Numerical Analysis to Predict Temperature Distribution of Passion Fruit Seeds During Drying

Abstract

HighlightsA temperature distribution occurred due to temperature differences between the surface and inside passion fruit seeds.The temperature distribution occurred simultaneously in all directions.The temperature distribution decreased at greater depths inside the seeds.The same temperature distribution pattern occurred in the vertical and horizontal directions.Abstract. Optimization of the drying process can be determined based on temperature distribution patterns using numerical analysis with the finite element method (FEM). This study compiled a numerical analysis using FEM to predict the temperature distribution in passion fruit seeds during drying. The study was conducted using a circulating-air tray dryer. Temperature distribution data on passion fruit seeds were measured using a data logger. The results showed that numerical analysis using FEM quickly and accurately simulated the temperature distribution in passion fruit seeds during drying. The model was validated by comparing the temperature distribution data measured in the drying chamber with the simulation results, with a relative error of 0.45% to 1.27%. Numerical analysis using FEM provides an useful reference for controlling temperature distribution during drying because this method is easy to implement and results in low errors. Keywords: Drying, Finite element methods, Numerical analysis, Passion fruit seeds, Temperature distribution.