초록 ▼

The field of the invention is food drying apparatus and methods. In particular, the invention discloses a rotary dryer which dries food granules, such as rice, by rotation within a perforated cylindrical barrel, to prepare the rice for packaging. The dryer provides high velocity drying zones along i

The field of the invention is food drying apparatus and methods. In particular, the invention discloses a rotary dryer which dries food granules, such as rice, by rotation within a perforated cylindrical barrel, to prepare the rice for packaging. The dryer provides high velocity drying zones along its length, and high temperatures may be used.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of drying a food granule slurry which comprises water and wet food granules, comprising:advancing the food granules within and in a direction along the length of a perforated rotating barrel, the barrel having separately controllable temperature zones therein;blo

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of drying a food granule slurry which comprises water and wet food granules, comprising:advancing the food granules within and in a direction along the length of a perforated rotating barrel, the barrel having separately controllable temperature zones therein;blowing air past the food granules along a path that passes through perforations in the barrel, across the inner space within the barrel, and exits through perforations in the barrel; andcontrolling the residence time of the food granules in the rotating barrel with a food granule retention device operatively coupled adjacent an exit of the rotating barrel, the retention device configured to retain the food granules in the rotating barrel until the food granules are dried to a predetermined moisture content.