Equans demonstrates that things can be done differently. Using heat pump technology, we develop drying solutions that are more efficient and sustainable, and sometimes even better for the product. However, every application is different. That is why we invite companies to test with us. ‘Our new test dryer allows us to dry products under different conditions on a small scale. Safely and insightfully. This allows us to solve problems before building a drying installation at a client’s premises and create a tailor-made drying process for each product and energy consumption,’ explains Dorus van Haalen, Commercial Manager.
Equans develops innovative, gas-free drying solutions by surprisingly using industrial heat pumps – to dry. Erik Hoogendoorn, Technology and Innovation Manager explains: ‘When we use a heat pump for drying purposes, we extract heat from other processes within a facility or the outside air. We’ve already used this method to develop a cheese dryer at Grozette, a parsley dryer at a herb drying company, and an insect growing installation. In all these projects, we redesigned the drying process using residual heat and smart air treatment, with no gas consumption.’ This approach has worked out very well. At Grozette, for example, this resulted in lower emissions and higher product quality, with less fat leaching and a drier, less sticky cheese.
Drying technology for more than just food!
Although our roots are in the food industry, we look much further afield. Our drying technology is also perfectly applicable to less obvious applications, such as drying paper and bricks. This is precisely where we can help companies. ‘We are now active in sludge drying,’ says Dorus. ‘By drying sludge from a water purification plant, it becomes suitable for incineration. This gives a waste product value because burning sludge creates steam that can be sold.’ This principle can be applied to other waste streams, such as manure or sand.
In response to the diverse drying needs of our customers, we are currently building a test facility in Emmeloord. This compact, transparent test dryer is about two metres high and has three conveyor belts. ‘We want to explore with customers how their products react to different drying conditions,’ says Erik. ‘What effect does warm, dry air have on the product? How long does it take to dry? What are the permissible and optimal air quantities? Does stirring or different humidity affect the product? What is the yield in terms of energy consumption and product quality?’
The test dryer offers space for small-scale, custom experiments. Customer focus is central. ‘We consider not only the technology but also the customer’s entire process. What is the product? What should come out of it? How is the entire system put together? This chain approach is what sets us apart.’
Advantages of gasless drying
The advantages of gasless drying extend beyond energy savings. In many cases, it also leads to process optimisation or increased capacity. This was evident at Grozette, where the idea arose to use trays on the conveyor belt for the cheese pellets or cheese strings. This reduced changeover and downtime, thus increasing production capacity. ‘Such insights often only arise during joint testing’, says Dorus. ‘That is exactly the purpose of our test setup.’
Broad experience and expertise
‘What makes Equans unique is the extensive technical knowledge we bring to every drying project,’ says Dorus. ‘We have built up in-depth experience in air flows, moisture extraction, and smart transport solutions through our work with freezing technology and food processing. We understand how air behaves in a drying tunnel and how much moisture and heat it can absorb.’ Erik adds, ‘We combine this knowledge with a practical understanding of installations, such as conveyors, and the ability to build complete systems — something traditional refrigeration companies usually don’t offer. If we don’t have something in-house, we bring in specialized partners.’
Equans invites companies to explore how the drying process can become more sustainable and efficient. Whether the product is cheese, powder, parsley, sludge, manure or anything else, the test dryer offers the opportunity to bring ideas to life. ‘We are looking for drying problems’, says Erik. ‘Every challenge is an opportunity to improve together. For the product, for energy efficiency, and the planet.’
Interested? Contact Dorus or Erik by email and learn how heat pump technology can improve your drying process.
