Mathematical Modelling of the Kinetics of Convective Hot Air Drying of Crickets

This study explored crickets’ potential in addressing food insecurity and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The research focuses on investigating the drying kinetics of crickets by measuring the moisture contents over time while drying at different hot air temperatures (70 - 90°C). Results showed that drying temperature had a crucial impact on the drying kinetics of crickets, with distinct curves observed at lower and higher temperatures. The effective diffusivity determined ranged from 1.60×10-9 to 3.59×10-9 m2/s. The Page model could predict the drying curve well with high accuracy (R2 > 0.99).