Mathematical Modeling of Thin Layer Drying Kinetics of Sliced Cucumbers

Thin layer drying behaviour of sliced raw cucumbers was studied in a laboratory model cabinet dryer. The samples were dried at 40, 50 and 60?C air temperature. During drying, sample weights were measured every 20 minute. Four thin-layer drying models (Lewis, Page, Henderson and Pabis and logarithmic) were fitted to the moisture ratio data. Among the drying models investigated, the Page model satisfactorily described the drying behaviour of raw cucumber slices. Temperature dependence of the total weight to solid weight ratio followed an Arrhenius relationship. Activation energy deduced for this ratio was 5.35 kJ/mol.