What is a TALL FORM DRYER™?
The TALL FORM DRYER™ (TFD) is a spray dryer with a tall slim drying chamber with top mounted nozzle assembly featuring a fines return capability. The atomized product dries, while gently falling down the chamber.
The resulting powder is discharged into a VIBRO-FLUIDIZER® for final drying and cooling, while the exhaust air is discharged through the enlarged lower cone section called a 'bustle'
The tall form dryer is suited for both non-fat and fat-containing products, producing non-agglomerated and agglomerated free-flowing powders including baby food.
The special air outlet further means that there is nothing inside the drying chamber, which can obstruct the air flow, like ducts etc. where powder can stick. The atomization of the feed material is always done by high pressure nozzles, which form an integrated part of the air disperser.
Cyclones and bag filters
All process air is passed through cyclones and/or bag filters for separation of the entrained fines powder particles. These fines are then returned to the VIBRO-FLUIDIZER® for regular non-agglomerated powders and/or the atomization device for production of agglomerated powders.
Advantages of the TALL FORM DRYER™
The advantage of the TALL FORM DRYER™ is the downward drying air stream in the drying chamber, since this reduces the tendency of powder deposits on the chamber wall. The specially designed chamber cone with a "bustle" air outlet reduces the amount of fines powder particles carried along with the air into the cyclone.
During the years GEA Niro's TALL FORM DRYER™ has been used extensively within the Infant Formula / Baby Food, as well as for whey proteins. Through the years GEA Niro has delivered more than 250 TFD plants. Many TALL FORM DRYERS™ are also used for whole milk powder, with or without the addition of sucrose.
