The equilibrium moisture content of the edible bean was determined using the dynamic-gravimetric method for temperatures between 25 and 55 °C and water activity between 0.20 and 0.75. It was observed that the moisture content decreases when the temperature for a given water activity is increased. Experimental data were adjusted to mathematical models mentioned in the specific literature (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, Chung Pfost, Copace, Guggenhein-Anderson-de Boer, Modified Halsey, Henderson, Modified Henderson, Oswin, Sabbah and Sigma Copace). According to the results obtained and statistical parameters, the Modified Halsey model was the most effective in representing the hygroscopicity of the edible bean. From the obtained results, the desorption isosteric heats for each equilibrium moisture content was calculated. It was observed that the desorption isosteric heat increases when the moisture content decreases indicating that the reduction in the moisture content increases the energy needed to remove water. The values of isosteric heats for the edible bean in the moisture content are between 10.10 to 21.71 (% b.s.) and they vary from 3961 to 2718 kJ kg-1.
edible bean; higroscopicity; mathematical; modeling; desorption
