Drying characteristics of red chili in a swirling fluidized bed dryer: An experimental study

Abstract

Red chili is an agricultural product that contains high moisture. In this study, the drying process of red chili was conducted by using two methods which are conventional method of drying under the sun and by using swirling fluidized bed dryer. A fluidized bed column of 108 mm in diameter with slotted distributor of 45° inclination angles was used in the experiment. Result of drying by using conventional method showed that for 1kg of sample the drying time was 13 days with 212g weight reduction and the color of the red chili changed from red to dark red. Meanwhile for swirling fluidized bed dryer the time required was 4 days, 200g weight reduction and the color of red chili maintained. Based on the results obtained, the drying of red chili by using swirling fluidized bed dryer is more efficient as compared to drying by using conventional method.