Zagorulko A. Improvement of the process of fruit and berry raw material IR-drying and its equipment design

The thesis research is concerned with solution of research and application task of increasing energy and resource efficiency of the process of fruit and berry raw material infra-red (IR) drying and rational manufacturing research for its implementation. Rational position of IR radiator and receiving box in an elevated reflector IR drying are defined. Mathematical model for definition of a rational forms of IR drying reflector is developed. These forms are out of the receiving box that provides uniformity of thermal power. Rational ranges for adsorption capacity and vibration frequency of apple product are defined. Flexible film-type electric resistance heater of radiate type is improved by means of increasing resistance power and by having bends for grid connection. Schemes are proposed for producing of dried fruit and berry semi-finished products based on devices of non-reflector’s type: roll drying IR machine with a direct chipper to a drying zone and cylinder IR dryer with a vibratory mechanism and spiral heat-exchanging device. Cost-benefit analysis and industrial approval are carried out, as well as implementation of a scientific research results.