Tray Dryer | NutriForge – 04
The Tray Dryer NutriForge – 04 demonstrates the fundamentals of hot air tray drying using an axial flow fan and electric heater bank. This Tray Dryer features 4 corrosion resistant drying trays, a digital balance for weight monitoring, and combined temperature, humidity, and air velocity sensors. A transparent door allows observation of the drying process. Optional DAQ software enables direct data transfer and calculation of results.
The Tray Dryer NutriForge – 04 explains the fundamentals of hot air tray drying using a rectangular duct with an axial flow fan. This Tray Dryer draws air through a bank of electric heaters and over a rack of trays held on a balance. It records temperature and humidity before and after the drying trays.
Product Overview
This unit explains the fundamentals of hot air tray drying. The device is made out of a rectangular duct. An axial flow fan at the left end of the duct draws air into the space. Fan speed can be changed. After the fan, a bank of electric heaters enhances the air’s temperature. Above the duct, a balance holds a rack of trays in the air. Before and after the drying trays, temperatures and humidity are recorded.
In food technology, convection dryers are frequently used to dry solids. Convection drying of granular particles can be studied and shown using the Tray Dryer. The solid can be dried using four removable pans that resist rusting. They are put in a canal for drying. The drying material is placed in trays that are exposed to an air flow in a channel. The solid is heated by the air flow, which also draws out any released moisture. The speed of a fan can be changed to change the air velocity. The air can be heated with a variable heater. The drying process may be seen thanks to the transparent door in the drying channel.
A digital balance can be used to monitor variations in the solid’s weight brought on by the evaporation or vaporisation of moisture while it is in use. Before and after the air flow passes over the solid, a single combined temperature and humidity sensor measures the air temperature and relative humidity and digitally displays the results. The air velocity is measured by another sensor.
Direct transfer to a PC of the pertinent measured parameters (changes in weight, humidity, temperature, and air velocity) allows for additional processing (optional). The comprehensive course materials outline the foundations and offer a step-by-step walkthrough of the experiments.
Tray Dryer NutriForge – 04, Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Drier for investigating convection drying of solids |
| Drying Trays | 4 corrosion resistant trays in a drying channel with an air flow |
| Air Velocity Adjustment | Via speed of fan |
| Air Heating | Controlled heater |
| Weight Measurement | Digital balance for measuring the change of weight during drying |
| Humidity/Temperature Sensor | 1 combined sensor for measurement before and after the solid sample |
| Air Velocity Sensor | 1 air velocity sensor |
| Timing | Digital stopwatch, battery operated |
| Software | Optional, for data acquisition via USB under Windows Vista or Windows 7 |
Technical Data
Drying Channel
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 2000mm approx |
| Internal dimensions | 350x350mm |
| 4 drying trays | 300x300mm each |
Fan
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 33W |
| Max. output | 700m³/h |
| Max. speed | 950min⁻¹ |
Heater
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 0~3500W |
| Feature | With adjustable temperature limiter |
Balance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Measuring range | 0~10000g |
| Resolution | 0.1g |
| Application temperature | 0~75°C |
Measuring Ranges
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Humidity | 0~100% rel. |
| Temperature | -100~400°C |
| Air velocity | 0~2.5m/s |
Key Features
- Drying Channel: length approx. 2000mm, internal dimensions 350x350mm
- Drying Trays: 4 corrosion resistant, 300x300mm each
- Fan: 33W power, max. output 700m³/h, max. speed 950min⁻¹
- Heater: 0~3500W, adjustable temperature limiter
- Digital Balance: measuring range 0~10000g, resolution 0.1g
- Sensors: combined humidity/temperature sensor and separate air velocity sensor
- Visibility: transparent door in the drying channel
- Timing: digital, battery-operated stopwatch
- Data Transfer: optional direct transfer to PC of weight, humidity, temperature, and air velocity measurements, a key capability of this Tray Dryer
- Software: optional DAQ software for measurement and calculation
Experiments
- Influence of air temperature and humidity on drying intensity
- Plotting of drying curves with constant external conditions
- Determination of drying rate with different air parameters and different solid properties
- Evaluation of drying processes using energy and mass balances
Construction and Design
The Tray Dryer NutriForge – 04 is built around a rectangular duct forming a drying channel approximately 2000mm long, with internal dimensions of 350x350mm. An axial flow fan at the left end of the duct draws air into the space, rated at 33W power, a maximum output of 700m³/h, and a maximum speed of 950min⁻¹. A bank of electric heaters, rated 0 to 3500W with an adjustable temperature limiter, enhances the air’s temperature after the fan. Four removable, corrosion resistant trays, each 300x300mm, hold the drying material inside the channel. A balance above the duct holds the rack of trays, with a measuring range of 0 to 10000g and a resolution of 0.1g. A combined temperature and humidity sensor measures conditions before and after the solid sample, while a separate sensor measures air velocity. A transparent door in the drying channel allows the drying process to be observed.
Software
Software NutriForge – 04 (optional). DAQ software specially designed in National Instrument™, LABVIEW™ environment to measure and calculate the results of the apparatus. The software is optional; a set of electronic sensors is included when the software is used. The software can be run in any Windows™ environment.
Scope of Delivery
- 1 Experimental unit
- 1 Instructional manual
Q: What is the Tray Dryer NutriForge – 04 used for?
A: It is used to study and demonstrate convection drying of granular particles and solids, explaining the fundamentals of hot air tray drying.
Q: How many drying trays does the unit have?
A: The unit has 4 corrosion resistant trays, each 300x300mm, placed in a drying channel with air flow.
Q: How is the weight change of the solid monitored during drying?
A: A digital balance, with a measuring range of 0 to 10000g and a resolution of 0.1g, monitors variations in the solid’s weight during drying.
Q: What sensors are included for measuring drying conditions?
A: A combined temperature and humidity sensor measures conditions before and after the solid sample, and a separate sensor measures air velocity.
Q: Is data acquisition software available with this system?
A: Yes, Software NutriForge – 04 is available as an optional add-on, designed in National Instrument™ LABVIEW™ environment, and can run under Windows Vista or Windows 7.
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