Spray Drying of Aqueous Salbutamol Sulfate Solutions Using the Nano Spray Dryer B-90—The Impact of Process Parameters on Particle Size

In order to prepare spherical salbutamol sulfate particles of adjustable size, a Nano Spray Dryer B-90 was employed. A 3³ full-factorial design was used to investigate the influence of process parameters (mesh size, feed concentration, and drying air temperature) on particle size (median size and width of the particle size distribution), amount of product produced per time, and product yield. The median particle size was significantly influenced by all three factors of the statistical design. Within the design space studied, particle sizes of 1.0 to 6.4 µm were obtained. The width of the particle size distribution (span) increased with increasing mesh sizes. All particles with a particle size greater than 2.4 µm showed a bimodal particle size distribution. Generally, larger mesh sizes as well as higher concentrations led to an increase in the amount of product prepared per time. The corresponding values observed were from 0.4 to 75.8 mg/min. The product yield was independent of the process parameters studied. All products were amorphous after spray drying and were stable up to a relative humidity of 60% at a temperature of 25°C.     

Influence of Spray Drying Parameters on the Formation of β-Phase Poly(vinylidene fluoride)

A simple one-step spraying method to produce poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) in the desired conformation is presented. The content of the piezoelectric β-phase is measured at different spray drying conditions and during electrospray. The influence of a strong electrical field and charges on the droplet are investigated separately from the electrospray setup with a pneumatic atomizer. For this purpose, the electric field is integrated into a pneumatic atomization process by a plate capacitor and the charge of the droplets by corona discharge. To investigate the drying properties, the drying temperature and the flow rate of dry air are examined. The presented process offers the possibility to deposit PVDF films or to produce PVDF powders, in their piezoelectric β- and γ-phases or in the nonpolar α-phase.     

Spray Drying of Mannitol as a Drug Carrier—The Impact of Process Parameters on Product Properties

Powders intended for the use in dry powder inhalers have to fulfill specific product properties, which must be closely controlled in order to ensure reproducible and efficient dosing. Spray drying is an ideal technique for the preparation of such powders for several reasons. The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of spray-drying process parameters on relevant product properties, namely, surface topography, size, breaking strength, and polymorphism of mannitol carrier particles intended for the use in dry powder inhalers. In order to address this question, a full-factorial design with four factors at two levels was used. The four factors were feed concentration (10 and 20% [w/w]), gas heater temperature (170 and 190°C), feed rate (10 and 20 L/h), and atomizer rotation speed (6,300 and 8,100 rpm). The liquid spray was carefully analyzed to better understand the dependence of the particle size of the final product on the former droplet size. High gas heater temperatures and low feed rates, corresponding to high outlet temperatures of the dryer (96–98°C), led to smoother particles with surfaces consisting of smaller crystals compared to those achieved at low outlet temperatures (74–75°C), due to lower gas heater temperatures and higher feed rates. A high solution concentration of the feed also resulted in the formation of comparably rougher surfaces than a low feed concentration. Spray-dried particles showed a volume-weighted mean particle size of 71.4–90.0 µm and narrow particle size distributions. The mean particle size was influenced by the atomizer rotation speed and feed concentration. Higher rotation speeds and lower feed concentrations resulted in smaller particles. Breaking strength of the dried particles was significantly influenced by gas heater temperature and feed rate. High gas heater temperatures increased the breaking strength, whereas high feed rates decreased it. No influence of the process parameters on the polymorphism was observed. All products were crystalline, consisting of at least 96.9% of mannitol crystal modification I.     

Drying of biofuels from the forest—A review

The literature during 2000–2016 about drying of biofuels from the forest has been reviewed. Biofuels constitute a low-cost energy resource that is likely to continue to increase and the dryers for such products should be simple, robust, and easy to operate. In 1970s and 1980s, rotary dryers and flash dryers were the most common types, and in 1990s, superheated steam (SHS) dryers became common. Maintenance costs and use of medium pressure steam for the SHS dryers are important topics to consider and one drawback for the rotary dryers is that high-temperature heat sources are used. The development during the last 15 years has moved toward moving bed dryers because of the possibility to use cheap low-temperature energy sources, robust design, and direct capacity control that is achieved by controlling the air temperature in the dryer. A price for the dry biofuel of 15–20 Euro/MWh has been indicated to make a dryer installation profitable based on no cost for the thermal energy and 40 Euro/MWh as the cost for the electrical energy. Shrinkage and the internal transport of moisture and heat in large particles of biofuels will need more considerations in the future. Fractionation of the biofuels, codrying with other products, the total cost for the drying process, environmental issues, and development of drying processes operating at high dew points are the other things to consider.     

