Principles Vacuum Dryer
A vacuum dryer operates on the principle of reducing the pressure around the material to be dried, which lowers the boiling point of water and other solvents.
This allows drying at lower temperatures, which is advantageous for heat-sensitive materials.
Construction
Vacuum Chamber: An airtight chamber capable of withstanding reduced pressure.
Shelves/Trays: Hold the material to be dried.
Vacuum Pump: Removes air and reduces pressure inside the chamber.
Heating System: Heats the material via conduction, convection, or radiation.
Condensers/Traps: Capture and condense evaporated moisture.
Working
Loading: Material is placed on shelves or trays inside the chamber.
Sealing: The chamber is sealed airtight.
Vacuum Application: Air is removed to create a vacuum, lowering the boiling point of moisture.
Heating: Heat is applied to the material, causing moisture to evaporate at lower temperatures.
Condensation: Evaporated moisture is captured and condensed.
Unloading: The dried material is removed from the chamber.
Uses
Drying heat-sensitive pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and food products.
Merits
Gentle Drying: Suitable for heat-sensitive materials.
High Quality: Maintains the integrity and quality of the dried product.
Efficient: Effective for materials that degrade at high temperatures.
Demerits
Slow Process: Can be slower compared to other drying methods.
High Cost: Expensive equipment and operation.
Complexity: Requires careful control and maintenance.