Investigation of the drying process of thermolabile products using heat pump technologies
https://doi.org/10.20914/2310-1202-2026-1-107-113
Abstract
The article presents the scheme and principle of operation of an energy-efficient drying unit using heat pump technology with recirculation and air purification, which is focused on obtaining germinated flax seeds coated with a thermosensitive shell based on vegetable glycerin. The relevance of the work is due to the specific requirements for the drying regime of products such as sprouted flax seeds, which have a high content of vitamins, antioxidants and polyunsaturated fatty acids (especially omega-3). The delicate structure of the seedlings and the sensitive shell require extreme care during heat treatment. The authors present the optimal operating parameters of the drying process of this product, which make it possible to achieve high efficiency of the process and its environmental expediency. At the same time, savings in specific energy resources can reach up to 70% due to the use of heat pump technologies that extract heat from exhaust air (which is usually released into the atmosphere) and transfer it to fresh air, which is prepared for the drying process. In addition, studies have been conducted to determine the optimal exhaust air recirculation coefficient. It was found that the control panel setting in the range of 55-65% is optimal, providing peak energy efficiency and maintaining fluidized bed stability. During the study of the results of the experiment on drying drained flax seeds on the presented installation, as well as on the basis of parametric modeling of the process, the authors concluded that constant monitoring and regulation of the process parameters is necessary in automatic mode by monitoring changes in fresh air parameters. Thus, the presented drying installation and technology allows not only to significantly reduce the energy consumption of the enterprise, but also ensures high speed and uniformity of drying of the product, which is critically important for preserving its biological value and presentation.
About the Authors
A. V. Drannikov
Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies
Dr. Sci. (Engin.), professor, machines and apparatus of food technologies department, Revolution Av., 19 Voronezh, 394036, Russia
I. P. Dombrovskaia
Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies
Cand. Sci. (Engin.), assistant professor, machines and apparatus of food technologies department, Revolution Av., 19 Voronezh, 394036, Russia
E. M. Sukhorukov
Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies
graduate student, machines and apparatus of food technologies department, Revolution Av., 19 Voronezh, 394036, Russia
D. R. Kuligin
Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies
student, machines and apparatus of food technologies department, Revolution Av., 19 Voronezh, 394036, Russia
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Review
For citations:
Drannikov A.V., Dombrovskaia I.P., Sukhorukov E.M., Kuligin D.R. Investigation of the drying process of thermolabile products using heat pump technologies. Proceedings of the Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies. 2026;88(1):107-113. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.20914/2310-1202-2026-1-107-113
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