Belt Dryer FBD
Machine description and operation
The Ferguson Belt Dryer was built to fulfill the requirements of the French Fries industry.
Some highlights:
 | Hygienic design; | |
| Consistent product quality; | |
| Energy efficient. |
Hygienic
Operation of the dryer is based on the open tunnel concept. In this concept, one or more sections are spread over one or more drying modules. Each module is a small dryer in itself, complete with recirculation fan, heating element and four separate doors giving access to the complete interior of the dryer. This allows for easy inspection, cleaning and maintenance.
Quality
The product is transported on a perforated stainless steel slat conveyor. The conveyor has small perforations which result in an even airdistribution.
Advantages
1. Even air distribution for homogeneous drying;
2. The high air speed improves drying performance at lower
temperatures and higher humidity levels;
3. The previous point further improves quality, uniformity and
reproducibility of the product;
4. If the belt is unevenly loaded, this will have no adverse effect on
air distribution and consequently evaporation;
5. An updraft module or a tipping module is used to turn over the
products or keep them separated during the process.
Energy efficient
There is only one air supply and discharge opening to each section. In this way the air inside the dryer is reused and maximum humidity is achieved. A high humidity is ensured by controllable air refreshment (based on a relative humidity meter), so that heating of fresh air can be minimised. Result: an energy efficient drying process.
Application
In addition to dryers for the French Fries industry, Ferguson produces dryers for croûtons, mattresses and coffee concentrate for instance. Coffee concentrate is often dried in a special impingement drying process allowing delicate or flat products to be dried. A test dryer can be used to select the best solution.
Major advantages
| Uniform drying process; | |
| Optimum process control, guaranteeing consistent optimum product quality; | |
| Low process temperatures, there-fore low operating costs: |
