In this study, pomegranate arils were dried by infrared dryer to find a suitable mathematical model, effective moisture diffusion coefficient and activation energy. The experiments were performed at four air velocity levels (0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1 ms^-1) and three infrared radiation levels (22, 31 and 49 W cm^-2). Experimental data with semi-theoretical and empirical models were evaluated to find the best model. Among the models, Midili's Model was selected based on R², χ² and RMSE criteria. Effective diffusion coefficient of pomegranate arils was in the range of 0. 4×10^-9 to 3.21×10^-9 m² s^-1. Activation energy was calculated by using Arheneus exponential model. The values of activation energy were determined in first method between 0.43 to 1.17 W g^-1 cm^-1 and second method between 1.1 to 0.72 W g^-1 cm^-1.  

Keywords: Drying Kinetic, effective diffusion coefficient, Activation energy, Pomegranate arils

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