The Drymeister combines drying, milling and classifying in a single installation, enabling you to take full advantage of the huge growth in the insect protein marketplace.
Typical processing methods will include cooking the insects, separating out the oil (which is currently able to be used as an animal feed additive), and then the key stages of drying and milling. The drying phase, in particular, is vital for producing the maximum levels of high quality protein from your insect processing line. If the insects are under-dried, moulds or bacteria may grow. And over-drying can cause scorching and reducing the nutritional value and quality of the protein powder.
The two most commonly used types of drying are direct and indirect drying. Direct drying occurs when very hot air at a temperature of 200-300°C is passed over the material as it for example tumbles rapidly in a cylindrical drum. This is the quicker method, but heat damage is much more likely if the process is not carefully controlled. With indirect drying energy is supplied through a heating medium, for example a cylinder containing steam heated discs which also tumble the material.
The last step in the process is milling or grinding the carefully dried material into the appropriate grade of powder for the intended use. For protein to be used as an ingredient in soluble products such as protein drink powders a much finer mill may be required compared to insect ‘flours’ to be used in baking and food recipes. If the final use is to be animal feed then a coarser grade may be appropriate.
Selecting a combined drying and milling solution, such as Hosokawa Micron’s patented Drymeister (DMR-H) continuous flash drying system, can give you the edge in terms of efficiency and ROI.
Need help setting up your process?
Take advice from Hosokawa Micron, experts in food processing, drying and milling technology, to make sure you can take full advantage of the huge growth in the insect protein marketplace.
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