Experimental study of a drying installation for drying melon with IR-radiation

Abstract

The article presents the results of experimental studies of a newly developed drying installation for drying melon using the convective method in continuous motion with simultaneous exposure to infrared radiation. Experimental studies have established that when passing a chain conveyor in the collector area, melon slices are exposed to infrared rays, which speeds up the drying process. IR rays have a good effect in the initial period of drying, and in the second period, exposure to rays is not necessary. A drying unit with infrared radiation provides high technical and economic indicators for drying ring-shaped melon slices, therefore it is recommended for its use in small and medium-sized farms specializing in the production of dried melon.