Spray Drying Processes in the Food Industry: Computational Fluid Dynamics Modelling

Spray drying is a versatile process widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries to produce dry powders from liquid feed. The process involves atomizing liquid into droplets, which are dried by hot gas streams, producing small, uniform, spherical particles. The resulting powder is easy to store and transport and has a long shelf life. Despite its popularity, the process presents challenges such as equipment corrosion, product degradation, and loss of volatile compounds. Optimization of operating parameters can lead to improved product quality and yield. Advanced process monitoring and control systems can enhance the process efficiency and reliability. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has emerged as a valuable tool in the design and optimization of spray dryers. The use of CFD models can provide a better understanding of fluid dynamics, optimize operating conditions, and reduce environmental impacts. This chapter provides a detailed case study of the application of CFD modelling to the drying of skimmed milk in a spray dryer, highlighting the importance of CFD modelling in improving the efficiency, quality, and sustainability of spray drying processes in the food industry.