Mass Transfer Properties of Pears for Different Drying Methods

In the present work, the mass transfer properties of pears were determined for three different drying systems (a solar stove, a direct solar drier, and a drying tunnel), using three calculation methodologies. The results obtained allowed concluding that the best methodology to calculate the mass transfer properties is based on Fick's equation, including shrinkage. The values of the diffusion coefficients in the solar drier and drying tunnel were similar, whereas in the solar stove the diffusivity was lower, indicating that the internal moisture transfer was less efficient. Regarding the mass transfer coefficient, this was higher in the solar drier, demonstrating a better efficiency of surface mass transfer.