Mathematical Modelling of Dried Mango (Khatai)

Abstract

An experimental study was conducted to determine the drying characteristics of mango khatai (mango slices with stones) in a solar biomass-hybrid dryer. The khatai samples were allowed to dry both in the solar plenum and cabinet dryer of the solar-biomass hybrid dryer until consistent mass readings were obtained. The moisture content ratio was determined from the mass of the dried khatai and the temperature readings of the air in the solar-biomass hybrid dryer on hourly basis. The moisture content ratios with the drying times for the plenum-biomass and plenum data were mathematically modeled with seven different models. A regression analysis was carried out to determine the coefficient of determination (r) for selecting the best model that describes the drying of mango khatai in the solar biomass hybrid dryer. The best model describing the drying characteristics of the mango khatai is the one where the coefficient of determination (r) is closer to 1. Newton’s model was best suited for describing the drying in the plenum whilst Henderson-Pabis model was well adopted for plenum-biomass drying. Plenum-biomass drying is a more suitable drying option for mango khatai as shorter drying time is needed.