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A tray dryer is a drying machine that dries materials using hot air. It is one of the most common drying machines in the food processing industry. The tray dryer works by circulating hot air over the material to be dried laid on trays. Most tray dryers are rectangular-shaped boxes with compartments for several trays. The tray dryer can dry various food materials, including fruits, vegetables, meat, biscuits, and bakery waste. Some industrial food processes also use it to dry chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and wood products.
The main component of a tray dryer is its heating source. Based on the heating sources, there are several types of tray dryers.
Steam heated tray dryer
Steam heated tray dryers are heated by conduction. The steam generates heat, which heats a drying tray above it through a steam coil. A typical steam heated tray dryer has a cylindrical vertical mesh tray equipped with a steam coil and placed over a steam pot. The food material gets dried when it is laid over the mesh tray. The steam pot provides indirect heating that cooks the food material.
Electric tray dryer
As the name suggests, electric tray dryers are powered by electricity. An electric heating element or band is often placed beneath the trays to provide heat. The heating element heats the trays, which further dries up the material laid on the trays. Some electric tray dryers are equipped with a fan that circulates the hot air over the entire trays, making the drying process quicker. Electric tray dryers are found in both small-scale and large-scale food processing industries.
Solar tray dryer
A solar tray dryer uses solar energy as its main power. It is usually built with a transparent cover over the tray that protects the food material from dust and insects. The covered tray is then placed inside a box often painted black to absorb more heat. The combination of the black box and transparent cover creates a greenhouse effect that raises the temperature inside the solar tray dryer. Because it relies entirely on sunlight, solar tray dryers are a cost-effective alternative to electricity and other fossil fuels. However, they need constant weather conditions to produce the required amount of energy.
Gas tray dryer
Gas tray dryers mainly use natural gas or LPG as their fuel. The gas burns inside a combustion chamber that heats the surrounding air. A fan installed in the combustion chamber blows the hot air into the drying chamber. The heated air flows over the trays and removes moisture from the material. Gas tray dryers have a proven lower drying time compared to steam and electric tray dryers.
Drying trays:
There's a wide range of tray materials for dryers, including food-grade stainless steel, aluminum alloy, melamine, ceramic, chrome, and more. Stainless steel and aluminum alloy are usually used for the bottom tray, but the other materials may sometimes be found in a tray dryer.
Heating source:
The heating source in a food tray dryer could be direct electric coils, indirect electric coils in a separate chamber, solar energy, gas burners, or an electric heating element. Coils have a tendency to create uneven heating and may be prone to catching fire. It's usually a better idea to have the coils away from the food being dried so that neither is adversely affected, and that's what indirect electric heating achieves.
Temperature control:
A tray dryer usually works at 40-60 degrees centigrade. The dry food items typically have a boiling point, which is lower than that of water. Therefore, the dryer can eliminate moisture inside of them without causing them to boil, thereby drying them instead of cooking them. An electronic thermostat controls the temperature of an electric tray dryer. It ensures that heating elements maintain a set point. Thermocouples are a more advanced temperature control mechanism where a temperature-sensing device is capable of measuring higher temperatures.
Leather tray dryer machine:
Another type of tray dryer is for the drying of leather. It's usually a bigger, more massive machine. The main parts are the air heating unit, the ventilating unit, and the drying unit. The air heating unit may have electric heating, steam heating, hot water heating, or hot air heating. The ventilating unit is a blower that brings the heat transfer medium (such as hot air) into the drying unit. The drying unit is a long, box-like chamber with many trays inside it where leather can be spread thinly to dry.
Maintenance:
When it comes to dryer tray maintenance, cleaning is the single most important thing to prolonging the life of a refrigeration unit or a dryer tray, regardless of its kind. Regularly cleaning can prevent build-up and avoid the need for more frequent and lengthy deep cleaning. Some manufacturers recommend a monthly deep clean so that parts that need lubrication can get done, including the compressor, fan motor, and other moving parts. A skilled technician can determine all the right levels and places to get the job done while ensuring that any electrical parts, including the dryers' belts, are carefully cleaned and dried.
