Design and Fabrication of Betel Nut Dryer Using Mesh System

The drying of betel nut is an essential post-harvesting process that directly influences its quality, shelf life, and market value. Traditional sun-drying methods are highly time- consuming, weather-dependent, and prone to contamination, while conventional solid-tray dryers restrict airflow and cause non-uniform drying. This project focuses on the design and fabrication of an improved betel nut dryer by replacing the existing tray system with a mesh- based drying arrangement to enhance airflow penetration and drying efficiency. The dryer consists of a mild steel frame, a thermally insulated chamber, stainless-steel mesh trays, fin- type electric heating coils, and an AC blower to facilitate forced convection. The mesh tray design allows hot air to pass uniformly from both top and bottom surfaces, significantly reducing drying time and improving consistency. A temperature control system ensures safe and optimized operation within the required drying range. Experimental observations confirm that the mesh system provides better moisture removal, reduced energy consumption, and improved product quality compared to traditional tray dryers. Betel nut, commonly known as areca nut, is an important commercial crop cultivated in several tropical regions, particularly in India. It is widely used for chewing and in various traditional and commercial products. After harvesting, betel nuts contain a significant amount of moisture, which must be reduced to improve their storage life, maintain quality, and prevent the growth of mould and other microorganisms. Therefore, proper drying is an essential step in betel nut processing.Traditionally, betel nuts are dried by spreading them under direct sunlight. Although this method is economical, it has several disadvantages, including dependence on weather conditions, longer drying time, uneven moisture removal, contamination by dust and insects, and the requirement for a large drying area. These limitations highlight the need for an improved and efficient drying system.