Comparison of microwave assisted foam drying processes to improve the physicochemical properties and to reduce GHG values of the melon powder processes

Abstract

In this study, in the process of valorizing melon biomass into food powder at 360, 540, 720 and.900 W power values; Drying rate, moisture rate, effective moisture diffusion, SMER-SEC energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission (GHG) values of production processes were investigated. It was determined that the average drying rates of the samples varied between 0.2393–0.9376 g moisture/g dry matter.minute. According to microwave power values, the effective moisture diffusion values of the products were found to vary between 5.47 × 10–7-2.27 × 10–6 m2/s. It was determined that the average SMER values of the drying processes varied between 0.024–0.047 kg/kWh and SEC values varied between 21.12–40.93 kWh/kg. According to the drying processes, NOX, SO2 and CO2 values were calculated to vary between 0.210–1.106, 0.00–2.919 and 49.50–200.168 g, respectively. It was found that the most suitable microwave power in terms of drying kinetics, energy consumption and greenhouse gas values was 900 W.