Modeling kinetics of convective drying of Curcuma longa L.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine drying curves of land saffron (Curcuma longa L.) rhizomes at different temperatures and ventilation conditions adjust non-linear regression models, calculate effective diffusion coefficients activation energies. Saffron were randomly collected in natura with a hoe from the soil Rio Verde, Goiás, Brazil. They subsequently sized, sanitized, sliced into 2.63 ± 0.1 mm thick sections. Rhizomes dried an oven forced air 45, 55, 65 75 °C for 18, 14, 10 9 hours, respectively. As temperature increased, time was reduced. Consequently, moisture content also decreased, facilitating process by decreasing energy required remove water molecules. Among analyzed Midilli model best adjusted data under conditions. Effective (D) 9.17 × 10-11, 13.33 20.09 35.89 10-11 m2 s-1 °C, respectively, increasing higher temperatures. Activation liquid during 21.186 kJ mol-1.