Optimization of processing parameters for fluidized bed drying of soybeans

MARCELA LILIAN MARTÍNEZ; MARÍA ANDREA MARIN; MARÍA CAROLINA BRONDI; VINICIUS VICENTE LEONARDI; PABLO DANIEL RIBOTTA

Brasil

Conferencia; CIGR - International Conference of Agricultural Engineering XXXVII Congresso Brasileiro de Engenharia Agrícola; 2008

The present study was designed to optimize processing conditions of the heating and drying process of soybean using a fluidized bed dryer, in order to reduce treatment time and end-product quality losses. The independent variables were soybean initial moisture, treatment time and temperature of the air entering the fluidization chamber (hot-air temperature). The response variables studied were soybean final moisture, inactivation of urease, soy flour color and soy protein solubility. Response surface methodology was able to model the response of the different studied variables. For each response group an equation could be formed with relevant terms, and, based on these equations, the behavior of response could be predicted within the experimental area and presented as a response surface. The results allowed the calculation of optimal processing parameters using a multiple response method, this optimization suggested that a combination of soybean initial moisture of 0.073 g/g (wb), treatment time of 7.26 min and hot-air temperature of 130.6 °C could be a good combination of processing parameters in order to reduce treatment time and end-product quality losses.