Influência da temperatura e da velocidade do ar na secagem da semente de nêspera (Eribotrya joponica) e avaliação de modelos matemáticos.

Abstract

The loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is a fruit recognized for its nutritional value and for containing bioactive compounds of functional interest. Its seeds also have potential for food and pharmaceutical applications, making it necessary to understand processes that favor their preservation and stability, such as drying. In this context, the present work evaluated the drying kinetics of loquat seeds under different temperature and air velocity conditions, as well as adjustments of mathematical models to identify those that best represent the process. The seeds were subjected to conditions of 50 °C/1,5 m/s, 65 °C/ 1,5 m/s, and 65 °C/1,0m/s, resulting in effective diffusion coefficients (Def) of 0.00119 × 10⁻¹⁰ m²·s⁻¹, 0.00284 × 10⁻¹⁰ m²·s⁻¹, and 0.00197 × 10⁻¹⁰ m²·s⁻¹, respectively. The increase in temperature and air circulation accelerated moisture removal and raised the Def values, indicating greater efficiency in internal water transport. The Midilli and Two-Term Exponential mathematical models presented the best statistical fits (higher R² and lower MAPE and MSE), describing the experimental behavior with high precision for the evaluated temperatures. Thus, the study highlights the direct influence of operating conditions and reinforces the usefulness of mathematical modeling to optimize the drying of loquat seeds.