Fluid Air revolutionises flavour and essence preservation

Fluid Air, a division of Spraying Systems, utilizes spray drying technology that successfully generates quality powder by eliminating water at low temperatures in a nitrogen-rich setting.

These key attributes contribute substantially to product longevity, as highlighted in this article, with specific reference to flavour preservation.

"Our PolarDry® spray dryers outperform traditional tech due to their ability to function at lower temperatures, offering numerous benefits, notably for heat-sensitive materials," states Dr. Bogan Zisu, Fluid Air's Head of Global Research.

"Our method encapsulates oils efficiently by incorporating an electrostatic charge during drying, a feature unique to our process."

In contrast, Zisu underscores the nitrogen-filled environment in which they conduct their drying as another distinctive aspect. Traditional spray drying tech often operates at extremely high temperatures to maximize output, sometimes compromising quality.

Persevering and enhancing the flavour in your products

In the context of flavour preservation, the current technology was first developed ten years ago to tackle a unique issue in food production, but its applicability soon broadened.

"We partnered with a flavour-centric company to conceive this electrostatic spray dryer, largely designed for flavour encapsulation, particularly oil flavour encapsulation," Zisu explained.

The allied company utilizes several of Fluid Air's largest dryers while maintaining its traditional high heat spray dryer product line.

Encapsulation techniques often used for flavour preservation or presentation mostly involve trapping the flavour in a gel or liquid form, but more often, it's in powdered form.

"The reason industry favors powder is its compatibility with both water-soluble and lipid-soluble flavours," Zisu stated. "Once water is removed, creating a stable product, it's easy to handle, reduces shipping costs, and offers numerous other advantages."

Using lower temperatures to spray dry

Zisu further explained that in its powdered form, the product is likely to be in its most stable state, and reducing water content helps enhance stability and mitigate risks.

Stability is often dependent on temperature and oxygen. "We use significantly lower drying temperatures, beneficial for retaining volatile compounds," Zisu stated.

The nitrogen-based technology eliminates the impact of oxygen during processing, adding to product stability and providing numerous applications in the food manufacturing sector.

Fluid Air is changing the game

In recent times, the rise of SMEs and start-ups in Australia has led to increased industry queries.

"Most of our interest comes from smaller start-ups without established infrastructure, so they're more eager to explore the potential of these technologies as they expand," Zisu stated.

When the opportunity for growth arises, this new technology is typically seen as an asset to their processes.

Improved shelf life also benefits product transportation or export, ensuring it can last longer during transit.

"For instance, the product might be stored on a container ship for an extended period, and temperature fluctuations could speed up deterioration and quality loss, impacting the powder's shelf life," Zisu explained.

Innovation and science is driving better results

Another component contributing to product longevity is the nitrogen processing, which creates an oxygen-free environment during the drying process.

"The heat conservation due to lower temperatures is one aspect, but the oxidative breakdown also accelerates product loss through oxidation reactions," said Zisu.

"Our drying tech operates in a nitrogen environment, where nitrogen displaces oxygen, reducing the oxidative breakdown."

To facilitate clients interested in the Polar Dry® technology, Fluid Air and Spraying Systems Australia provide a flexible approach with a research and development facility in Melbourne.

"We have dryers of various sizes, from a small benchtop unit for feasibility testing to our largest commercial dryer capable of.