Optimization of the dehydration in citrus trees through the indirect vacuum drying process

Abstract

The objective of the article is to systematize the optimization of the citrus dehydration process by indirect vacuum drying process by Yara Futuro Agrícola S.A with a Multiple Linear Regression model. The numerical optimization was carried out using the Response Surface Methodology through an experimental design, Box-Behnken, with three factors. The variables defined as: controlled (internal temperature in the drying chamber, internal relative humidity and Vacuum pressure) and not controlled (environmental conditions, citrus inlet temperature, fruit humidity and geometry of the drying chamber). As a result, ANOVA tests revealed that the linear and quadratic main effects of these process variables were highly significant in reducing the drying time. From the results of the statistical tests, the second order regression model was adjusted, with which the optimal parametric configuration of the variables was obtained.