AUTOMATED MULTI COMMODITY HEAT PUMP DRYER (AMCHPD)
A proud Philippine product capable of hygienic drying and retaining the color and nutritional contents of its dried commodities without the addition of any preservatives.
Executive Summary
The AMCHPD has favorable drying conditions of 35-500C and 15-10% relative humidity (condition of the inside drying air). Its drying chamber is 8 ft x 16 ft x 8 ft and is made of stainless-steel gauge 304 (food grade) with 126 stainless drying trays in 6 racks. It has a capacity of 100.0 kg to 150.0 kg of fresh commodities depending on the type of commodity. It offers the following: a) recovered energy from the condenser of an air-conditioning/refrigeration system; b) naturally preserves and retains product flavor nutrients and color; c) locally fabricated for lower production cost and maintenance; d) hygienically dehydrate commodities; f) drying parameters are displayed in a real time through the Liquid Crystal Display(LCD).
The Problem
Drying is conducted to reduce the water content of the produce to a level insufficient for enzyme activity or the growth of micro-organisms. The critical level is about 10-15 % moisture, depending on the commodity. There are a lot of drying methods available; such as through the sun, air, spray and convective oven. The first two methods may be cost effective since they do not involve the use of electricity however, they are considered indeterminate because there is no way to control the drying parameters. Further, dust and microorganisms may accumulate on the dried product. Spray drying may be a promising method; however, it is very costly and not practical in developing countries because of the investment requisite. The use of convective and oven drying involve drying temperature only, thus the condition of the drying air which is a very important parameter is not integrated.
The Solution
Heat pump drying (HPD) harnesses both drying temperature and relative humidity from the hot side of the condenser in a refrigeration/ air conditioning system. It is considered clean because the refrigerant used is environment-friendly thereby no carbon footprints are produced. It is proven to have low electricity consumption because when the set drying parameters are achieved the system will stop consuming energy.
Competitive Advantage
The process is preferred over others due to its retention capacity on the vitamin and minerals, color; hygienic process of drying, uniform food product capacities; ensures a natural way of drying without any addition of synthetic chemicals that may enhance the final food product.
Target Market
Micro, small and medium enterprises, government and private agencies that are involved in drying activities.
Contact:
Lorcelie B. Taclan, PhD
Adventist University of the Philippines
Mobile No: 09750957667; email: lbtaclan@yahoo.com