Mathematical model describing the drying curves of false banana´s fibre (Ensete ventricosum)
¹,² Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kamýcká 129, CZ165 21 Praha 6 Suchdol, Czech Republic
³ Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Material Science and Manufacturing Technology, Kamýcká 129, CZ165 21 Praha 6 Suchdol, Czech Republic
*Correspondence: mizera@tf.czu.cz
Abstract:
Drying processes play an important role in the preservation of agricultural products. They are defined as a process of moisture removal due to simultaneous heat and mass transfer. This study was focused on the analysis of drying curves of fibres of false banana (Ensete ventricosum). The fibres of Ensete ventricosum, originally from Ethiopian region Hawasa, were used in this experiment. Moisture content of freshly harvested fibres Mc =78.4 ± 1.4 % (w.b.) were determined. The fibres were dried at different air temperatures Td =40, 60, 80 and 100 ± 1 °C. To determine the drying curves the drying moisture balance (Radwag, MA 50.R, Poland) was used. Measured data were analysed by computer software Mathcad 14. Experimental drying curves at different temperatures and drying rate were determined. Basic mathematical model describing the loss of mass by drying of the Ensete fibres was represented. The model coefficients were statistically significant suggesting that the determined model could be used as a background for further research focused on Ensete fibre application.
Key words:
drying kinetics, drying rate, moisture content.