Infrared drying of onion cover scales before placement in storage
The article deals with the process of onion cover scales drying by infrared radiation of a specific wavelength before placemnt in storage. The factors being investigated are: infrared heat flux density, a distance between an infrared source and onion surface, and bulb diameter. The experiment was carried out in a chamber with infrared emitter of 0.012 mm diameter, robust ceramic mantle, and reflectors. The onion of sharp varieties with bulb diameter of 48 and 58 mm was chosen as the object of research. Drying of 5-7 mm onion cover scales at the depth of 10 mm form the surface is analyzed. The temperature was 25-29°C, the heat flux density - 3.96; 3.65; 3.17 kW/m<sup>2</sup>, the distance between an infrared source and onion surface - 30 and 45 mm. The time of drying is proved to depend on bulb diameter, the distance between an infrared source and onion surface, and infrared heat flux density directly. The results are going to be used while developing a commercial infrared unit for onion cover scales drying before placement in storage.