The modeling of temperature controlled microwave drying of bittims (Pistacia terebinthus)

In this study, the drying characteristics of bittims (Pistacia terebinthus) grown in Siirt, Turkey were investigated by using a temperature controlled microwave dryer system. Natural outer shells unpeeled and peeled bittims were used. The initial moisture content (MC) of samples was determined by oven drying at a temperature of 130 degrees C about 6 hours. The drying experiments were conducted at three different temperatures (35, 40 and 45 degrees C), air flow rates (FRs) (0.4, 0.55 and 0.7 m(3)/h) and microwave power (250 W, 500 W and 750 W). The fit quality of models was evaluated using the determination coefficient, chi-square and root mean square error. Among the selected models, the Modified Henderson and Pabis et al model was found to be the best model for describing the drying characteristics of bittims.