Pilot Scale Spray Dryer

Spray dryers offer a wide range of product versatility. It is an advantageous drying method where the product is fed in liquid form and collected as a powder. While operating within a wide range of inlet temperatures (140–250 °C), the system also allows processing of heat-sensitive products due to its continuous product flow. Additionally, the use of carriers such as maltodextrin enhances product protection.

Through fan suction, the powdered product in solid form reaches the cyclones along the line, and while the powder drops down, the evaporated water is discharged by the fan. Furthermore, the dust bag located before the fan prevents very fine particles from being expelled, thereby reducing product loss.

System Specifications:

• Inlet Temperature: 140 – 250 °C

• Feed Pump: 150 strokes/min

• Feed Air Pressure: 8 bar

• Fan Speed: 0 – 50 m/s

• Feed Product Concentration: 5% – 40%

• Water Evaporation Capacity: 5 – 10 kg/h

• Product Yield: 30% – 70%

• Sizes: 360x450x475 cm^3

The system was commissioned in 2016, and in general operations, powder production with an average of 30% concentrate content has been achieved. Using a two-fluid (air-liquid) nozzle, the liquid product is atomized, with a typical water evaporation capacity ranging between 5–8 kg/hour. The liquid product is fed into the system via a diaphragm pump operating at 150 strokes per minute. Product yield has ranged between 40% and 65%.With a total of two cyclones and one dust collection section, powder losses have been minimized. The lower section of the first cyclone is equipped with a reducer, while the second cyclone has a stepwise butterfly valve.Energy efficiency has also been considered by completely covering the main tank body with insulation.

The production conditions and yields in spray dryer systems vary entirely depending on the characteristics of the product. In our facility, plant-based products have generally been processed, and the data shared above is based on this foundation.

Lastly, due to a capacity expansion in our facility, a new spray dryer with a water evaporation capacity of 50 kg/h was acquired in 2018. The previously mentioned system has since been used for small-scale product requests.

Sincerely.