Study on the drying condition optimisation of the heating pump and the infrared radiation for the snakehead fish Channa maculata.

Abstract

The paper focused on the drying condition of the infrared radiation combining the heat pump for the snakehead fish basing on the level 1 multi-factor experimental planning model of Box-Wilson. The results showed the mathematical model (Y = 8.92 + 0.44X1 - 0.53X2 - 0.48X3 - 0.098X1X2 - 0.39X1X3 + 0.126X2X3) that expressed the relationship between the drying time (Y) and the impact factors (the sorbitol concentration (X1), the drying temperature (X2), and the wind speed (X3), in which the drying temperature (X2) affected the drying time stronger than other factors. The optimisation condition of drying was the sorbitol concentration of 2.5%, the drying temperature at 57.5oC, the wind speed of 1.6 m/s, and the drying time of 8.27 hours. Dried snakehead fish at the optimum condition got the sensory quality, food hygiene, and safety higher than the air drying and sun drying methods. The results are a scientific basis for completing the technology and widely deploying the drying method in production.