Heat and mass transfer in apple cubes in a microwave-assisted fluidized bed drier

► Pilot scale microwave-fluidized-bed dryer was designed to dry apple cubes. ► A model was developed to describe the heat and mass transfer in the apple. ► A numerical solution based on the finite difference method was used. ► Model predicts moisture distribution and temperature variation of the samples. ► Model is validated by experimental moisture, center and surface temperature data. In the present study, a pilot scale microwave assisted fluidized-bed dryer was designed and used to dry apple cubes. A model was developed to describe heat and mass transfer in apple cubes during drying in a combined microwave-assisted fluidized-bed dryer. A numerical solution based on the finite difference method was used to develop the model for moisture distribution and temperature variation of samples. The model was validated using experimental data, including average moisture content, center and surface temperature at various air temperatures and microwave power densities.