Performance analysis of a tubular solar dryer for drying Mexican mint (Plectranthus amboinicus) — An experimental approach

This work reports the use of tubular solar dryer for drying the Mexican mint (Plectranthus amboinicus) under various mass of leaves. Experiments were carried out in a tubular solar dryer under natural convection mode with direct solar heating. Parameters such as the temperature of dryer tray, relative humidity, and moisture content were recorded for 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 kg of P. amboinicus leaves placed in the dryer tray. Results showed that under an increased mass of P. amboinicus leaves in the tray the parameters such as dryer tray temperature are reduced, and the moisture content available with 0.75 kg of P. amboinicus leaves is higher as compared to 0.25 kg of P. amboinicus leaves. Also, it is found that the relative humidity inside the drying chamber is higher with increased mass of P. amboinicus leaves in the drying chamber.