Use of diffusive and empirical models to predict drying rate of acerola seeds (Malpighia sp.)

The thin layer drying process of acerola seeds was analyzed using a flat plate geometry diffusion model, Page's and two-part model proposed based on the equation. These models were fitted to experimental kinetics data for an air flow speed 1.5 m/s, at temperatures 40, 50, 60 70°C, non-linear regression by Levenberg-Marquardt method. used determine coefficients activation energy. predicted results compared determination coefficient (R2) mean square error (MSE) estimates as criteria. showed that is not suitable predicting rate seeds, while Page’s equation can be safely predict rates.