Coffee Processing
During instant coffee processing the soluble coffee extract is separated, filtered and concentrated before being fed into a spray drier to be dried by air to a powder. The dehumidified air supplied to the spray drier is heated to about 480°F (250°C) and blown down through the extract to evaporate the water. The air is diverted out of the spray tower near the bottom, while the resulting dry coffee powder collects in the bottom of the tower with a 2-4% moisture content.
Munters Dehumidification Solution for Coffee Processing
Spray drying with dry air is preferred to freeze drying because of its economy, shorter drying times, and usefulness when dealing with heat-sensitive product.
As ambient air humidity can fluctuate greatly through the seasons, Munters dry air is used to dehumidify the air supply to the spray tower to level out the humidity, shorten product drying times, conserve energy and maintain the fine, rounded particle uniformity and quality of the final product.
The coffee powder is then agglomerated to achieve the correct particle uniformity so that it will dissolve more completely in the consumer's cup before being further dried and cooled in a fluidized bed drier and pneumatically transported using Munters dehumidification to prevent reabsorption of moisture.
Instant coffee particles are hygroscopic; consequently, they must be packaged under low humidity conditions to keep the product dry and in premium condition until opened by the consumer.
Advantages of Dehumidification for Coffee Processing
- Uniform premium quality
- Shortened drying times
- Prevent moisture regain and sticking
- Lower energy consumption
Drink Bottle Extrusion
Effects of Uncontrolled Humidity During Drink Bottle Extrusion
Water condensation on plastic drink bottle mold surfaces can reduce bottle quality and cycle rates all leading to increased operational costs. Condensation causes quality issues for drink bottle moldings as it can leave water marks or cracks.
Munters Dehumidification Solution for Drink Bottle Extrusion
Munters desiccant dehumidification solves these problems by injecting dry air into the molding area or process room. By keeping the environment around the drink bottle molds dry, operators are free to optimize coolant temperatures. The lower the mold temperature, the faster the extruded drink bottles cool. This results in faster cycle times and more product per operation cycle.
Munters’ dehumidification systems for the beverage industry eliminate condensation by drying the air that surrounds the mold. An energy efficient, dry desiccant dehumidifier absorbs and removes the moisture from the air. Since the air is dry, moisture cannot condense on the cooled drink bottle mold's surface.
Advantages of Dehumidification for Drink Bottle Extrusion
- Faster cycle times – up to 40% production increase from lowering the coolant temperature
- Reduced mold maintenance – as surface mold corrosion is greatly reduced
- No slowing production due to rust on precision sliding surfaces
- Condensation does not corrupt surfaces
- Production schedules consistent year-round
