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Dairy Spray Dryer Intake Preheat Recovery (Case Study)

A milk powder plant runs spray dryers exhausting 60,000 m3/h of 60 C air. EN159 preheated incoming air with a plate exchanger to cut steam use.

The Challenge

Spray drying needs hot intake air. Heating it from ambient used large steam load. Recovery had to avoid any return of exhaust to the product air.

Why Plate Air-to-Air Recovery

Dairy duty requires sensible-only plate recovery with separated streams and no rotary wheel, protecting product hygiene and preventing moisture carry-back.

The EN159 Solution

EN159 BXB plate module, 60,000 m3/h, intake 20 C raised to 42 C, stainless food-grade plates with clean-in-place access.

Measured Results

  • Recovered heat: about 0.7 MW
  • Intake preheated from 20 C to 42 C
  • Steam use cut by 24 percent
  • Estimated payback: 13 months

Compliance and Selection Notes

Sensible-only plate recovery, no return air, no rotary. Food-grade stainless, CIP-ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does recovery affect powder quality?

No. Streams are separate; only heat crosses the plate wall.

Is it cleanable?

Yes, with clean-in-place access for dairy hygiene.

Related Guides and Tools

Plate Heat Exchangers · Food and Agricultural Drying Recovery · Drying Heat Recovery · Contact EN159

Get a Site-Specific Recovery Estimate

Talk to an EN159 application engineer about your dairy spray drying exhaust stream. Call 15753355505 or visit our contact page for a site-specific recovery estimate.

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