The aim of this work was to determine the mass transfer properties of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) exposed to air drying. The drying temperatures tested ranged between 30°C and 70°C, and the kinetic behavior was studied in this temperature band. The samples were analyzed in terms of moisture content, acidity, proteins, lipids, and crude fiber, both in the fresh state and after drying. From the chemical analyses made, it was possible to conclude that drying induces some reductions in acidity, lipids, fibers, and proteins. As to the influence of the drying temperature on the process, it was observed that a temperature rise from 30°C to 70°C led to a 70% saving in drying time. The results obtained by fitting the experimental data to the kinetic models tested allowed concluding that the best model for the present case is Henderson-Pabis, and the worst is Vega-Lemus. Furthermore, in this work, it was possible to determine the values of the diffusion coefficient at an infinite temperature, D e 0 , and activation energy for moisture diffusion, E d , which were, respectively, 0.0039 m 2 /s and 32.26 kJ/mol. Similarly, the values of the Arrhenius constant and the activation energy for convective mass transfer, respectively, h m 0 and E c , were also calculated, the first being 3.798×10 8 m/s and the latter 86.25 kJ/mol. These results indicate that the activation energy for convective mass transfer is higher than that for mass diffusion.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.