<b>Evaluation of semi-empirical and non-linear drying models by Bayesian inference

Abstract

Current analysis investigates thin layer drying experiments on passion fruit seeds. Drying characteristics of passion fruit seeds were examined using ambient air for temperature range between 40 and 65ºC and air flow velocity range between 0.6 and 1.2 m s^-1. The semi-empirical models were then fitted to the drying data by Bayesian inference, based on the ratios of the difference between the initial and final moisture contents and equilibrium moisture content. The effective diffusivity varied between 1.70 x 10^-10 and 4.68 x 10^{-10 m2} s^-1 with temperature and air flow rate increase. Temperature dependence on the diffusivity coefficient was described by an Arrhenius-type relationship. The activation energy for moisture diffusion was 24.36, 35.24 and 13.86 kJ moL^-1 for drying air speeds respectively equal to 0.6, 0.9 and 1.2 m s^-1.