The process involves preparing wet feed, which is sticky and has to be conditioned before feeding to the dryer – which, in turn, has to be gentle, since potato protein is heat sensitive.
Will Pullen, marketing manager with GEA Barr-Rosin, says his company's technology was selected for its feed preparation and dispersion technology.
He explains that the more effective the feed dispersion, the more surface area is available – allowing near-instant heat and mass transfer.
This – in combination with GEA's ring dryer's selective recycling capability – prevents overheating and the risk of protein degradation.
Pullen says GEA Barr-Rosin was able to demonstrate to Finnamyl plant managers, and adds that local engineering support clinched the deal.
"GEA Process Engineering in Helsinki is able to provide support both during design, build and commissioning and for ongoing maintenance during the whole life of the plant," states Pullen.
The new system is also going to be fitted with the company's robust Certex ATEX certified explosion vent doors.
The new plant is due to be commissioned in August 2015.