Thermokinetic Study by Solar Convective Drying of Argan Press-Cake

Abstract

The argan tree "Argania spinosa" is a typically multi-use tree. It represents the agroforestry systems pivot which has so far succeeded in meeting the needs of the inhabitants of arid and semi-arid areas strongly marked by climatic hazards. Argan press-cake, residue from the argan oil extraction, is used in several fields, namely: cosmetics, agriculture, and pharmacology. In order to keep this argan paste with a pennyworth, solar drying is an economically appropriate solution, energy and environmentally friendly. In this work, an experimental study is performed to improve the sun-drying process of Argan press-cake using an indirect forced convection solar dryer. As a result, the evolution of the temperature and the drying kinetics inside the product have been assessed. The influence of air recycling drying on the drying time has been highlighted and the characteristic drying law was established too. Thus, the optimal storing conditions of argan press-cake were identified.