Optimizing novel drying process for Carissa carandas pulp: process parameters, drying kinetics, and thin-layer drying model validation

Le résumé fourni par la source

Foam-mat drying is widely used for fruit pulps; however, limited studies have systematically integrated process optimization, drying kinetics, and functional powder properties for underutilized fruits such as Carissa carandas. This study aimed to optimize foam-mat drying of C. carandas pulp to produce high-quality powder. Different levels of methyl cellulose, xanthan gum, and gum tragacanth, and whipping time were evaluated using Taguchi’s orthogonal array design. Optimized foams were dried at varying temperatures (45–90 °C) and thicknesses (5 and 10 mm). According to Taguchi’s optimization, the best-performing treatments [methyl cellulose (0.4%), xanthan gum (0.3%), and gum tragacanth (0.1%), and whipping time (20 min)] yielded lower foam density (0.172 g/cm3), higher foam expansion (550%), better foam stability (100%), lower moisture content (7.00%), and bulk density (0.192 g/cm3). The effective moisture diffusivity ranged from 3.93 × 10−1 to 2.50 × 10−9 m2/s across all treatments, while activation energy values were 27.58 and 22.07 kJ/mol for 5 and 10 mm foams, respectively. Among the tested models, the Hasibuan & Daud and Midilli et al. models provided the best fit for drying curves under various drying conditions. The study demonstrates the potential of foam-mat drying for producing stable and functional powder from C. carandas, contributing to improved utilization and quality assurance of underutilized fruit resources.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.