vacuum belt dryer

Types of Vacuum Belt Dryers

The vacuum belt dryer is a flexible drying equipment. It provides various drying methods, such as drying by hot air, the microwave vacuum dryer, and the steam belt dryer. The adaptation ability of the dryer is broad, and it is suitable for many industries and fields to be used.

• Airflow Drying Vacuum Belts

  The airflow vacuum belt drying machine uses hot air as the medium to dry materials under a high vacuum. In the dryer, the boiling point of the water is lowered due to the effect of the high vacuum, and the evaporation of water from the materials is increased. Thus, the materials can be dried quickly.

• Steam Belt Vacuums

  The steam belt vacuum dryer is similar to the airflow one. But it differs in that it uses saturated steam as the heating source. The saturated steam transfers heat to the materials at a high vacuum. Then, the water in the materials can be evaporated. The dryer has a fast drying speed and high efficiency.

• Microwaves

  The microwave vacuum belt dryer combines microwave heating and vacuum belt drying. The microwave radiates heat to every part of the materials. Then, the materials can be dried uniformly in a short time. The appliance has a high efficiency and energy saving.

Specifications and maintenance of vacuum belt dryers

The core specs for a vacuum belt dryer are the same across the board. The main features and details are as follows.

• Airflow

  This parameter outlines the pattern that the air travels through the dryer. There are typically three different types of airflow dryer's direction. In a concurrent airflow dryer, the heated air flows in the same direction as the belt and material. In a countercurrent dryer, the air blows in the opposite direction to the movement of the material. In a cross-flow dryer, the air moves laterally through the dryer, perpendicular to the material's travel direction.

• Operating Pressure

  The pressure at which the vacuum belt dryer works is called the operating pressure. The typical working pressure for a vacuum dryer is 0.1MPa; however, it may vary depending on the particular design and intended usage of the dryer.

• Power

  This refers to the amount of energy the apparatus expends while drying material. The power of smaller industrial belt dryers can be dry kilowatts or between 1,500 and 12,000 watts. Larger commercial machines have much greater qualities.

• Drying Area

  The drying area of a vacuum belt dryer refers to the total surface area of the belts inside the dryer where the material is spread out and dried. The most common sizes range from 0.4 m² to 4 m², although larger units with drying areas exceeding 200 m² are also available for industrial-scale drying operations.

• Dimensions and Weight

  The dimensions and weight of a vacuum belt dryer can vary depending on the design and configurations, such as the drying area and belt sizes. Smaller models are often around 2 m or smaller, while larger, more industrial-scale machines can be as long as 15 m or more.

Maintenance

A well-performed maintenance task not only improves the machine's performance but also increases life spans. The key practices for a vacuum belt dryer are as follows.

• Regular cleaning and maintenance of drying belts.

  Removing residual material and debris promptly is essential to preserve the performance and functionality of the dried products. Neglecting to clean the belts can lead to more frequent and extensive maintenance of the entire machine. Cleaning the belts also prevents cross-contamination of dried products, particularly in facilities that dry materials for human consumption.

• Routine inspections for damages and repairs.

  Periodic inspections of all parts of the vacuum belt dryer helps identify areas in need of repair or replacement. It is essential to discover damaged areas of the equipment earlier rather than later so as to prevent severe accidents resulting in injury or equipment failure.

Usage scenarios of vacuum belt dryers

The following industries and applications mainly use vacuum belt drying machines:

• Fruits and vegetables

  The food industry uses vacuum conveyor dryers to dry many types of produce, such as apples, strawberries, carrots, onions, and more. These techs are commonly sought after when looking for how to preserve food for a longer period without having to use any artificial preservatives.

• Meat and seafood

  Surumi, sea cucumbers, fish, shrimp, vegetable protein, dried meat, and other meat products are also dried using vacuum belt dryers, which helps prolong the shelf life of these products.

• Cereals and grains

  Dryers for vacuum belts are frequently used by companies that handle various grains, including rice, flour, crystals, granular materials, and other cereals. This technique is instrumental when looking to produce stable quality and increased shelf life.

• Spices and herbs

  The pharm industry frequently uses vacuum belt drying machines to produce essential oils, which are an integral part of the spice and herb industry. Aside from this, many companies also use these machines when looking to preserve the potency and aroma of certain spices and herbs.

• Industrial materials

  Materials such as chemical products, sludge, minerals, and other industrial resources also utilize vacuum belt dryers. This is especially true for the non food related industries that also benefit from using this technology. Many of these industrial materials mentioned here are sought after when looking for building and construction material.

How to choose a vacuum belt dryer

When selecting a food vacuum dryer machine, it's essential to make a well-informed decision based on several key factors.

• Drying area and capacity

  Drying area and capacity: The available drying area and capacity are crucial for meeting specific production needs. Assess the food products' volumes and dimensions that the machine will be processing to ensure that the chosen vacuum-floor dryers have sufficient space and a large enough capacity to handle them efficiently.

• Drying temperature

  Different food products require distinct drying temperatures to maintain their quality and nutrition. It's essential to select a vacuum belt dryer that can control the drying temperature suitable for the food items that will be processed. Consider selecting a machine equipped with an energy-saving system to reduce energy consumption during the drying process.

• Control system

  Modern vacuum belt dryers often incorporate sophisticated control systems that enable precise regulation of various parameters, such as temperature, pressure, and time. Opting for a machine with an advanced control system allows for standardized production, ensuring consistent and uniform drying results. Additionally, a well-developed control system facilitates easier operation and management of the drying process.

• Material and structure

  The material and construction of the vacuum belt drying machine play a vital role in determining its durability and reliability. Selecting a dryer built with high-quality, robust materials helps ensure its ability to withstand prolonged use. Moreover, considering the design and structure of the machine can contribute to more uncomplicated maintenance and repair, minimizing downtime and ensuring smooth production operations.

• Energy consumption and cost

  Operating a vacuum belt dryer involves energy consumption, and understanding the machine's energy usage is critical for managing overall production costs. Evaluate the energy consumption of different models to make an informed decision that aligns with budget considerations while maintaining efficient drying performance.

• Brand and after-sales service

  Choosing a reputable brand of vacuum belt drying machine can provide greater assurance in terms of product quality and performance. Additionally, selecting a brand that offers excellent after-sales service support is essential to ensure timely assistance and solutions if any issues arise during the machine's operation.

FAQ

Q1: What are some recent developments in vacuum dryer technology?

A1: The global food vacuum dryer market has been predicted to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% between 2023 and 2032, showing a rising demand for vacuum drying technology. Some emerging technologies include the use of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things to improve machine performance and energy efficiency. More innovative machines are expected to have self-diagnostic capabilities, remote control functions and automated adjustment systems. Now, most food vacuum dryers are designed to be eco-friendly, minimizing carbon footprints while maintaining product integrity.

Q2: How does a vacuum dryer differ from a freeze dryer?

A2: Vacuum dryers, like the vacuum belt dryer, remove moisture through heat, while freeze dryers are secondly heated that triggers the sublimation process to evaporate the ice. Vacuum drying is a slower method than freeze drying. The former can take a few hours to a couple of days, while freeze drying is faster and can take up only 24 hours to a few weeks. Vacuum drying tends to change the shape of the product, whereas freeze drying maintains the original shape and size.

Q3: Is a vacuum dryer suitable for all materials?

A3: No, not all materials are compatible with a vacuum drying machine. Though it's suitable for delicate, porous and heat-sensitive materials, some materials that contain a large amount of water or fat might pose a risk of clogging and inadequate drying.