Abstract: This technology relates to a process and associated apparatus for use in spray freeze drying a fluid substance such as fruit juice, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, tea and coffee. The method includes the steps of: holding a chamber at a temperature and pressure below the triple-point of the liquid substance; injecting and/or atomizing the liquid substance into the chamber through at least one injection port to generate a frozen liquid substance portion having a predetermined particle size and a first evaporated liquid substance portion; collecting the FLS portion as a layer on a conveying surface; and exposing the collected layer of FLS portion to a heating means thereby inducing sublimation and generation of a second evaporated liquid substance portion and a product, wherein the conveying surface conveys the collected FLS portion at a rate which achieves substantially a monolayer thickness of the FLS portion to accumulate on the conveying surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spray freeze dryer apparatus and method of using same for use in drying or concentrating a raw material which at ambient conditions has a solid and an aqueous portion. The dryer includes a chamber and a chamber pressure reduction device; an inlet nozzle or nozzles through which the raw material is injected into the chamber; and a collection surface or surfaces which collect a frozen portion of the raw material. The chamber is kept at a pressure below the triple-point pressure of the aqueous portion of the raw material. Several additional features are described to control the thickness of the layer on the collection surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and/or method and associated apparatus for use in spray freeze drying a fluid substance such as fruit juice, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, tea and coffee. A fluid substance is sprayed (atomised) and reduces in temperature to below its eutectic temperature; thereby inducing a phase change of fluids in the fluid substance. The atomised fluid substance (AFS) is then subjected to a vacuumous drying chamber in which the AFS is subjected to an energy source to assist sublimation of fluid from the AFS as it is conveyed through the chamber. Such an energy source can provide a temperature gradient through which the AFS passes and is exposed to, all carried out so as to preferably minimise or reduce the likelihood of degradation of the substance being dried (reducing the fluid content).