from 50 - 100oC in multiples of 10oC. Drying results were fitted to three thin-layer models; namely Lewis, Henderson-Parbis, and Page models, to predict the drying kinetics of the meaty. The emanating drying constants and coefficients, and the effective moisture transport process were evaluated using a non-linear regression statistical approach, and the linearized Ficks second law equation method respectively. The results showed that moisture reduction from the samples increased rather sharply at the initial stages of drying but became slower exponentially at the later stages. The temperature dependent effective diffusivity values ranged from 1.1367 x 10-7 - 3.648 x 10-7-m2/s with the related activation energy value of 13.028-kJ/mol. It is therefore, evident that drying of the rapana venosa meaty took place almost entirely in the falling rate period, characteristic of drying of biomaterials. The Page model, closely followed by the Henderson-Parbis’ were the best models applicable for predicting the drying behaviour of the Rapana Venosa
Key words: Rapana Venosa, drying, kinetics, thin layer, activation energy, moisture ratio.
