From the observations, there was hardy any powders accumulated
in the collector if maltodextrin was not added in the feed.
The particles produced were very sticky and mainly deposited
onto the wall of drying chamber and cyclone and could not
be recovered. Therefore, maltodextrin of 3% and 5% (of total
feed solution) was added to the juice prior to spray drying to
investigate its effect on the spray drying product. Maltodextrin
(Dridex 9) used in this study was a low dextrose equivalent (DE)
maltodextrin with DE of 8–12. Other researchers have reported
that low DE maltodextrin has better nutrient binding properties
[15–17]. Maltodextrin is also proved to be a very good encapsulant
for low molecular weight sugars such as fructose and
organic acids [14,18]. In was observed that with the addition of
maltodextrin, the condition was improved. Addition of 5% maltodextrin
to the feed appeared to give better results than addition
of 3% maltodextrin (Fig. 3a and b). These results showed that
maltodextrin was a useful drying aid in spray drying of watermelon
juice as it improved the yield of product.