Question

In a dairy plant, spray drying technology is used to produce whey powder. The rate of spray drying depends on:

• A. Temperature of the incoming air
• B. Shape of the cyclone separator
• C. Diameter of the whey droplet
• D. Heat transfer coefficient of hot air

Hint:

In spray drying, controlling the temperature of the incoming air is crucial for improving drying efficiency and the rate of moisture removal.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, C, D

Spray drying is a process where liquid is turned into powder using hot air. The rate of spray drying primarily depends on the temperature of the incoming air, as this directly influences the evaporation rate of the liquid droplets. - (A) Temperature of the incoming air: The rate of drying increases with higher air temperature, as it enhances the evaporation of moisture from the droplets.
- (B) Shape of the cyclone separator: The shape may affect particle collection efficiency, but not directly the rate of drying.
- (C) Diameter of the whey droplet: While smaller droplets may evaporate faster, this is not the primary factor compared to air temperature.
- (D) Heat transfer coefficient of hot air: This does play a role in heat transfer, but it is the temperature of the incoming air that has the most significant effect on drying rate.
Thus, the correct answer is (A).