DRYING EFFICIENCY OF BLACK PEPPER (Piper nigrum L.) IN TWO SUSPENDED DRYING YARD MODELS IN THE AMAZON REGION

Abstract

Introduction: Drying grains on suspended patios prevents moisture exchange with the ground and fermentation. As a result, the addition of alternative materials can reduce costs and enhance drying efficiency. Objectives: The aim of the research was to compare the drying efficient of black pepper in two models of suspended patios: Drying on a suspended patio with shading screen (50 % mesh) and drying on a suspended patio with an aluminized thermal blanket. Additionally, an energy balance analysis was conducted during the drying process. Methodology: The study was conducted at the Federal Rural University of Amazonia, in the municipality of Tomé-Açu, Pará State. Drying was performed using 5 kg of grains in each drying model, and an energy balance and drying cost assessment were carried out. Results: Drying on a suspended patio with an aluminized thermal blanket was faster and more energy-efficient compared to drying on a suspended patio with a shade screen (50 % mesh). Furthermore, the patio with the highest economic viability was the one with the aluminized thermal blanket, as the implementation cost per square meter in the retail market of Tomé-Açu municipality was R$ 66.55 for the patio with the aluminized thermal blanket and R$ 66.57 for the patio with the shade screen with 50 % mesh. Conclusion: The patio with the aluminized thermal blanket was more efficient in the drying process, exhibiting better energy utilization and higher-quality grain drying due to the advantages of the suspended patio combined with good drying practices. Therefore, generating low-cost alternatives for drying can reduce the loss of black pepper quality.