• Defence Food Research Laboratory

On-Line Conditioner For Food Industries

Conditioning of pulse grains is an essential unit operation before milling to obtain splits. Conditioner is a part of the on-line food processing system, which has its application either of moisture uptake/moisture removal/incorporation of additive for setting the product. Batch drying and conditioning is generally suitable for smaller production rates and entails higher energy and labour costs. From energy and environmental viewpoints as well as the global requirement to feed the growing population, the DFRL/DRDO has designed an On-Line Conditioner (patent awaited) of 750 kg/hr capacity equipment for agro-products to improve the conditioning techniques, to reduce spoilage and enhance the keeping quality of the product. This operator-friendly automatic equipment has been engineered with controlled temperature, air velocity, product movement and an auto loading and delivery systems. Food products move continuously on a closed conveyor; exceedingly short drying time facilitates handling of heat sensitive materials and has high thermal efficiency, continuous operation and compact installation. It is also a very convenient method for drying heat sensitive food materials as it prevents their overheating due to mixing. In the development of processed foods, the on-line conditioner has its place in conditioning of pulses and rice prior to flaking, and vegetables prior to frying. Secondly with the adjustable air flow and temperature management, it can also be used for drying of vegetables or cereals to overcome thermal abuse during conventional dehydration.