Assessments of Kinetics, Energy Analysis and Physicochemical Properties of Onion Powder Processing by Convective Drying

In this study, the effects of NaCl used at rates of 0, 10, 20, and 30% on energy consumption, milling process efficiency, and physical-flow properties of onion production processes were investigated. The effective diffusion value was found to vary between 2.86 × 10-6 and 9.97 × 10-7 m2/s. SMER and SEC values varied between 0.00175 - 0.000303 kg/kWh and 570 - 3299.27 kWh/kg, respectively. Evaporation energy values were determined to range between 3.16 - 2.15 kWh. The highest density values were determined at a 30% NaCl rate. The best CI and HR values were determined at a 10% NaCl rate. The highest dry matter and lowest moisture rates were determined for carrier agents used at 30% and 0%, respectively. The minimum wetting time was defined as 6 ± 1.00 seconds for the carrier agent, which is used at a rate of 30%.