| Whereas dehydration by traditional convection drying achieves
the 8% moisture level in a 24-hour cycle, the catalytic infrared system achieves the 8% target level in three hours, an
88%
reduction in total cycle time. In some cases, process cycles under 60 minutes have reduced moisture levels from 80% to
as low as 5%. And because there are no solvents, there is no need to remove solvent residues from the extract or the spent
biomass. Catalytic infrared also produces results superior to spray drying and freeze drying.
The brevity of the catalytic infrared cycle is such that moisture
evaporates quickly, and exposure of the base product to heat energy is minimal. Product temperatures are exceptionally
uniform, and are always maintained below levels that could damage the product. In addition, catalytic drying has been
shown to enhance the yield potency of herb stocks. Energy use is
low.
Insects - adults, larvae, and eggs - are high in moisture content.
CDTE's flameless catalytic infrared energy is rapidly absorbed by these organisms, causing them to reach lethal temperature very
quickly. Independent tests show that eggs, larvae, and adult insects of all species die in 20 seconds when exposed to CDT
infrared energy.
Catalytic IR is a clean, effective, and environmentally-favored
alternative to methyl bromide and other pesticides for the elimination of grain insects, from rice weevils to grain borers to
flour beetles. All grain insects are quickly destroyed at 60°C (140°F),
a temperature threshold which has no significant effect on rice cooking quality, product moisture content, or seed viability.
Methyl bromide is being eliminated, and phosphides are fast
becoming ineffective. The use of Catalytic IR at the appropriate stage during production assures a product that is pest-free
and pesticide-free, at a reasonable cost.
Improved Tempering and
Milling in Grain
It is well established that milling is improved when grain is
heated to the “slip” temperature: the temperature that allows easy removal of the bran layer.
CDT’s flameless catalytic infrared
energy delivers the optimum level of heating at the most advantageous point in the process to improve milling quality
while lowering overall energy costs at a given throughput, in a cycle of approximately 15 seconds.
Tests demonstrate improvements in rice yield up to 2%, with
increased throughputs approaching 10%, and overall milling energy cost reduction of 5%.
The ability of the CDT system to consistently yield exceptionally
high percentages of unbroken kernels means that the commercial value of every ton of rice is enhanced.
The Catalytic infrared system dries quickly and uniformly. Low
operating temperatures minimize energy consumption; patented material handling and agitation technology maximize drying
efficiency.
• Proved on rice forms of several species
• Highly effective for corn, popcorn and small grains
• Environmentally-friendly, emits only CO2 and water
Botanical Dehydration
Companies who produce dried fruits and
vegetables or who use agricultural products as a source of vitamins,
minerals, dietary carotenoids or colorant need an efficient dehydration
method that will preserve product purity and enzyme activity, maximize
nutrient retention, and not compromise color or other aesthetic
characteristics. A key challenge is to process quickly and
inexpensively, without exposing the product to prolonged heat or other
damaging effects.
Tests have shown the CDT technology
capable of reducing the moisture content of a broad variety of fruits,
vegetables and herbs to levels suitable for a broad variety of
nutraceutical applications. The technology is, for example,
applicable to the dehydration of rosemary to extract Vitamin E.
Retention of nutraceutical compounds is significantly higher when
compared to convection drying.
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