Food vacuum freeze-drying technology, as an efficient and energy-saving food processing method, is gradually becoming an important direction for the upgrading of the food industry. Application of Intelligent Control Technology in Food Vacuum Freeze Drying Machine
1、 Key advantages of vacuum freeze-drying technology for food
Vacuum freeze-drying technology removes moisture from materials through low-temperature sublimation, preserving the color, aroma, taste, and nutritional components of food to the greatest extent possible, while significantly extending the shelf life. Its core advantages include:
1. Nutrition and flavor retention: Low temperature environment avoids the damage of heat sensitive substances (such as vitamins and polyphenols), suitable for processing high-value foods such as fruits, vegetables, coffee, etc.
2. Lightweight and portable: After freeze-drying, the volume of food is reduced by 70% -90%, the weight is reduced, and it is easy to transport and store, especially suitable for special scenarios such as aerospace and military.
3. High resilience: Quickly restore the original form and taste after adding water, meeting the market demand for ready to eat food.
4. Energy saving and emission reduction: Compared with traditional hot air drying, energy consumption is reduced by 30% -50%, which is in line with the trend of green manufacturing.
2、 Intelligent Control Strategy for Vacuum Freeze Drying Machine
In the industrial production of food, the precision of vacuum degree and temperature control directly affects product quality and production efficiency. Based on the precision control experience of laboratory freeze dryers, the optimization strategy for food freeze dryers can be summarized into the following three points:
1. Multi sensor collaborative monitoring system
Using dual vacuum gauges (capacitive and Pirani) for dynamic monitoring:
Capacitive vacuum gauge: used for high-precision control of chamber vacuum degree (range of about tens of milliTorr), its independent characteristics of gas composition can ensure the accuracy of absolute pressure measurement.
Pirani vacuum gauge: monitors changes in gas phase composition and assists in determining the drying stage (such as the transition from primary drying to secondary drying).
2. Dual channel PID control technology
Implementing closed-loop control through a dual channel PID controller:
First channel: Adjust the opening of the electric needle valve based on the capacitance vacuum gauge signal, accurately control the intake flow rate to maintain the target vacuum degree.
Second channel: Collect Pirani meter data and display real-time vacuum curve, supporting dynamic adjustment of process parameters.
This technology combines a 24 bit AD/16 bit DA converter, with a control accuracy of up to 0.01%, and supports the MODBUS protocol for remote monitoring and data management.
3. Adaptive process optimization algorithm
Develop intelligent algorithms based on the characteristics of different food materials, such as moisture content and thermal sensitivity, to achieve:
Dynamic adjustment of drying rate: Adjust the heating plate temperature and vacuum pump power based on real-time monitoring of sublimation rate to avoid local overheating or uneven drying.
Energy consumption optimization: By analyzing historical process parameters through big data, establish the optimal energy consumption model and reduce production costs.
3、 Diversified expansion of application scenarios
Food vacuum freeze-drying machines have broken through the traditional food processing field and penetrated into more emerging markets:
1. Functional food development: such as freeze-dried probiotics, collagen peptides, etc., to meet the demand for healthy food.
2. Deep processing of agricultural products: Freeze dried fruits and vegetables (strawberries, mushrooms, etc.) increase added value and help rural revitalization.
3. Emergency food reserve: Its lightweight and long shelf life characteristics make it the preferred choice for disaster relief supplies.
4. Innovation in pet food: Retain the flavor and nutrition of meat, and promote the growth of the high-end pet food market.
4、 Future development direction and challenges
Although China's freeze-drying technology started relatively late, the gap with developed countries has gradually narrowed through technology introduction and independent innovation. In the future, we need to focus on:
1. Intelligent integration: Introducing IoT and AI technologies to achieve device self diagnosis, process self optimization, and remote operation and maintenance.
2. Large scale production: Develop continuous freeze-drying equipment to break through the efficiency bottleneck of intermittent production.
3. Cost control: Optimize the energy consumption of vacuum pumps, reduce equipment manufacturing costs, and promote the popularization and application of small and medium-sized enterprises.

E-mail:

sales@syguanfeng.com

Tel: 
+86 15088506234
 

Address: 

South Industrial Park of Dongguan, Shangyu District, Shaoxing City,Zhejiang Province,China.