Spray drying of high viscous food concentrates: Investigations on the applicability of an Air-Core-Liquid-Ring (ACLR) nozzle for liquid atomization

Spray drying is widely used for powder production from liquid concentrates. Often low input temperatures are desired, as many materials, like proteins, are sensitive to heat. However, this demand leads to increased concentrate viscosities. Commonly used pressure swirl atomizers are limited concerning maximum processible viscosity. In this study, a so called Air-Core-Liquid-Ring Atomizer is used for pilot scale spray drying of whey protein concentrate (WPC80) at 40 °C and hence a viscosity of 0.09 Pa s. The produced powder was compared to an industrially produced reference. As a result, no significant differences in particle size distribution and particle morphology were observed.