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.