Thin Layer Drying Characteristics of Amaranth Grains in a Natural Convection Solar Tent Dryer

摘要: Amaranth plants are indigenous in most semi-arid areas of Kenya. However, the communities these ignorant importance grains from their contribution to health and food security. Amaranths susceptible partial shatter losses especially when harvested at a moisture content less than 30% dry basis (d.b). Thus harvesting must be done d.b or higher which requires necessary artificial drying safe storage level. The traditionally dried thin layers under open sun. sun has disadvantages such as lack temperature control, intensive labour contamination dust, foreign materials, rodents bird droppings. A natural convection solar tent dryer would useful technique for preservation grains. This study aimed analyzing layer characteristics amaranth dryer. More specifically, distribution effect colour cover material on were studied. also focused modeling process determining hardness, crude protein grains.The was analyzed using nine discrete points spread two planes determined by experimental dryers with different coloured PVC materials. Drying actual (1.85 m wide, 2.73 long 2.55 high) carried out levels (Layers 1 2). Thereafter, non-linear regression analysis conducted evaluate performance six models (viz., Newton, Page, Modified Henderson & Pabis, Logarithmic Wang Singh) compared coefficient ofdetermination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), reduced chi-square (χ2) prediction (p). Finally, that materials evaluated content.An variance 5% level significance showed there no significant difference within between planes. In addition, results clear achieved highest temperatures (44.5±5.8oC) rates, lowest relative humidity values (23.5±6.5%) those yellow nectarine diffused found not significantly different. Further, indicate attained an equilibrium 7% initial one 61.3–66.7% after 4.5 hours opposed 7 There rates Layers 2 Page model best described grains, attaining R2 (0.994–0.999) p (80.0–88.2%), RMSE (0.0003–0.0240) χ2 (0.0000–0.0154) values. therefore demonstrate can utilized enhance without affecting physical, optical nutritive properties.