Construcción de un Deshidratador a Base de GLP para la Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal

Abstract

This research was carried out to design and build an automatically controlled tray dehydrator that works with LPG gas to dehydrate cocona pulp Solanum sessiliforum Dunal (wild naranjilla), which will be used in the agroindustry La Gamboina in the city Francisco de Orellana (Coca), to add value to the product and reduce costs in storage, transportation and handling. The simulation of the drying operation was based on the experimental method; an electric stove and a dehydrator from La Gamboina company were used to identify the process variables and calculate the dehydrator design. Preliminary tests indicated that the optimum temperature for dehydration is 70 C, since the best drying curves were obtained, allowing the identification of variables such as drying speed 0.958 Kg/hm2; drying time 4 h; air flow rate 10 m3/h. The dimensions of the drying chamber are: Height 0.52 m, width 0.60 m, and depth 0.45 m, with a volume of 0.161 m3, capacity for 5 trays , it was built with stainless steel AISI 304-430, automatic ignition system. The dehydrated pulp has a high vitamin C content of 63 mg, with a total absence of coliforms and a final product humidity of 35%. For the equipment to last and work properly, it is recommended to follow the steps in the operation manual.