Numerical Simulation of the Drying Kinetics of Red Onions (Allium cepa) to Prevent the Growth of Aspergillus niger and the Design of a Tray Dryer for Small-Scale Setting
Alt Text: Numerical Simulation of the Drying Kinetics of Red Onions to Prevent Aspergillus niger Growth
Title: Numerical Simulation of the Drying Kinetics of Red Onions to Prevent Aspergillus niger Growth and the Design of a Tray Dryer for Small-Scale Setting
Caption: Investigating drying kinetics of red onions to inhibit fungal growth and optimize drying technology.
Description: This study examines mathematical models to determine the optimal drying conditions for red onions, preventing Aspergillus niger growth. A tray dryer is designed for small-scale settings using solar energy and air recirculation.
Keywords: Aspergillus niger, drying kinetics, mathematical model, moisture content, onions, tray dryer
International Journal of Engineering and Techniques – Volume 10 Issue 3, June 2024
L.D. Pestaño1, M.K. Gaspar2, A.F. Quizon3, R.L. Sandoval4
1Ph.D. Professor, Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines. Email: lbpestano@ust.edu.ph
2BS ChE Student, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, NCR, Philippines. Email: megankrisanta.gaspar.eng@ust.edu.ph
3BS ChE Student, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, NCR, Philippines. Email: aereousfrancesca.quizon.eng@ust.edu.ph
4BS ChE Student, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, NCR, Philippines. Email: rhodelieanne.sandoval.eng@ust.edu.ph
Corresponding author: A.F. Quizon Email: aereousfrancesca.quizon.eng@ust.edu.ph
Abstract
Red onions are commonly grown crops in the Philippines. Due to their high moisture content, they are highly susceptible to fungal growth, particularly Aspergillus niger, leading to spoilage and agricultural losses. This study investigates drying methods that lower moisture content (MC) to 5% to inhibit fungal growth. Three mathematical models—Laplace Transform Model, Page Model, and Non-linear Decomposition Model—were examined to describe the drying behavior of sliced red onions at varying temperatures. The Page Model was found to provide the best fit with the least error. An optimized tray dryer design was proposed for small-scale settings, incorporating solar heating and air recirculation technology.
Keywords
Aspergillus niger, drying kinetics, mathematical model, moisture content, onions, tray dryer
How to Cite
Pestaño, L.D., Gaspar, M.K., Quizon, A.F., Sandoval, R.L., “Numerical Simulation of the Drying Kinetics of Red Onions to Prevent Aspergillus niger Growth and the Design of a Tray Dryer for Small-Scale Setting,” International Journal of Engineering and Techniques, Volume 10, Issue 3, June 2024. ISSN 2395-1303
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