Optimization of Mixing Parameters for α-Tocopherol Nanodispersions Prepared Using Solvent Displacement Method

A bottom-up approach based on a solvent displacement technique was used for the production of α-tocopherol nanodispersions. Response surface methodology was utilized to study the effect of the mixing conditions of organic and aqueous phases, namely, mixing speed (1 × 100–6 × 100 rpm) and mixing time (30–150 s) on the average particle size (nm), polydispersity index and α-tocopherol concentration (mg/L) of the nanodispersions. Second order regression models, with high coefficient of determination values (R ² > 0.94 and adjusted R ² > 0.79), were significantly (p < 0.05) fitted for predicting the α-tocopherol nanodispersion characteristics as functions of mixing parameters. A multiple optimization procedure presented the optimum mixing speed and time as 3.8 × 100 rpm and 70 s, respectively. The statistically insignificant differences between experimental and predicted values of studied responses, verified the satisfactoriness of the models found for explaining the variation of produced nanodispersions, as a function of mixing conditions.     

Optimization of Heat Pump–Assisted Intermittent Drying

In the present study, heat pump–assisted drying of salak fruit was optimized by dividing the dehydration process into three distinct phases, namely, the initial, intermittent, and final stages. Drying variables considered for the optimization were the intermittent duration (X ₁), intermittent ratio (X ₂), and intermittent cycle (X ₃); the response variables studied were the total drying time (Y ₁), total heating time during intermittent drying (Y ₂), total heating time after intermittent drying (Y ₃), total color change (Y ₄), ascorbic acid content (Y ₅), and total phenolic content (Y ₆). Response surface methodology was used to determine the best combination of the drying variables that could provide the shortest drying period and premium product quality. Experimental results showed that all of the response variables were improved under the optimized intermittent drying conditions compared to the conventional method using constant drying conditions. The optimized heat pump–assisted intermittent drying reduced the drying time by 36% and improved phytochemicals retention with ascorbic acid and total phenolic content recorded at 18.4 ± 1.8 mg ascorbic acid/100 g dw and 43.3 ± 2.2 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dw, respectively. The color change of the final product was minimum with a ΔE* value of 7.26 ± 2.03.     

Optimizing the Drying Parameters for Hot-Air–Dried Apples

The aim of the work was to develop an optimized routine for apple drying. The interaction of the drying parameters air temperature (35–85°C), dew point temperature (5–30°C), and air velocity (2.0–4.8 m/s) with drying time, color changes, and shrinkage was determined. Non-invasive online measurement techniques in the form of artificial vision systems in visible and infrared spectrum were developed and applied to guarantee an uninterrupted process. Quantification methods for the determination of color and shape changes of apple slices were established based on the images taken.

Results show that digital images are a feasible alternative for the monitoring of the relative changes in L* (R² = 0.92, p < 0.001), a* (R² = 0.96, p < 0.001), and b* (R² = 0.96, p < 0.001) during the drying of apples. It was observed that the color parameters as a function of moisture content follow a third-order development while shrinkage was linear (p < 0.001). The developed models for drying time t_dr (R² = 0.99, p < 0.001), Total Color Difference ΔE (R² = 0.95, p < 0.001), and shrinkage S (R² = 0.68, p < 0.05) illustrate high interdependencies of the factors involved for the quality criteria studied. Throughout the parameter space investigated, increasing air velocity was shown to have a positive effect on the quality criteria investigated.     

Atmospheric Freeze Drying—A Review

This review article focuses on the development of atmospheric freeze drying (AFD): technological aspects, product possibilities, physical properties of products, drying kinetics, modeling, and simulation. The main motivation for developing atmospheric freeze drying as a new drying technology is the desire to reduce the energy consumption compared to vacuum freeze drying while maintaining a high product quality. One technical solution of atmospheric freeze drying is a combined atmospheric freeze drying and heat pump system with new environmentally friendly refrigerants. Temperature programs make it possible to customize products with desired qualities and properties, like retained color, instant properties, aroma, and nutritional value.     

Formation of a Polymer-Coated Inclusion Complex of D-Limonene and β-Cyclodextrin by Spray Drying

The polymer-coated inclusion complex powder formation of D-limonene and β-cyclodextrin obtained by spray drying was investigated with respect to the effects of various types of polymer coating agents on the powder particle size and morphology. The addition of the polymer coating agent affected the average particle size, morphology, and internal structures of the spray-dried powders. The average particle diameter of the uncoated spray-dried powders was approximately 5 µm. The powder particle size increased upon the addition of a polymer coating reagent. With the addition of 9 wt% of the polymer coating agent, an average diameter of approximately 80 µm was obtained for the spray-dried powder particles. However, further addition showed a negligible effect on the particle size. Inclusion complex crystals were observed on the surface and inside of the powder particles.     

Electrohydrodynamic Drying—A Concise Overview

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) drying is a novel method of non-thermal processing. The drying can be carried out using either AC or DC high voltages. The thermodynamic considerations regarding the lowering of temperature under EHD drying include rapid rates of evaporation and exothermic interaction of the electric field with a dielectric material. Multi-point and plate electrode systems are efficient in accelerating drying of agricultural materials. Compared to hot air (convective) drying systems, EHD drying systems offer lower food production costs along with superior quality in terms of physiochemical properties such as color, shrinkage, flavor, and nutrient content. Compared to convective and freeze-drying, EHD drying systems, given their simpler design and lesser energy consumption, show great potential for bulk and industrial drying applications.     

