Mathematical modeling of thin layer drying characteristics of dika (Irvingia gabonensis) nuts and kernels

Abstract

The thin layer drying characteristics of dika kernels and nuts were investigated at four drying temperatures of 50, 60, 70 and 80 °C and the data was fitted to drying models. Non-linear regression analysis was used to determine model parameters, while coefficient of determination (R²) and standard error of estimate (SEE) formed the basis for determining the model of best fit. The Modified Henderson–Pabis drying model gave the best fit for the dika kernels while the two term model was best for the dika nuts. Effective moisture diffusivity ranged from 2.84×10⁻¹⁰ m²/s to 5.06×10⁻¹¹ m²/s for the kernels and from 1.22×10⁻¹⁰ m²/s to 2.03×10⁻¹⁰ m²/s for the nuts. The activation energies of dika kernels and nuts were 16.747 kJ/mol and 37.019 kJ/mol respectively.