Application of an Infrared Drying to Drying Process for Red Pepper

고추의 건조(乾燥) 공정(工程)에서 적외선(赤外線) 건조법(乾燥法)의 활용(活用)에 관한 연구(硏究)

This study was conducted to investigate the possibility of application of an infrared drying to drying process for red pepper. The performance of seramic heaters and the variation of temperature and moisture content of red pepper were analyzed during an infrared drying of red peppers. Also, the quality of dried red pepper was analyzed. The following results were obtained from this study. 1. The surface temperature of infrared heaters and the rising time required for steady state were mainly affected by electrical power consumed. 2. The heat energy required for heating red pepper was proposed to be calculated by the equation in terms of enthalpy of air and net heat flux by infrared heater in a drying chamber. The statistical model for net heat flux was developed. 3. The performance of the infrared heater used for heating red pepper was much affected by the distance of radiation, and the difference of temperatures appeared between the radiated surface and the inside of red pepper. 4. Electrical capacity of the infrared heater had a significant effect on the heating of red pepper. However, the effect of shape of heater on heating was not significant. 5. The variation of temperature of red pepper largely appeared in the range of 30 to 60% (db) in moisture content. The temperature of red pepper was almost constant at low moisture content. 6. The temperature of red pepper and heating time had significant effects on the quality for radiant heating. 7. When the electrical capacity of infrared heater and the distance of radiation are carefully designed in a dryer with the insulated drying chamber, infrared drying might be very effective in red pepper drying.