Preparation and Characterization of Carboxymethyl Chitosan and β-Cyclodextrin Microspheres by Spray Drying

Three kinds of carboxymethyl chitosan/β-cyclodextrin microspheres loaded with theophylline were prepared by spray drying intended for pulmonary delivery. Mucociliotoxicity, permeation rate, and drug release characteristics of the product were investigated. The microspheres obtained by spray drying were found to be spherical with smooth or wrinkled surfaces. The mean particle size was between 3.39 and 6.06 µm. The microspheres demonstrated high product yield (43.7–50.2%), high drug loading (13.7–38.1%), and high encapsulation efficiency (86.9–92.8%). FT-IR indicated that there were interactions of theophylline with carboxymethyl chitosan matrix. Further studies on mucociliotoxicity and permeation confirmed that microspheres had better adaptability and high permeation rate. In vitro drug release from the microspheres was not related to the drug/polymer ratios.     

Nanometer Sized Silver Particles Embedded Silica Particles—Spray Method

Spherical shaped, nanometer to micro meter sized silica particles were prepared in a homogeneous nature by spray technique. Silver nanoparticles were produced over the surface of the silica grains in a harmonized manner. The size of silver and silica particles was effectively controlled by the precursors and catalysts. The electrostatic repulsion among the silica spheres and the electro static attraction between silica spheres and silver particles make the synchronized structure of the synthesized particles and the morphological images are revealed by transmission electron microscope. The silver ions are reduced by sodium borohydride. Infra red spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirm the formation of silver–silica composite particles. Thermal stability of the prepared particles obtained from thermal analysis ensures its higher temperature applications. The resultant silver embedded silica particles can be easily suspended in diverse solvents and would be useful for variety of applications.     

Optimization of Drying–Tempering Periods in a Paddy Rice Dryer

Intermittent drying is a process in which the drying and tempering stages are performed sequentially. This process has been carried out using different strategies. In this research, the goal was focused on the calculation of the time required for each stage and the appropriate conditions. In order to accomplish such an objective, a model was established to study the governing phenomenon by considering all parameters affecting the performance of the drying process. This model comprises two submodels, namely, macroscopic and microscopic. These two submodels are coupled to each other for use in the optimization problem that defines the total drying time as the cost function and the drying–tempering conditions as the constraints. Different aspects of the optimization results, for example, the effect of the number of intervals and fulfilling of the constraints, are presented.     

Spray Evaporation of Different Liquids in a Drying Chamber——Effect on Flow,Heat and Mass Transfer Performances

Almost without exception literature data and modeling effort are understandably devoted to water as the sprayed liquid since it constitutes the most common liquid used in spray drying applications. In selected applications, however, the liquid making up the solution or suspension may not be water. The objective of this work is to examine the differences in flow patterns, thermal behavior and drying rates caused by different liquids having different thermo-physical properties spray into a spray dryer using a computational fluid dynamic model. Numerical experiments were carried out for water (base case), ethyl alcohol and isopropyi alcohol-the latter two as model non-aqueous liquids. The chamber geometry was cylinder type with a co-current axial pressure nozzle and also an axial central exit so that the configuration is two dimensional and axi-symmetric. It is shown that the liquid properties can have major influence on the thermal field, droplet trajectories, residence times and overall evaporation capaci     

Drying of Liquid Dispersions—A Unified Approach to Kinetics and Modeling

Abstract

The article presents a unified approach to interpretation of drying kinetics and modeling of the drying process for suspensions, solutions, emulsions and pastes. The approach is based on phenomenological analysis of temperature-moisture relationships T(X) with account for temperature plateaux that actually show-up, or could exist under certain drying conditions. In addition, a unified mathematical model is proposed that includes the differential equations for mass and heat diffusion along with their analytical solutions for a multi-layer plate, cylinder and sphere. Interconnections in the simultaneous heat-mass transfer, cross-effects and any other details of a real process are taken into account separately, by semi-empirical temperature-moisture function T(X). The principles of piece-wise multizone approximation of these temperature-moisture curves are presented. The hyperbolic and two-arc approximations for each separate zone are described. The set of 12 organic and inorganic materials either synthetic or of animal and plant origin such as meat processing sludge, heavy corn steep water, gelatin, starch, sugar, salt, combined latex emulsion, P-salt, gamma acid, dispersing and bleaching agents was taken as example for the development and validation of this approach.     

Retention of Vitamin C in Drying Processes of Fruits and Vegetables—A Review

This article presents a review of drying processes of fruits and vegetables in which vitamin C degradation was considered. Vitamin C is an important and essential nutrient for humans and it can be taken as an index of nutrient quality of processes. Many researchers have reported the effect of different drying methods and the influence of drying conditions on the vitamin C content. In addition, the effect of other parameters related to the sample structure or to pretreatments on the final quality of the dried product is discussed. Vitamin C degradation mechanisms proposed in the literature, models applied to describe its kinetics, and recent advances in drying processes aiming high retention of this nutrient are also provided.