Powdered foods like juice concentrates, whey powder, protein supplements, soup powders, cocoa, gelatin, dehydrated soft drink concentrates, instant coffee powders and milk powders are gaining popularity in the growing world.
Effects of Uncontrolled Moisture
The presence of moisture during processing of food powders and beverage powders causes:
- Stickiness
- Lumping and caking
- Cluster formation
- Reduction of shelf-life
Causes of Uncontrolled Moisture
Due to high humidity, the powdered food often sticks to the hoppers, conveyors and packaging machine, leading to frequent breakdowns in the conveyor drive mechanism.
General Recommendations
Recommended RH for Powdered Foods
| Food Powder | Temperature in ºC | RH % |
| Instant Coffee Processing | 26ºC | 20% RH |
| Fruit Powder Handling | 20°C – 22°C | 35% RH |
| Tomato Powder Production | 19°C – 23°C | 25% – 35% RH |
| Dry Soup Packaging | 21°C | 20% RH |
| Powdered Drink Mix Packaging | 21°C | 20% RH |
| Cooling of Spray Dried Milk Powder | 10°C | 35%- 40% RH |
| Milk Powder Packaging | 22°C– 25°C | 35% – 40% RH |
| Whey Powder Manufacturing/Storage | 21°C – 26°C | 15% – 30% RH |
Bry-Air Solution
Through dehumidifier the dry air is continuously circulated in the unit through a suitable supply and return air system. An air handling unit functioning separately maintains the desired temperature in the packaging and storage area.
