FTNON STIR® drying technique*

Unprecedented possibilities for the food industry

The new STIR® drying installation of Food Technology Noord-Oost Nederland B.V. (FTNON) has been developed for the salad/herb sector at first. Drying is possible to an adhering residual humidity of 0-2 % in that case. However, soon it became clear that the installation was also suitable for drying other products to a total residual humidity of 7-10 %. For instance, on behalf of the production of vegetables and mushrooms. With this result the machines can be applied in many other food sectors too.

Functioning of the new STIR® drying installation

The processing of energy takes place in an exceptional manner. Electrically heated STIR® elements are provided with a very special coating. Through this the biggest part of the energy consumption is only used to set the water molecule in vibration, through which it finally evaporates. All other molecules, also these from the salad itself (or vegetable, mushroom etc.), are hardly burdened, if at all, so that there is not needed any energy for this and there can not appear any transformation processes too.
 
With the help of a light air stream evaporated molecules will be removed out of the installation. This is effected by a number of small fans. As the STIR®  elements are electrically fed, an optimal control of the energy requirements is possible. During the process air and product temperature are continually measured, on the basis whereof the supply of energy is regulated. This operating procedure is patented worldwide and consists of collaboration between the manufacturer of the STIR®  elements and FTNON.

Hardly building up of microbes

A big advantage of the STIR® elements is that these elements are bactericidal. This and the fact there are not any heat exchangers or piping works needed make that any building up of microbes hardly occurs.

Excellent to clean

The open construction makes a quick, efficient cleaning possible, so that product changeovers can be realised in 3 to 5 minutes. As an option FTNON is able to offer a CIP-installation.

Pilot installation for inspection

In order to offer interested parties the possibility of becoming acquainted with the new STIR® dryer, with their own eyes and with their own product, FTNON has built a pilot installation which can dry ca. 250 kg per hour.  Production machines can be built in capacities from 50 to 3.000 kg per hour. The mentioned capacities apply to salads in this case.

* This new development is supported by the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

FTNON delivers tailor-made machines. Therefore capacity and dimensions will depend on your product and specific requirements. All our machines are constructed of stainless steel wherever possible and comply with the stringent, international standards in the field of safety and hygiene.

Download

It is possible to download the PDF file here.
FTNON STIR drying technique.pdf