Ask what the capacity figure measures
A dryer described as a certain number of kilograms may refer to fresh loading mass, prepared slices or finished dried product. Those quantities differ. Start a fruit dehydration plant enquiry with the fruit, preparation method, slice dimensions and finished product specification.
Ask for the proposed tray area and loading basis as well as the weight. A quoted capacity without the product and complete cycle time does not establish daily saleable output. Compare proposals using the same prepared fruit and loading arrangement.
Use a mass balance rather than a fixed yield promise
For an illustrative calculation, assume 100 kg of prepared fruit contains 20 kg of dry solids and that no solids are lost. If the chosen finished moisture were 10% on a wet basis, calculated finished mass would be 20 divided by 0.90, or about 22.2 kg. These are hypothetical values for explaining the calculation, not a recommended moisture target or an AREIUM performance claim.
Actual yield also depends on trimming, rejected pieces and the raw fruit composition. Have the finished specification set for the product and packaging, then measure it during trials instead of adopting an example as a production setting.
Plan preparation around the drying batch
Washing and cutting must supply a consistent prepared load. Discuss a produce washer and the appropriate cutting arrangement with the expected fruit firmness and slice dimensions. A multifunction cutter should only be included after confirming suitability for the actual fruit and cut.
Time preparation and loading so the dryer does not wait unnecessarily between batches. Include labour for arranging slices, removing trays and handling the dried product. These steps can limit the schedule even when the drying chamber itself is adequately sized.
Compare complete cycles and load uniformity
A useful trial includes loading, drying, unloading and the agreed cleaning or turnaround steps. Record results from different tray positions rather than relying on one sample from the easiest location to reach. Define how the finished condition will be measured before the trial begins.
Ask for utility requirements for the proposed configuration and the measurement basis for any consumption estimate. Avoid comparing consumption figures from different fruits, starting conditions or batch sizes as though they represent equivalent production runs.
Include post-drying handling in the scope
Define how the product moves from the dryer to inspection and packing. Specify the intended final form: slices, pieces or a product that will undergo further milling. Additional size reduction and packaging equipment should appear explicitly in the quotation.
- Prepared fruit and slice dimensions.
- Tray area and loading pattern.
- Measured batch input and accepted dried output.
- Full cycle duration and operator requirements.
- Sampling positions and acceptance method.
- Cooling, inspection and packaging responsibilities.
Request a product-specific proposal
Send your fruit list, expected harvest schedule and target dried output to AREIUM. If several fruits share the dryer, ask for a separate trial and schedule basis for each. The capacity guide helps translate these batches into a production plan.
For general process context, see the FAO introduction to fruit and vegetable processing. Treat generic examples as background; the equipment proposal should be based on your product requirements.
