Feasibility of computer vision as Process Analytical Technology tool for the drying of organic apple slices

Summary

Usage of computer vision (CV) as Process Analytical Technology tool in drying of apple slices was tested. Samples were subjected to various anti-browning treatments at sub- and atmospheric pressures, and dried at 60°C up to a moisture content (dry basis) of 0.18 g/g. CV-based prediction models of changes in moisture content (wet basis) were developed and promising results were obtained (R2P > 0.99, RMSEP = 0.01÷0.06 and BIASP < 0.06 in absolute value), regardless of the anti-browning treatment.