Drying Characteristics of Lime (Citrus aurantifolia [Christm.] Swingle) at Different Temperatures

Drying rate of lime was determined experimentally as a function of drying temperature. Single layer drying data obtained at four different temperatures (45, 60, 70 and 100ºC) were fitted to the logarithmic drying model. The drying process was conducted until the moisture content reaching up to 8% d.b. at different drying temperatures. According the results, the rate of drying changed with the drying temperature. Drying time for reaching 8 % d.b. moisture contents of lime were 27, 38, 371 and 825 hours at drying temperatures of 100, 70, 60 and 45°C respectively. Drying lime at observed temperatures can be considered as drying in a falling rate period and the equilibrium moisture content varied with the drying temperature of lime.