Improvements relating to processes and apparatus for the production of a dry or substantially dry product from molasses

摘要

A process for the production of a dry or substantially dry powdered or granulated product from molasses comprises submitting the molasses to concentration to far-reaching concentration in an evaporator operating under closely controlled conditions of temperature and pressure and then submitting the resultant hot concentrate to flash drying in a vacuum drier operating under a high vacuum, the concentrate being sprayed into the drier and the conditions of the drying operation including the temperature of the concentrate on introduction into the drier and the degree of vacuum being such that the finely divided concentrate dries almost immediately. In a preferred embodiment the liquid is concentrated in one or more evaporators (not shown) and is then pumped into a vacuum drier G, the interior space of which is PICT:0826949/III/1 maintained at the requisite degree of vacuum by means of a vapour compressor H and condenser I. The liquid is sprayed through nozzles L and falls on to an endless band conveyer M. The material is discharged at N and falls into a granulator or grinding apparatus O which also operates in vacuo. A worm conveyer feeds the material to one or other of a pair of discharge hoppers Q and R by way of valves S or T. The solution is evaporated to 88-95% strength and is sprayed at 95-120 DEG C. into the drier of the plant at about 5 mm. of mercury absolute. Specification 519,758, [Group XIII], is referred to.