Carlbom decided a fluid bed processing system would work most efficiently. He had two options. One was a conventional rectangular fluid bed dryer, which would have taken up a large amount of space due to its shape, structural elements and weight. The other was a circular fluid bed processing system, which could dry the resized protein powders efficiently and, with a 60-in. diameter, would take up far less floor space than a rectangular fluid bed system. He purchased the circular unit from Kason Corp.
Because the circular fluid bed processor is inherently more rigid than rectangular designs, the materials of construction can be downgauged, internal cross braces eliminated and gyratory motors downsized. Fewer weld seams and the absence of corners and internal cross braces also facilitate faster cleaning and changeover times.