The DuCool DT-2400 liquid desiccant dehumidification unit installed at the Cadbury Adams’ plant in Bangkok is more efficient than the wheel dehumidifier system that was previously used by the company, according to supplier Advantix Systems.
With the previous solid desiccant wheel, heat expelled the moisture that was absorbed by the solid desiccant, and regenerated the desiccant to allow it to absorb more moisture, according to Advantix Systems president, Hannah Granade.
This created the need to re-cool the air in order to achieve required conditions, therefore driving up energy costs, she said.
Furthermore, maintenance of the wheel proved challenging for Cadbury, according to Granade, as desiccant wheels must be replaced every three to five years and are generally worth 40 per cent of the total dehumidification system cost.
Challenges of chewing gum production
According to Advantix Systems, the DuCool technology is useful in the production of chewing gum, where temperature and humidity control are a constant challenge.
Production requires tight control over moisture and temperature conditions which can cause changes in the gum base. Too much moisture causes the gum to become too soft, but if the gum dries out it becomes too hard, said the technology supplier.
In addition, before it is ready for consumption, chewing gum must be manufactured, rolled, stripped, broken, and wrapped.
“Each step in this process requires a different temperature and relative humidity level,” said Advantix Systems.
How it Works
The technology supplier said its dehumidification system is based on liquid desiccant’s natural removal of moisture from air.
“The non-toxic, brine solution cools, dehumidifies and cleans the air at the same time without needing to be replaced and without exiting the system. When heated, the liquid desiccant releases the moisture back outside in the form of warm, vapour air, eliminating condensation from any point in the system,” said the company.
The supplier said the technology is suitable for factory or air conditioned building which requires less than 40 per cent relative humidity in production line or particular area.
Advantix Systems, which has more than 750 installations deployed commercially worldwide, said it is currently working with other international food processing brands, although it did not give any names.