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Dried Fruits
Dried fruits are a delightful, nutrient-dense snack enjoyed worldwide. These fruits undergo a dehydration process to remove the majority of their water content, preserving them for longer periods while intensifying their flavors. From raisins to apricots, dried fruits offer a concentrated burst of sweetness and nutritional benefits. Let's delve into the intricacies of dried fruits, their uses, characteristics, challenges in handling, and ideal equipment for bulk material conveying, with a spotlight on UniTrak's expertise in customized handling solutions.
At a Glance
Dried fruits are simply fresh fruits with the water content removed through drying methods like sun-drying, air-drying, or mechanical dehydration. This preservation technique not only extends shelf life but also enhances portability and flavor concentration. Common examples include raisins, apricots, dates, figs, and prunes. Besides snacking, dried fruits are popular in baking, cooking, and as ingredients in cereals, trail mixes, and confectioneries.
Characteristics
Dried fruits possess several key characteristics that impact their handling:
- Sticky: Some dried fruits, like dates and figs, can be sticky, leading to challenges in conveying and processing.
- Abrasive: Abrasive properties can cause wear and tear on equipment surfaces, especially during conveying and packaging.
- Variable Particle Size: Dried fruits come in various sizes and shapes, requiring equipment flexibility to handle them efficiently.
- Hygroscopic: Dried fruits can absorb moisture from the environment, leading to clumping and clogging during handling.
Common Uses
Dried fruits find applications in various industries, including:
- Food Industry: Widely used in baking, cooking, confectionery, and cereal production.
- Snack Industry: Packaged as standalone snacks or included in trail mixes and nut blends.
- Health and Wellness: Marketed as nutritious snacks due to their natural sweetness and health benefits.
- Cosmetic Industry: Some dried fruits like apricots are used in skincare products for their exfoliating properties.
Challenges in Conveying
Bulk material conveying of dried fruits presents unique challenges, including:
- Clogging: Sticky and hygroscopic dried fruits may clog conveyors, leading to downtime and maintenance issues.
- Abrasion: Abrasive dried fruits can cause wear on conveyor components, reducing equipment lifespan.
- Variable Flowability: Variations in particle size and flowability require equipment that can handle these fluctuations without compromising efficiency.
- Hygiene Concerns: Food safety and hygiene standards necessitate equipment designs that are easy to clean and sanitize.
Equipment Options
UniTrak, with its deep expertise in customized bulk material handling solutions, offers several equipment options ideal for conveying dried fruits:
TipTrak
The TipTrak bucket conveyor excels in handling sticky and abrasive materials like dried fruits, thanks to its gentle conveying action and self-cleaning design.
UniFlex
This flexible screw conveyor is suitable for conveying dried fruits of varying particle sizes and flow properties, offering gentle and efficient transport.
Powderflight
The Powderflight aeromechanical conveyor is ideal for hygroscopic dried fruits, preventing moisture absorption and maintaining product integrity during conveying.
Bulk Bag Loader/Unloader
For bulk handling of dried fruits, UniTrak's Bulk Bag Loader/Unloader ensures efficient filling and emptying of large bags while minimizing product loss and contamination risks.
Want to chat more about your specific application or materials?
Dried fruits are not only delicious snacks but also versatile ingredients in various industries. However, their unique characteristics pose challenges in bulk material conveying and handling. UniTrak's extensive experience in customized handling solutions makes it a reliable partner for addressing these challenges. Whether it's sticky dates or abrasive raisins, UniTrak's range of equipment options ensures efficient and hygienic conveying, maintaining product quality and maximizing operational efficiency. Choose UniTrak for reliable and tailored solutions in handling dried fruits and a diverse range of complex materials.
Our team is here to answer your questions and provide the information you need for your unique applications or challenges. Book some time to speak with our team today and start the conversation.