Philippine E-Journals

Design and Development of Fish Natural Convection Drying Facility

Manuel A. Bajet Jr.

 

Abstract:

Fish drying facility was designed, developed and tested to determine its performance, and characterization as a natural convection dryer for stunted tilapia. Parameters in the study were air temperature, relative humidity, drying chamber, moisture content, drying time, capacity and rate. Experimental research design was used and materials includes, lumber painted in black and used as frames, plastic screen mesh, cellophane, black plain sheet and stones.. Findings disclosed that drying rate were noted at the highest during first two hours internal with an average drying rate of 7.20 grams per minute. Average drying rate after the three trials was 2.63 grams per minute. The moisture content of the samples was reduced from 92.68%- 75.23% during the 20 hours of drying and weights of fish samples were also reduced from 20 to 15 kilograms. Further, results on relative humidity was higher at the upper trays compared that the lower trays. Return of investment was 72% and has a payback period of 0.05 year.