Project Abstract

Abstract
Drying is a critical process in the preservation of agricultural products like plantains. This study focused on the statistical modeling and optimization of the drying characteristics of Musa paradisiaca (unripe plantain) using an experimental approach. The drying process plays a significant role in determining the quality and shelf life of dried plantain products. In this research, the drying characteristics were analyzed using both empirical and statistical models to understand the drying behavior and to optimize the process parameters for improved efficiency. The experimental setup involved drying unripe plantain slices under different conditions of temperature (50-70°C), air velocity (1-3 m/s), and thickness (5-10 mm). The moisture content of the plantain slices was monitored at regular intervals until a constant weight was achieved, indicating the end of the drying process. Statistical tools such as response surface methodology (RSM) were employed to analyze the experimental data and develop mathematical models that represent the drying kinetics of plantain slices accurately. The results indicated that the drying process of unripe plantain slices followed a falling rate period, typical of many agricultural products. The statistical models derived from the experimental data provided valuable insights into the effects of the process variables on the drying characteristics. The drying time, moisture content, and drying rate were influenced by the temperature, air velocity, and slice thickness. Optimizing these variables using the developed statistical models can lead to more efficient drying processes with reduced energy consumption and improved product quality. The study also included the validation of the statistical models to ensure their accuracy and reliability in predicting the drying behavior of unripe plantain slices. The optimized drying conditions determined through the statistical modeling approach were found to enhance the overall drying efficiency and product quality. The findings of this research contribute to the optimization of drying processes for Musa paradisiaca, providing valuable insights for the agricultural and food processing industries. In conclusion, the statistical modeling and optimization of the drying characteristics of unripe plantain slices offer a systematic approach to improving the drying process efficiency and product quality. By understanding the drying behavior through empirical and statistical models, it is possible to optimize the process parameters for enhanced performance and reduced energy consumption in the drying of agricultural products like plantains.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION1.1. BACKGROUND OF STUDYDrying is probably the oldest and the most important method of food preservation practiced by humans. This process improves the food stability, since it reduces considerably the water and microbiological activity of the material and minimizes physical and chemical changes during its storage.Musa paradisiacal (unripe plantain) is an important staple food in Central and West Africa, which along with bananas provides 60 million people with 25% of their calories. According to FAO, (2004), over 2.11 million metric tons of plantain is produced in Nigeria annually. Plantain for local consumption, plays a role in food and income security and has the potential to contribute to national food security and reduce rural poverty.Unripe plantain has rich iron nutrient content (Aremu, et al., 1990). However, they are highly perishable and subject to fast deteriorations, as their moisture contents and high metabolic activity persist after harvest (Demirel, et al., 2003).Moreso, about 35-60% post-harvest losses had been reported and attributed to lack of storage facilities and inappropriate technologies for food processing. Air drying alone or together with sun drying is largely used for preserving unripe plantain. Besides helping preservation, drying adds value to plantain.1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENTDrying consists of a critical step by reducing the water activity of the products being dried. Hot air drying of agricultural products is one of the most popular preservation methods because of its simplicity and low cost. Thin layer drying is a common method and widely used for fruits and vegetables to prolong their shelf life.However, drying of any food substance is an energy intensive operation with grave industrial consequences, and must be performed with optimal energy utilization.This project work seeks to ascertain the best thin layer model and the temperature and slice thickness that optimizes time.1.3. OBJECTIVE OF STUDYThe objectives of this work are to;Ascertain the type of thin-layer model that best fits the moisture ratio/time data during the drying of unripe plantain.To determine the temperature and slice thickness that optimizes time (i.e. gives the shortest drying time).1.4 JUSTIFICATIONProduction of plantain is seasonal while consumption is all year round and therefore there is the need to cut down on post-harvest losses by processing them into forms with reduced moisture content.This agricultural product has high moisture content at harvest and therefore cannot be preserved for more than some few days under ambient conditions of 20oC - 25oC (Chua, et al., 2001). This post-harvest loss results in seasonal unavailability and limitations on the use by urban populations. Plantain has however been having an increasing surplus production since 2001 (Dankye, et al., 2007). It is estimated that in 2015, there will be a surplus of about 852,000 Mt. This means that these surpluses have to be exported, processed or go to waste.A reduction in moisture content potentially increases shelf life and hence prevents excessive post-harvest loss and that drying is an alternative to developing nations, where there is deterioration due to poor storage, weather conditions and processing facilities1.5 SCOPE OF STUDYThe scope of this project work includes the following:Using the ten selected thin layer models to investigate the one that best fits the data generated from drying of unripe plantain at specified temperatures, slice thicknesses, and drying time.Using regression analysis to obtain the slice thickness and temperature for the optimum (minimum) drying time.