Luuk Salomons of Omnivent has noticed confidence in the drying system increasing. Onion companies that receive onions year-round in particular have increased interest in this new technology. Although he’s convinced condensation drying has an added value, he doesn’t want to completely rule out open air drying.
“Condensation drying means cooling the air above the product. The condensation created by that is removed and the air is then immediately heated up again,” he explains the principle of the technology. Omnivent offers the option of cooling and drying at one location as well as in two separate locations, which has as an advantage that the user is more flexible in using both condensation drying and the open air when conditions are good. “This combination in particular has our preference. Condensation drying is a wonderful technique with as its biggest advantage the complete control. Open air drying isn’t an option in every condition. Condensation drying is then the only other option, but good open air with heating is the most effective method, in my opinion. But weather circumstances have been fluctuating so much in recent years that being solely dependent on the open air is no longer realistic for many companies.”
The unpredictability of the weather is an important drive in the interest in condensation drying, but the need to reduce (fossil) energy use also plays an equally large part, according to him. “More and more companies generate their own energy, and they also want to go all-electric.” Luuk admits price and a bit of ignorance are often still a threshold. He says condensation drying is a reliable but expensive system. “Particularly when the installation is only used for drying. I wouldn’t recommend it in that case. For companies that want to do their own storing and are planning to do this using mechanical cooling, however, condensation drying could be very interesting. The basis is already there in that case so that the additional investment can be earned back within a few years.”
Combination with open air is most ideal
What is characteristic for Omnivent’s installation? “Compared to other installations we have taken apart the cooling and the heating block. The condensation drying system is integrated in the cooling installation. The cooling block hangs above the product and the heating blocks are placed above the vents in the pressure chamber. This has as an advantage that they can be used separately, and you also retain the option of heating outdoor air. It has a hybrid function, as it were. Conventional technology combined with new technology. I personally am a proponent of using open air. When conditions of the open air are good, drying speed is just quicker. That can’t just be ignored, although we definitely see a future for condensation drying.”
More information:
Omnivent
Luuk Salomons
