A dehydrator processes apple and vegetable slices with 30,000 m3/h of 50 C exhaust. EN159 preheated incoming air with a plate exchanger.
The Challenge
The dryer needed steady 38 C intake air. Burning fuel to heat intake air was costly. Recovery had to avoid any return of exhaust moisture to the product.
Why Plate Air-to-Air Recovery
For food drying, plate sensible recovery is the rule: separate streams, no moisture carry-back, no rotary wheel. This protects product quality and meets hygiene standards.
The EN159 Solution
EN159 BXB plate module, 30,000 m3/h, intake 18 C raised to 38 C, food-grade stainless plates.
Measured Results
- Recovered heat: about 0.4 MW
- Intake preheated from 18 C to 38 C
- Fuel use cut by 28 percent
- Estimated payback: 15 months
Compliance and Selection Notes
Sensible-only plate recovery, separated streams, no rotary. Food-duty stainless, cleanable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can recovery touch the product air?
No. The plate transfers heat through the wall only. Product and exhaust air never mix.
What temperature can it handle?
Standard plates handle exhaust to 120 C; higher needs welded stainless.
Related Guides and Tools
Plate Heat Exchangers · Food and Agricultural Drying Recovery · Drying Heat Recovery · Seafood Drying Recovery · Contact EN159
Get a Site-Specific Recovery Estimate
Talk to an EN159 application engineer about your fruit and vegetable drying exhaust stream. Call 15753355505 or visit our contact page for a site-specific recovery estimate.