Through-circulation drying of seaweed II.—Laminaria cloustoni frond

The drying characteristics of freshly harvested Laminaria cloustoni frond have been investigated in a through-circulation drier. Drying factors investigated were bed depth (0.5-4 in.), particle size (minced and shredded), air velocity [3-7 lb./(sq. ft.) (min.)], air temperature (130–220° F), air wet-bulb depression (53-123° F), and the seasonal variation of drying times. In most of the tests reported, the fronds were minced before drying. The general effect of air velocity, air temperature and humidity on the drying time is similar to that for L. cloustoni stipe, and a comparison test showed that minced frond dried slightly faster than the shredded material. Drying rates of frond beds at average water contents of 2.5-0.2 lb./lb. (dry basis) have been found to be directly proportional to the wet-bulb depressions of the air.