Mathematical Modeling of Mass Transfer during Convective Dehydration of Brown Algae<i>Macrocystis Pyrifera</i>

Abstract

The aim of this research was to study and to model the drying kinetics of the brown algae Macrocystis pyrifera at 50, 60, 70, and 80°C. GAB equation showed a good fit on the sorption experimental data. Fick's diffusional model, together with Newton, Henderson-Pabis, Page, modified Page, logarithmic, and Midilli-Kukuc models were applied on the drying kinetics of the alga. The Dwe increased from 5.56 to 10.22 × 10−9 m2/s as temperature increased from 50 to 80°C. Midilli-Kukuc and logarithmic models obtained the best-fit quality for drying curves based on the statistical tests. In consequence, both models are excellent tools for estimating the drying time of this product.