Vacuum infrared dryer for drying fruit

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of infrared drying of products in a reduced pressure chamber using the convection effect. With the use of drying, canning of fruits, vegetables, herbs and meat is achieved, which reduces not only the volume, but also the weight of the processed raw materials. The paper presents the main parameters of drying products online, such as relative humidity, pressure, radiation intensity of infrared lamps, drying temperature. The uniqueness of this unit in comparison with similar dryers is a one-time treatment of the product with infrared rays under reduced pressure, convection of air flows inside the drying chamber and full automation of the drying process of any product of plant and animal origin. Determination of parameters and modes of drying was carried out on products of plant origin. During the experimental part, bananas and apples were used. In experimental studies, products such as bell peppers, apples and bananas with various slicing thicknesses were used. The greatest drying effect was obtained with a drying product thickness of 5 mm, and the worst with a product thickness of 10 mm. For example, pepper has decreased in weight from 79.84 grams. up to 23.43 gr., which is his weight loss by 70.65%.