Articles
Solution of a mathematical model for foamed fish hydrolysate convective-microwave drying
Authors:
Andrey V. Hadaev, Albert H.-H. Nugmanov, Pavel D. Osmolovskiy, Svetlana K. Ildirova, Igor A. Bakin
Abstract:
The main problem leading to economic and environmental costs is the inefficient processing of protein and mineral waste from aquaculture. The valuable fish hydrolysate obtained from this waste requires effective dehydration, but traditional methods such as spray drying do not provide high productivity. The key solution is to intensify the dehydration process by combining several technological approaches. Initially, the hydrolysate is structured by foaming it with the addition of a thickener and stabilizer (such as guar gum), which creates the necessary porous matrix for moisture removal. The most effective drying method for this material is a combined microwave technology, often used in conjunction with convective energy supply. Its advantage lies in its ability to provide rapid and controlled volumetric heating of the porous structure of the foamed hydrolysate, significantly accelerating and intensifying the entire dehydration process. The article experimentally established rational process parameters: a layer thickness of 5 mm, an initial material temperature of (27 ± 2) °C, and a specific microwave power of 5 kW/m². Under these conditions, a moisture reduction from 81% to 8% was achieved in 7.5 minutes. The kinetic patterns of convective-microwave drying of the hydrolysate were identified. The authors developed and verified an adapted mathematical model of heat and mass transfer that takes into account the dependence of the material’s dielectric and thermophysical properties on humidity. The model’s solution showed that, under the specified conditions, the temperature in the layer does not exceed 65 °C in the first 4 minutes, after which it rises uncontrollably, defining the critical transition point from microwave heating to convective drying. The effectiveness of a two-stage hybrid mode was experimentally confirmed: 4-minute microwave drying (to 43.5 % humidity and 66°C) followed by 8-minute convective drying at an agent temperature of 75 °C, which allows for a moisture content reduction to 6 % while maintaining the quality of the heat-sensitive product.
Keywords:
fish hydrolysate; foam thickener/stabilizer; convective-microwave foam dryer; kinetic principles; mathematical description; mathematical model; numerical solution
For citation:
Hadaev A.V., Nugmanov A.H.-H., Osmolovskiy P.D., Ildirova S.K., Bakin I.A. Solution of a mathematical model for foamed fish hydrolysate convective-microwave drying. Индустрия питания|Food Industry. 2026. Vol. 11, No. 1. Pp. 38–50. DOI: 10.29141/2500- 1922-2026-11-1-4. EDN: EMGIMQ.
