PENENTUAN KADAR AIR KESETIMBANGAN (EMC) PADA DAUN NILAM DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN MODEL PERSAMAAN OSWIN, SMITH, DAN LINIER ISOTHERM

Abstract

The research on Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC) Determination of the Nilan leaves by using Oswin, Smith, and Linear Isotherm Equation Model was aimed at knowing The Equilibrium Moisture Content of the Nilam Leaves in the condition of certain humidity with various room temperature using the Oswin, Smith, and Linear Isotherm equation model. In principle, the water content of agricultural products will be balance due to air humidity around it when it is placed in open environment. The Equilibrium Moisture Content was really needed in drying and storage planning. This will be useful to estimate the increasing or reducing the water content condition and certain relative humidity. The measurement method of balance water content of nilam leaves using static model was obtained from the system, surrounding material and air which was static. Based on the research carried out, it was known that The Equilibrium Moisture Content was the content of available water when the vapour pressure of product was equal to its environmental vapour pressure, which depend on the temperature, relative humidity (RH), air pressure, material type, and the equation method that were used. Results of the research and Validity Test showed that Oswin, Smith, and Linear Isotherm equation model can be used in the Equilibrium Moisture Content of the Nilam leaves in various temperature and humidity.