The refractance window food drying system is an innovative drying technology utilized for drying semi-liquid, slices and liquid forms of whole fresh food. This technology is referred to as an innovative method for drying while retaining product properties. This method is popular for its scalability, cost, energy-efficient and final product quality. The technologies used for drying are categorized into four different generations. Refractance window drying falls into the fourth generation. Food Tech Projects offers quality refractive window drying systems in India. Here’s what you must know about it.
How Does Refractance Window Drying Technology Work?
Conduction, convection and radiation are the three heat transfers that occur in this system while drying. Each of these forms occurs in the various parts of the drying system.
In this system, the product with high-moisture content is put on a thin plastic film. This product is then dried by heating the film layer through hot water circulation. The plastic film later allows the transfer of heat and mass from hot water to high-moisture products by creating a window within the system. This window allows the passing of infrared energy from the moist material on the plastic film.
The window gradually closes, and thermal radiation transmission decreases as the product loses its moisture content. This closing window also prevents the product from hitting the water bath temperatures, i.e. 95-97 degrees Celsius. This advanced system transfers heat to the product with the help of circulating water molecules.
During drying, the moist product absorbs the thermal energy transferred at the film layer-product interface. After this, the high-moisture product begins drying, and moisture evaporates. Rapid evaporation of water ensures the elimination of the impact of extreme water evaporation and air gap in the product.
The product is passed over the belt at the end of this process and cooled with cold water from below. Later, a scraper device separates the product from the belt. The cooling step helps reduce the product’s temperature below the glass transition temperature. It is important to prevent product stickiness.
Refractance Window Drying System Benefits
- Short drying time
- Saves energy
- Retain product’s flavors, colors as well as the nutrients
- Doesn’t need chemical additives
- Low cost of equipment
Food Tech Projects is the leading provider of industrial dryer machines in India. Contact us today for more information about our machines.
