Ultrasound enhancement of osmotic dehydration and drying – Process kinetics and quality aspects

Abstract

The aim of presented studies is to investigate of influence of ultrasonic assistance on both osmotic dehydration and convective drying. A wide range of different materials, as well as several osmotic agents were tested. The obtained results show that the use of ultrasound always accelerates the investigated processes. The application of ultrasound may reduce the energy consumption of drying. Qualitative studies of dried materials do not give a definite answer about the effect of ultrasound on the quality of the products. Mathematical modelling of the ultrasound assisted drying indicates that so named “vibration effect” plays the biggest role in convective drying acceleration. Keywords: osmotic dehydration; convective drying;  ultrasound; process kinetics.