Drying kinetics of tomato paste

Effect of varying drying air temperature, air velocity, initial total solids, and starch addition on the drying rate of tomato paste were studied using a tray dryer. The increase in the inlet air temperature in the range 60-100degreesC markedly increased tomato paste drying rate. Also, increasing air velocity (0.8-1.2 m/s) increased the drying rate of tomato paste. Increasing tomato paste initial total solids had a significant effect on the time required to reach the equilibrium moisture content. Starch was added at different amounts (0.0-1.0 kg dry starch/kg dried tomato paste); it has a significant effect on tomato paste drying rate.