APLICACIÓN DE EL PROCESO ANALÍTICO JERÁRQUICO (AHP) PARA LA SELECCIÓN DE UN SECADOR DE FRUTAS Y VEGETALES

Abstract

A methodology is proposed for the selection of the most suitable drying equipment for the dehydration of tropical fruits and vegetables through the use of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The choice of drying equipment alternatives was based on surveys with experts to choose among the following types of dryers: Cabin Dryer, Tunnel Dryer, Conveyor belt Dryer , fluidized bed dryer and freeze dryer (lyophilizer). Evaluation criteria were based on product quality factors, investment and operational costs, flexibility, productivity, equipment maintenance and human resources. An evaluation matrix was built with 14 criteria split in three levels and 5 alternatives. A group of experts was selected from the academic and manufacturing areas. The surveys were processed using EC 2000 (Expert Choice 2000 Team, Pittsburgh: Expert Choice Inc, 2001). Criteria ponderation yield as priority areas “conformation to specs” (0,225) and “Investment“(0,102). The choice of alternatives was favorable for the freeze dryer (0,251) and performance sensitivity analysis showed little dependence between criteria and alternatives. This study confirms the usefulness of this method for the selection of industrial equipment in the food industry. Keywords: Fruit and vegetables drying, dryers, Multicriteria Decission, AHP.