Preparation of experimental materials and equipment

• Materials: Dendrobium raw materials (pre processed by crushing, extraction, etc. to obtain Dendrobium extract or suspension of Dendrobium powder with appropriate solvent), distilled water, or other suitable solvents.

• Equipment: spray dryer (including atomizer, drying chamber, heating system, cyclone separator, collection device, etc.), electronic balance, agitator, filter, etc.

Dendrobium pretreatment

Extraction: Dendrobium officinale can be extracted using methods such as water extraction and alcohol extraction. Stir and extract at a certain temperature for a certain period of time, then filter to obtain dendrobium extract, and spray the dendrobium extract droplets through an atomizer.

Suspension preparation: If dendrobium powder is directly used, mix it with an appropriate amount of solvent, stir evenly to make a suspension, and ensure that the powder is evenly dispersed.

Commissioning of spray dryer

• Setting parameters: Set the parameters of the spray dryer according to the properties of Dendrobium and the requirements of the required particles. The inlet air temperature is generally around 150-200 ℃, and the outlet air temperature is controlled at around 80-100 ℃. The speed of the atomizer is adjusted according to the properties of the solution and the required particle size, usually between 5000-20000 revolutions per minute.

• Check the equipment: start the spray dryer, check whether the heating system, atomizer, cyclone separator and other components operate normally, and ensure that the equipmentNormal operation.

Spray drying experiment

• Feeding: pour the pretreated Dendrobium extract or suspension into the feeding tank of the spray dryer, and deliver the materials to the atomizer at a stable speed through the feed pump.

Atomization and drying: The material is dispersed into small droplets under the action of the atomizer, which come into full contact with hot air. The solvent in the droplets evaporates rapidly, and the active ingredients in Dendrobium officinale form small particles that flow with the hot air in the drying chamber.

• Collecting particles: The dried particles enter the cyclone separator with hot air, and under the action of centrifugal force, the particles are separated and collected in the collection device, while the exhaust gas is discharged through the exhaust outlet.

Particle quality testing

• Particle size analysis: Use laser particle size analyzer and other equipment to analyze the collected dendrobium particles and detect whether the particle size distribution meets the expected requirements.

• Appearance observation: Observe the appearance of particles with the naked eye or microscope to check for uniformity, clumping, and other phenomena.

Moisture content determination: The moisture content of the particles is determined by drying or other suitable methods to ensure that the moisture content is within the specified range.

The spray desiccant has a fast drying speed, and the whole drying process can be completed in a few seconds. The product obtained has good quality, solubility and fluidity.