This equation can thus be used to estimate the approximate drying time required for a desired oven temperature when the moisture content is unknown.Since equation [8] was developed using average drying times over a range of moisture content levels, the apparent moisture content determined after drying for the time period estimated by equation [8]
should be used as an input to equation [7] for a more accurate determination of moisture content. This procedure accounts for the significant differences that could result due to varying sample moisture content levels. In summary, equation [8], or the values of Table 8, can be used as a first step in estimating an approximate drying time for a desired oven temperature. The apparent moisture content from the drying test is
then used as an input to equation [7] to determine the
moisture content that would have been attained with the
standard AOAC method.