Kadıoğlu Walnut Drying Machines and Walnut Drying Times
Kadıoğlu walnut drying machines vary in features according to their models, but they all operate on the principle of spraying heated air onto the walnuts at high flow rates. Walnuts are inherently hard-shelled fruits. In the use of drying machines, the temperature of the inner part of the produce determines the machine’s temperature limits. Therefore, to preserve the walnut oil and prevent alteration of the walnut aroma (flavor), we recommend not exceeding temperatures above 38°C during the walnut drying process with the machine. While it is possible to raise the machines to much higher temperatures and dry them much faster, attention should be paid to the temperature of the inner walnuts to ensure the preservation of walnut oil and quality. This adjustment is easily made on all walnut peeling machines produced by Kadıoğlu Machinery. The machines’ sensitive sensors ensure the quality guarantee of drying.
The average processing time for drying walnuts with the machine is approximately…
Walnut drying time can vary depending on various factors; therefore, a specific time cannot be given. However, reducing the walnuts to the ideal moisture level for storage after they come out of the peeling machine typically takes between 15 to 45 hours with the machine.
Factors Affecting Walnut Drying Time When Using the Machine:
External air (atmospheric) humidity: The drier the air sprayed onto the walnuts by the drying machines, the shorter the drying time for the walnuts. Therefore, in regions where the air humidity is low, drying times can be significantly shorter, up to 50%, compared to regions where the external air humidity is high. Air humidity can vary seasonally. It is normal for walnuts that dry in 20 hours during one harvest season to take 30 hours to dry in the next harvest season. The location where the machine is positioned also has a significant impact on this. While the machines are operating, high-flow air passing through the walnuts should be vented out of the environment in a way that prevents it from re-entering the machines.
Initial walnut kernel moisture content: Drying times can vary based on the initial moisture content of the walnut kernels. Drying times may be prolonged for early-harvested walnuts, while they are typically much shorter for walnuts harvested later. The moisture content of walnuts left on the tree naturally decreases over time.
Walnut variety: Walnuts are fruits with hard shells. All walnut drying machines facilitate the removal of moisture from the hard shell, after which the moisture inside the walnut progresses towards the dry area of the outer shell, continuing the drying process. Therefore, thin-shelled walnuts dry faster than thick-shelled walnuts.
Machine features: Machines equipped with mixing functionality increase the rate of moisture removal from the moist areas by altering the contact points of the hot air with the walnuts, providing a time savings of approximately 20-30%. However, we recommend programming the mixing feature of the walnut to operate at short intervals, such as 10-20 minutes every 2 hours. It is common for unhealthy or incompletely formed walnuts to break during drying, especially in high-tonnage drying operations. If continuous mixing is performed, the broken walnuts’ inner oil can make the outer surface of all walnuts shiny (as if polished). Therefore, to prevent a decrease in market value, mixing intervals should be kept short.
In all walnut drying machines with mixing functionality produced by Kadıoğlu Machinery, there is a programmable mixing duration feature. In addition, the mixing augers are specially designed in a form that will not break the walnuts.
If the drying machine does not have mixing functionality, the lower part, which will dry quickly as it comes into contact with dry air first, can be discharged and reloaded from the top. This can save time in the drying process. In layered drying machines, the mixing process is achieved during the transition between layers without the need for an additional mixer.
Draining the water from the walnuts after they come out of the walnut hulling machine: When walnuts come out of the walnut hulling machine, they are typically wet on the outer surface. This moisture will naturally dissipate over a short period. Therefore, wet walnuts should not be loaded directly into the drying machine to avoid extending the drying time and increasing fuel consumption. Walnut drying racks or Kadıoğlu Walnut Resting Crates can be used for resting.
Examples of Walnut Drying Machine Usages:
Kadıoğlu Mixing Walnut Drying Machines
Kadıoğlu MX25P Layered Walnut Drying Machine
What is the drying cost of walnut drying machines?
Kadıoğlu Walnut Drying Machines operate with an average power ranging from 6 to 50 kW, depending on the model, if they are electric. If they operate with pellets or diesel, their energy consumption will be close to this power requirement. When the machine reaches the set temperature, the heaters automatically shut off or reduce power, reducing energy consumption. When the machine requires energy again, the heaters automatically resume operation. Therefore, the lower the external temperature, the higher the energy consumption to reach the set temperature. As the external temperature increases, energy consumption decreases.
Additionally, drying costs can vary depending on the fuel characteristics of the machines, the cost of this fuel to the operation, and the cost of the electricity used. Therefore, the best measure for calculation is the user’s own calculations.
Which Walnut Drying Machine should I choose?
You can choose a model suitable for your operation based on your tonnage and which fuel cost and availability are suitable for you. You can review the Kadıoğlu Walnut Drying Machine Models in the list below, and you can always reach out to us for information using the phone numbers listed on the pages within the machine introductions. We are pleased to share our experience and knowledge with you.
