LAUSR

Abstract This study analyzed the simultaneous heat and mass transfer between acerola residues and the air in a fixed-bed dryer with a thick layer. We used a two-phase model with a set of adequate constitutive equations, which was numerically solved using the method of lines. We compared simulation results with the experimental data obtained in a pilot unit at different positions throughout the bed. The simulated results show a good agreement with experimental data. The proposed model was also able to predict the heterogeneity of the process. The drying conditions in which the content of the main bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid, phenolics, and flavonoids) were in high levels were identified.