Other parts:
Other parts that may need cleaning of a tray dryer include the drain holes, the condenser, the coils, the filters, and the vents. The smooth surface of the condensate tray makes it easy to wipe it clean. A blower can be used to clear debris and dust off the coils and vents. Coils and vents should never be obstructed, and their air flows should always be ensured, to extend their lifespans. The window and door seals of the tray dryer should be cleaned with a soft brush.
Some industries where they are used include the following.
Food industry
In the food industry trie dryers are used to dry nuts, vegetables, fruits, fish, herbs, meat, etc. The dried food can be used for cooking, eating, and even feeding farm animals and zootherapy patients.
Pharmaceutical industry
Pharmaceutical tray dryers are used to dry chemicals, drugs, medicines, and antibiotics. Dried drugs and medicines are used for different types of health issues.
Chemical industry
In the chemical industry, tray dryers are used to dry chemical products like pesticides, pigments, salts, etc. Chemical products undergo further processing and are used to make different kinds of products.
Mineral industry
Mineral industries use tray dryers to dry minerals like coal, silica, and sand. Dry mineral materials are processed to make construction materials, paints, and other products.
Textile industry
The textile industry uses tray dryers to dry textiles like felt, fabric, wool, etc. Dried textiles are used to make clothing, upholstery, and other items.
Ceramic industry
Ceramic industries use tray dryers to dry ceramic materials like powder, clay, etc. Dried ceramic materials are used to make pottery, tiles, and other products.
Light industry
In the light industry, tray dryers are used to dry light materials like paper, leather, etc. Dried light materials are used to make packaging, leather goods, and other products.
When looking at tray dryer prices, buyers need to consider more than just the price. A simple price comparison may provide a superficial evaluation, but buyers must look closely to discover the true value of each machine.
First, consider the factors that significantly affect the price of tray dryers, such as the material of the machine. Stainless steel is expensive, but it's worth it. It maintains the machine's performance and ensures that end products are of the highest quality. When examining tray dryer prices, consider the durability of the machine. A durable machine may have a higher cost, but it will provide years of uninterrupted service when appropriately maintained, resulting in lower operating expenses over its life span.
Operation and maintenance costs are other crucial elements that buyers should look at when analyzing tray dryer prices. Machines that consume a lot of energy may have a lower purchase cost but bring higher operating costs. Consider energy-efficient dryers and have long, low-cost working lives.
Also, consider the resale value of the machine. Some dryers have a high resale value because more buyers are looking for them. Moreover, though a dryer's initial price could be low, if it requires frequent repairs because of low manufacturer qualities, the long-term cost could go up.
Another thing buyers should not overlook is the drying efficiency of the machine. More efficient dryers may have a higher price, but their productivity will bring a quicker return on investment. Remember, productivity loss due to inefficient drying is an indirect cost that reduces profit margins.
Consider the reputation of the manufacturer when looking at tray dryer prices. Well-known manufacturers have a higher initial cost due to the quality of craftsmanship and materials they use. Nonetheless, the machine may have a lower long-term cost because it will need less maintenance and repair and have improved reliability. Also, those manufacturers offer after-sale services and spare part availability.
Q1: What factors affect the tray dryer price?
A1: The tray dryer price varies depending on the factors outlined above. The material of construction affects the cost of the dryers. Stainless steel tray dryers will have a higher price due to the material's strength and resistance to corrosion. The size and number of trays will also impact the price. Bigger dryers with large-capacity trays will cost more. The type of heating element will affect the price. Electric tray dryers will be more expensive than gas or solar dryers.
Q2: Can businesses negotiate the tray dryer price bulk orders?
A2: Businesses can negotiate the price for bulk orders. Many suppliers are open to negotiation when buyers order in large quantities. Contact the supplier directly and ask if they can lower their prices based on the number of units requested.
Q3: Does a higher tray dryer price mean better quality?
A3: While it's true that in most cases, a higher price denotes better quality, it is not a hard-and-fast rule. Several factors affect the price, including the material used to construct the dryer, the size, the number of trays, the heating element, and more. It is possible to find dryers of good quality even when the price is low. However, it is best to research before purchasing and get a dryer that meets business drying needs.
