Thin-layer drying characteristics of Easter lily (LiliumlongiflorumThunb.) scales and mathematical modeling

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of temperature on the drying behavior and kinetic features of lily scales. A series of experiments were carried out at 65, 75, and 85 °C to dry the scales in a laboratory air-ventilated oven dryer. Drying temperature was found to significantly affect drying times and drying rates. The rate curves suggested that the drying process of lily scales occurred entirely within the descending rate period. During the simulation of drying kinetics, Page and Logarithmic models were proven highly accurate by evaluating the efficacy of seven different thin layer models. Based on Fick’s second law, the effective moisture diffusivity was determined as 4.12 × 10⁻⁹, 7.71 × 10⁻⁹, and 9.49 × 10⁻⁹ m²/s for temperatures of 65, 75, and 85 °C, respectively. The calculated figure of activation energy was 42.42 kJ/mol.

Keywords:
lily scales; hot-air drying; mathematical modeling; Arrhenius relationship