Drying & Stabilization¶

CCP-4: Moisture Control & Anti-Oxidation

Process Objective¶

Reduce product moisture to target levels while minimising oxidative damage. Multiple drying technologies are available for different product streams.

Technology	Principle	Temperature Range	Capacity	Energy Consumption	Application
Fluidized bed	Hot air suspension	60–90°C	3 MT/hr	1.2–1.8 kWh/kg H₂O	Kernel, hull
Microwave	Dielectric heating	40–60°C	1 MT/hr	0.8–1.2 kWh/kg H₂O	Powder (low temp)
Steam tube	Indirect rotary	70–100°C	2 MT/hr	1.0–1.5 kWh/kg H₂O	Bulk drying
Infrared	Radiant heating	50–80°C	0.5 MT/hr	1.5–2.0 kWh/kg H₂O	Thin-layer

Factor	Fluidized Bed	Microwave	Steam Tube	IR
Capital cost	Medium	High	Medium	Low
Operating cost	Low	High	Low	Medium
Product temp rise	20–30°C	5–10°C	25–40°C	15–25°C
Oxidative impact	Medium	Low	Medium-High	Medium
Moisture uniformity	Good	Excellent	Good	Fair
Throughput	High	Medium	High	Low

Product	Technology	Target Moisture	Max Product Temp
Whole seed / kernel	Fluidized bed	≤ 8.0%	45°C
Hull	Fluidized bed	≤ 6.0%	50°C
Full-fat powder	Microwave	≤ 5.0%	35°C
Defatted powder	Fluidized bed	≤ 6.0%	60°C
Gum	Spray dryer	≤ 5.0%	80°C (outlet air)

Product	Check	Frequency	Critical Limit	Action
All	Moisture	Every 30 min	Per spec ± 0.5%	Adjust residence time
Oil-containing	Peroxide value	Every batch	≤ 2.0 meq/kg (full-fat)	Reduce temperature
All	Product temperature	Continuous	Per spec max	Reduce heating