Energy and time consumption in Freeze Drying.
Energy and time consumption; an intro to save money.
So, you’ve started freeze drying and you’ve established a product that is doing well, and you’ve increased productivity. You’re currently running multiple small batch table top units trying to keep up. While an increase in production is great, the power consumption and time you spend programming, loading and preparing to freeze dry has likely scaled extremely. Reducing your overall profit margins. While freeze drying is an effective way to preserve products, it can be energy-intensive. One way to reduce energy and time costs is to switch from using multiple small tabletop units to one large machine. This not only saves energy but also reduces the overall cost of maintenance and operation and saves you time. By making this change, you can not only save money but also help reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Key points:
- Energy Efficiency:
- Consolidating operations into a single large machine reduces energy consumption and is more energy-efficient.
- Cost Savings:
- Operating a single large machine reduces maintenance costs and can be more cost-effective in the long run.
- Consistency and Control:
- Larger machines offer better control over the freeze-drying process, ensuring consistent high-quality results.
- Increased Capacity:
- Large machines allow for scaling up production, meeting larger orders more efficiently.
- Product Line Expansion:
- A larger machine enables diversification of product lines and exploration of new market opportunities.
- Environmental Impact:
- Using an energy-efficient freeze dryer reduces energy consumption and minimizes the carbon footprint.
- Scalability:
- Parker Freeze Dry machines offer large chambers to handle significant product quantities, allowing for business growth scalability.
So, How much does a Parker Freeze Dryer Consume?
The Parker 2, processing 500 lbs of wet weight per cycle, uses 730 kW-h of energy over a 16-hour cycle. To match the output of the Parker 2, you would require about 50 table-top units. On the other hand, the Parker 6 produces up to 1500 lbs of wet weight and consumes approximately 998 kW-h. To achieve an equivalent output, you would need to operate around 167 machines simultaneously. Operating numerous machines would not only take up a lot of space and time for individual setup and loading but is also impractical for a growing business. One customer even claimed a reduction in electrical costs when switching from 30 tabletops to a Parker 6.
Where's the advantage?
This creates an advantage of using one large freeze-drying machine instead of multiple small ones is that it allows for more control over the process. With smaller units, it can be difficult to maintain consistent conditions from machine to machine and ensure that each batch is dried properly. A larger machine can be designed and calibrated to meet the specific needs of your product, ensuring that each batch is consistent in quality and preservation.
Additionally, investing in a larger freeze dryer can allow you to expand your product line and take on larger orders. With more capacity, you can increase your production and take advantage of new opportunities in the market.
Considerations:
When considering a switch to a larger machine, it’s important to do your research and choose a reputable manufacturer such as Parker Freeze Dry. Look for a machine that is energy-efficient and has a proven track record of reliability and durability. With the right machine, you can continue to grow your business while reducing your environmental impact and saving on energy costs.
Parker Freeze dry makes it easy to scale your business as you grow. Offering large chambers with capabilities of up to 4,000 lbs. of wet weight per batch.
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