Solar Dryers

INTRODUCTION
"Drying is an excellent way to preserve food and solar food dryers are an appropriate food preservation technology for a sustainable world.

Drying implies the partial removal of water from the material. But when fuel fired equipment is used in the process then the term dehydration is often applied. Condition essential to both drying and dehydration include a supply of heat energy to evaporate the water and a supply of air to carry away the water vapor produced.

Solar dryer make use of solar radiation, ambient temperature, relative humidity. Heated air is passed naturally or mechanically circulated to remove moisture from material placed in side the enclosure.

Overview
Drying preserves foods by removing enough moisture from food to prevent decay and spoilage. When drying foods, the key is to remove moisture as quickly as possible at a temperature that does not seriously affect the flavor, texture and color of the food. Enough heat to draw out moisture, without cooking the food. Dry air to absorb the released moisture. and Adequate air circulation to carry off the moisture. It can be installed vertically or at any slope. Increase in temperature, over ambient by 40 to 60 deg.C depending on insulation . As a Fuel source, it can be integrated with the existing systems as retrofit or merged with new construction. The scalability of the designe to any size of demand.

The Benefits.
Dried foods are tasty, nutritious, lightweight, easy-to-prepare, and easy-to-store and use. The energy input is less than what is needed to freeze. The nutritional value of food is only minimally affected by drying. Vitamin A is retained during drying. Dried foods are high in fiber and carbohydrates and low in fat. making them healthy food choices. Dried foods that are not completely dried are susceptible to mold. Sun cooked foods improves cellular health and longevity .

Advantages.
Zero Energy cost. Clean & unpolluted environment. Moisture control.

Features
Drying under most hygienic conditions. No soiling of the material, free from dust . Extra Long life, rugged trays made up of special non-corrosive material. Special arrangement for drying liquid material without spillage. Individual tray can be controlled to achieve drying of materials with variable moisture content . Default temperature gauge is provided to monitor & control the desired temperature Controlled moisture is possible. Colour, taste and texture of material can be maintained as per original material .

Applications
Agriculture crop drying.
Food processing industries for dehydration of fruits, Coffee, Spices, Beans, Rice, Tobacco, condiments, pepper, rubber, Wheat, Fish Powder, Laundry, potatoes, onions and other vegetables, etc Drying of Raw cotton, Yarn, molasses, Leather and Fabrics Humidification and ventilation systems. Dairy industries for production of milk powder, casein etc. Seasoning of wood and timber. Textile industries for drying of textile materials.

Thank you
Shashidhara. M.R Asst. Manager-Marketing & Projects. KOTAK URJA Pvt. Ltd. Registered Office: #311, 3rd floor, Lotus House, V. Thakersey Marg, New Marine Lines, Mumbai-400 001 India Factory and Head Office: #378, 10th Cross, IV phase, Peenya Industrial Estate, Bangalore-560 058, India Mob: +91 9686668356, Tel: + 91 80 2836 3330 (6 lines), Fax: +91 80 2836 2347 E mail: shashidhara@kotakurja.com, Web: www.kotakurja.com