KINETICS AND MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF THE DRYING PROCESS OF MACAUBA ALMONDS

The study of drying kinetics is fundamental for making the correct choice of time and temperature to be used in the drying process. In addition, mathematical modeling enables the simulation, optimization, sizing, and determination of the commercial application of the drying system. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the kinetics and mathematical modeling of the drying process of macauba almond [Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. ex Mart] performed at different temperatures. For this purpose, the drying was performed under three different temperatures: 40 degrees C, 50 degrees C, and 60 degrees C. Four repetitions were performed for each temperature. The experimental data were fitted by nine different mathematical models. The choice of the best model was based on the following statistical parameters: magnitude of the adjusted coefficient of determination, magnitude of the mean relative error, and standard error of the estimate. It was observed that an increase in the drying temperature resulted in a reduction of drying time. The shortest drying time was observed in the treatment performed under 60 degrees C in which the almonds attained equilibrium moisture content at 34.08 h. The longest drying time was observed in the treatment performed under 40 degrees C, with the almonds attaining equilibrium moisture content at 404.40 h. Approximation of Diffusion, Midilli, Page, and Modified Page were the models that best described the drying process of macauba almonds with the aim of subsidizing the design of industrial dryers.