Fluid bed processors are suited for continuous processing of particles in
powder, granular, agglomerated, and pellet form. Particle size may vary between
50-5000 microns. Very fine, light powders could require vibration for
successful fluid bed drying. The execution of fluid bed drying in these types
of dryers is characterised by high hygienic standards, pressure shock
protection, self-emptying capability and automatic cleaning systems to ensure
high levels of sanitation.
GEA Niro has been a world leader in fluid
bed processing technology for nearly half a century and has supplied systems
for many global customers.
Fluid bed processing systems for the food
and dairy industries require high sanitary standards, self-emptying capability,
and automatic cleaning systems. Often, products are required in agglomerate or
granular form to achieve good instant properties, and so fluid bed dryers may
be combined with spray drying, agglomeration, or granulation systems.
Flash coolers are recommended where the required concentrate
temperature is lower than the one obtained in the last effect. The flash cooler
system is simple and consists only of a vacuum chamber (the vacuum is created
by steam jet vacuum units) into which the concentrate is sprayed.
Depending on the vacuum, the concentrate will flash and, due to the
evaporation, cooling will take place simultaneously (this results in a slight
increase of the solids content). The flash cooler is mainly used for whey,
where it is especially advantageous, as the cooling takes place
instantaneously, thereby avoiding problems with crystallisation of the lactose,
which would create blockages between the plates.