Design of a Hybrid Solar Dryer in Dry Fish Processing

The paper put forward the study and review of various drying techniques used in the food processing industry. Importance is given to the fish drying process. Whenever we are talking about the food processing industry, the primary points that come into the picture are hygiene and quality. The microbial growth has more chances in the drying process which can cause food infections and health hazards. Similarly, the introduction of dust and other particles will affect the safety of the food. Along with safety and hygiene quality must be maintained. Proper drying of fish will keep the flavors alive and will increase the potential of the dry fish process. The drying methods can use different resources like, it can be of using solar energy or by using other heat resources. Commercial food processing units uses LPG gas based heating system for drying the food product. Solar based drying methods can be classified depends upon how the food product is placed and how it is exposed to the heat energy. In this paper various drying methods using solar energy are compared and the advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed.