We examined the drying characteristics and the drying rate model equation of garlic(allium sativum L.) using computer aided convective drying. The drying chanacteristic curve of garlic divided into constant rate drying period and 2 stage of falling rate drying period. The drying rate was fairly affected by hot air temperatures during the total drying period, but air flow rates has nearly no effect on the drying rate except initial drying period. Of the several model equation, r2 values of page model equation was the highest, and the estimated drying profiles were comparatively coincided with the observed drying profiles. Page model equation was suitable to predict the drying rate and moisture content during drying of sliced garlic.

To convert the analog signal from the drying process into the digital signal, the interface circuit was designed and built. To measure the weight and temperature during drying process, strain gauge type load cell and temperature transducer composed of pt 100 thermometers and wheatstone bridge circuits were built and used. The temperature control device was composed of photocoupler and triac. Microcomputer aided experimental convective drying system was built with above cricuits and devices. Drying characteristics of onions can be estimated using this system.