This study was carried out to determine the best-fit model, among five pre-selected drying equations, for predicting the thin-layer convective drying of passion fruit seeds. Experimental drying data were collected using a fixed-bed prototype drier, and employing three levels of drying-air temperature (30, 37, and 40 ºC) and specific airflow rate (0.4, 0.8 e 1.0 m³ s-1 m-2), and two levels of initial seed moisture content (23.3 and 32.9% w.b.). All drying runs were performed in a laboratory room at 29.3±1.5 ºC and humidity ratio of 0.016±0.003 kg kg-1. A double exponential equation with four parameters was the model capable of predicting the drying curves of passion fruit seeds with the best level of accuracy. The coefficient of determination was 0.9056 and the standard error of prediction was 1.4 percentage points moisture.
Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa; stacionary drying; drying curves
