Water Diffusivity and Drying Kinetics of Air Drying of Figs

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate experimentally the effective diffusion coefficient and the drying kinetics of whole unpeeled figs (Ficus carica L. var. tsapela) in terms of drying conditions. Estimation of the effective diffusion coefficient was carried out employing Fick's law for unsteady diffusion, which was solved analytically and numerically. In both methods, shrinkage effect was considered. The results from the two methods were compared and presented together with the limited results from the literature. The estimated effective diffusion coefficient values by both methods were fitted to a modified Arrhenius equation. Finally, a model predicting drying kinetics was developed. The model's coefficients were associated to the experimental conditions.

Keywords:

• Drying kinetics
• Effective diffusion coefficient
• Fick's law
• Shrinkage effect
• Whole unpeeled figs

The project was cofinanced by the European Social Fund and National Resources EPEAEK and YPEPTH (Research program “Pythagoras”).

Notes

^a Variety Tsapela, dried in a single-layer arrangement (whole), .

^b Variety Tsapela, dried as individual in a single-layer (whole) arrangement, .

^c Variety Kymi dried in halves (longitudinal cut).