INVESTIGATION OF DRYING KINETICS OF GINGER IN A FLUIDIZED BED DRYER

In the study, drying kinetics of ginger in a fluidized bed dryer are investigated. Ginger roots are sliced with thickness of 2 mm and dried from initial moisture content of 88-89% (w.b.) to the final moisture content of 4-5% (w.b.). Experiments are carried out with three different drying air temperatures of 40, 50, band 60 degrees C by keeping the air velocity fixed at different values (3 and 4 m/s) to investigate temperature, humidity and velocity of drying gas (air). The moisture content of the samples on dry basis is measured at predetermined time intervals and then overall moisture diffusivities are calculated using the moisture ratios. Experimental results show that temperature, humidity and velocity of air are important parameters have an effect on drying rate of sliced ginger in fluidized bed dryer. In addition, experimental moisture loss data has been compared with thin layer drying models available in the literature and Page model has shown a better fit to the experimental data.