Auto Dryers
The Auto Dryers are used for removing surface water from fresh-cut produce while enabling continuous line flow. Available in one-, two-, and four-drum models, the new Auto Dryer is engineered to achieve the smoothest operation with new controls, a new motor, and a new structure that improves the dynamic operating condition of the dryer. This automatic dryer removes moisture from fresh-cut produce gently and consistently to enhance product quality and extend shelf life. Compared to traditional batch dryers that require manual loading and unloading, the Auto Dryer achieves fully automated, uninterrupted loading and unloading. Compared to batch drying, the Auto Dryer doubles throughput in half the floor space while reducing labor, improving worker safety, and enhancing sanitation. Auto Dryer handles from 1100 to 3000 lb (500 to 1360 kg) of product per hour per drum, depending on the product. Thus, the four-drum model handles up to 4,400 lb (2000 kg) per hour when drying lightweight products and up to 12,000 lb (5443 kg) per hour when handling heavier products. The Auto Dryer effectively dries a wide variety of fresh-cut produce including baby leaf and cut leaf lettuce, cabbage, spinach, and cut vegetables such as carrots, onions, and peppers, as well as whole green beans, herbs, and more. Product settings, which control spin speed, cycle time, and fill level, can be stored in the Auto Dryer’s PLC and easily recalled via the color touchscreen control panel. This fast and easy changeover routine assures each product is handled optimally so final moisture specifications are met. The Auto Dryer reduces product damage and maximizes drying efficiency by loading a constant, even flow of product into dryer drums via a patented spiral layering method that eliminates the slug of product seen on other dryers. With its consistent centrifugal pressure, this unique spiral layering achieves more uniform drying while minimizing wear on mechanical parts. The result is reduced maintenance and longer equipment life than other dryer designs. The Auto Dryers improve sanitation and ease maintenance. The new hood system helps contain water while enabling easy access to the drum for cleaning. The stainless steel dryer is designed using the latest food safety standards to eliminate cracks and crevices that can harbor bacteria. The new, state-of-the-art control system monitors the condition of the drum and automatically adjusts the spin speed if an out-of-balance condition is detected, which reduces wear. Using a direct drive system, the Auto Dryer minimizes maintenance. The Auto Dryer can be connected to the plant-wide network and programmed to control the entire production line, making decisions for the upstream wash system and/or downstream packaging to maximize the efficiency of the line and create true continuous line flow.
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