ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the foam-mat drying kinetics of mango pulp (cv. Keitt) adding 1% Emustab® and 1% Super Liga Neutra®, for a whipping time of 20 minutes, dried in a forced -air convection oven at different temperatures (50, 60 and 70oC) and foam layer thicknesses (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 cm). Drying kinetic data were used to build drying curves and then fit to Page, Henderson, Henderson and Pabis, Logarithmic and two-term Exponential models. Both temperature and foam layer thickness influenced drying time, which reached the shortest value at the highest temperature and smallest thickness. The Page model provided the best fit to the experimental drying curve data. | RESUMO Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar a cinética de secagem em camada de espuma da polpa de manga cv. Keitt, com a incorporação de 1% de Emustab® e 1% de Super Liga Neutra®, para um tempo de batimento de 20 min, desidratada em estufa com circulação forçada de ar em diferentes temperaturas (50; 60 e 70 oC) e espessuras de camada de espuma (0,5; 1,0 e 1,5 cm). A partir dos dados obtidos durante a cinética de secagem foram construídas as curvas de secagem e ajustados os modelos de Page, Henderson, Henderson e Pabis, Logarítmico e Exponencial de dois termos. Verificou-se que a temperatura de secagem e a espessura da camada de espuma influenciaram no tempo de secagem, com os menores tempos de secagem observados na maior temperatura e na menor espessura. O modelo de Page foi o que melhor se ajustou aos dados experimentais das curvas de secagem.

ABSTRACT The study of drying kinetics is fundamental for making the correct choice of time and temperature to be used in the drying process. In addition, mathematical modeling enables the simulation, optimization, sizing, and determination of the commercial application of the drying system. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the kinetics and mathematical modeling of the drying process of macaúba almond [Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. ex Mart] performed at different temperatures. For this purpose, the drying was performed under three different temperatures: 40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C. Four repetitions were performed for each temperature. The experimental data were fitted by nine different mathematical models. The choice of the best model was based on the following statistical parameters: magnitude of the adjusted coefficient of determination, magnitude of the mean relative error, and standard error of the estimate. It was observed that an increase in the drying temperature resulted in a reduction of drying time. The shortest drying time was observed in the treatment performed under 60 °C in which the almonds attained equilibrium moisture content at 34.08 h. The longest drying time was observed in the treatment performed under 40 °C, with the almonds attaining equilibrium moisture content at 404.40 h. Approximation of Diffusion, Midilli, Page, and Modified Page were the models that best described the drying process of macaúba almonds with the aim of subsidizing the design of industrial dryers.