Nori solar dryer performance: in relation to the colour of the product

Abstract

Abstract One of the critical steps in nori processing is drying. Nori, a special product from seaweed, requires a special design of a dryer to facilitate an efficient drying room and condition. Ordinary mechanical dryers are not suitable for drying nori and are considerably expensive as well, so that a simple model of the solar dryer was required. This dryer uses renewable energy resource in the form of solar energy which is abundantly available and sound environmentally. The study aimed to test the drying performance of the designed dryer correlated with the quality of the nori produced, especially it’s colour. Performance test was conducted in two days from 8.30 to 16.00 WIT each day with main drying parameters temperature and humidity. The observation was conducted every 30 mins. The quality parameters for nori produced were emphasized on colour and sensory evaluation. It was concluded that the drying conditions performed by the dryer were suitable for drying nori producing nori with acceptable colour and texture.