Open Conference Systems, The 3rd International Undergraduate Conference on Agriculture & Life Sciences

Font Size: 
Performance and Drying Characteristics Analysis of Crystalline Coconut Sugar using a Rotating Rack Type Dryer
Nicky Dwi Safitri, Ropiudin Ropiudin, Susanto Budi Sulistyo, Kavadya Syska

Last modified: 2023-12-11

Abstract


Coconut sugar crystal is a processed product with high economic value, particularly in the food and beverage industry. The drying of coconut sugar crystal is a critical step in the production process, significantly influencing overall production quality and efficiency. This research aims to analyze the performance or capability of a rotating shelf dryer in drying coconut sugar crystals and to examine the drying characteristics of coconut sugar crystals using a rotating shelf dryer. The research method begins with a preliminary research to determine the drying time required to achieve a maximum moisture content of 3%, in accordance with the quality standards for coconut sugar crystals. The experimental method is employed with two treatments, each repeated three times, using the same capacity for each repetition. The two treatments involve the use of a 202-sized semawar stove with a small flame opening (P1) and a 202-sized semawar stove with a large flame opening (P2). Variables observed and measured in the research include: moisture content testing, drying room temperature and distribution, air humidity, drying time, drying rate analysis, energy usage efficiency, and drying efficiency. The results indicate that the rotating shelf dryer for drying coconut sugar crystals exhibits the highest drying efficiency for P1 at 4.46% in P1U2 and for P2, the highest efficiency is 3.18% in P2U2. Drying coconut sugar crystals using a rotating shelf dryer for P1 takes 75 minutes from the initial moisture content of 6.37% db to the least final moisture content occurring in P1U2 at 3.01% db, with an average drying room temperature of 53.7°C and an average material temperature of 46.8°C. For P2, with a drying time of 60 minutes from the initial moisture content of 6.12% db to the least final moisture content occurring in P2U2 at 2.23% db, with an average drying room temperature of 58.4°C and an average material temperature of 51.2°C. This research can serve as a reference for researchers and practitioners in the field of food processing technology to develop more efficient and sustainable drying methods.