Sublimation Drying of Fish Products in the Arctic in the Production of Feed for Farm Animals

Abstract

Introduction. The article considers biological resources of the Arctic, which is expedient to use in the production of fish meal for feeding farm animals. The aim of the research is to prove the usefulness of a continuously operating two-chamber line for sublimation drying of fish products using natural freezing of fish catch and a cheap source of thermal energy for drying: ethane, propane, butane (waste when cleaning natural gas and petroleum products of local enterprises), as well as microwave energy. Materials and Methods. A continuously operating two-chamber sublimation line is proposed, the chambers of which work alternately: one for the process of sublimation drying, and the other for loading and unloading processed products. The natural freezing of fish and thermal energy for the process of sublimation (drying) from the burning of waste gas are used whenever possible. When there is cheap electricity, it is advisable to use microwave energy for drying that makes it possible to shorten the drying cycle, ensure uniformity and simultaneity of drying the material up to 3–5% humidity without rearranging the trays along the height of the cart. Results. We propose the construction of a two-chamber sublimation line for large lump products and a sublimation unit based on microwave energy, which allows regulating the sublimation drying temperature within specified limits. Discussion and Conclusion. The presented design solutions of a large lump product sublimation drying line and sublimation unit using microwave energy are necessary for designing equipment based on digital technology.