Purpose

Development of a new vibroacoustic system for the intensification of milk drying processes. The system is intended for the use in industrial drying chambers.

System components and the principle of operation

A low-frequency vibroacoustic piston radiator connected with an acoustic waveguide is mounted on a drying chamber. The acoustic vibrations provide the conditions for a more efficient use of the drying chamber, a higher output of the product, and a higher quality of dry milk.

Degree of readiness

The main technical parameters of an industrial vibroacoustic system are determined. A new design of the low-frequency piston radiator is developed. A prototype of the system is manufactured. The system is intended for drying chambers with the capacity up to 500 kg/h of evaporated liquid. The results of the tests in industrial conditions were as follows:

• the capacity of the plant increased by 15% because of a more efficient use of the drying chamber volume;
• the acoustic coagulation caused an increase in the mean size of dry milk particles by 50% and a decrease in the fine-grained fraction discharge by a factor of two;
• the dry milk became more loose, which prevented its adherence to the drying chamber walls;
• because of the collapse of air bubbles on the milk surface under vibrations, the resulting product proved to be an instant dry milk, which was obtained without the use of the conventional expensive technology.

The Acoustics Institute is ready to fulfil the orders for the manufacture and delivery of vibroacoustic systems for the intensification of the drying technologies used for different products in industrial drying chambers of different capacity; the institute is ready to send qualified specialists for mounting the systems on the drying chambers.