SOLAR DRYING SIMULATION OF PRUNES ARRANGED IN THIN LAYERS

Solar drying of prunes arranged in thin layers in a multi-shelf type drier is simulated. The weather conditions are those found during harvest in humid pampa region (hot-temperate and humid climate). A mathematical model based on Luikov's theory of drying and including an equation that describes the material shrinkage is employed. The airstream humidification is taken into account in order to analyse the influences of shelves spacing and drier length in the final product characteristics. It is found that the relative moisture content heterogeneity is a useful design criterion. The influence of weather conditions in the drying time and the drying capacity are evaluated.