Viscosity Control.
Why the capillary viscometer is the “preferred” instrument to use on concentrate feed systems to spray dryers.
Optimizing Spray Dryer Performance
Spray dryer output depends on the Total Solids (TS) of the concentrate. TS is limited by concentrate viscosity, which is influenced by protein content and preheating conditions.
- Low viscosity / low TS → finer droplets, reduced output
- High viscosity / high TS → larger droplets, drying difficulties, fouling risks
Accurate viscosity measurement at the dryer nozzles enables operators to maximize TS for prevailing conditions, ensuring peak plant performance.
Why Standard Viscometers Fail
Most in-line viscometers use vibration, creating variable shear rates. While acceptable for Newtonian fluids, this distorts readings for non-Newtonian milk concentrates, making results unreliable.
Capillary Viscometer Solution
The most suitable tool is the Capillary Viscometer, which measures viscosity under a constant shear rate. As concentrate flows through a tube, the pressure drop correlates directly with tube length, flow rate, and viscosity — providing accurate, repeatable results