1. TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION GW Dryer is a novel drying technology for converting liquid foods and other related biomaterials into powders, flakes, or sheets with added value (see Fig. 1). Principle used GW Dryer utilizes hot water as the heat transfer medium to dry a wide variety of products carried by a belt conveyor. How it Works A liquid or puree is evenly applied on a moving, food grade belt (wet biomass in thin layer, 40 300 µm). Hot water below the moving belt is used as the heat source. Heat transfer is achieved by convection, conduction and radiation through a polyester Mylar belt from the body of hot water to the product to be dried. Air circulation above the belt removes moisture from the drying tunnel. The dried product is cooled (cooling water) and removed from the belt. GW Dryer is a modular technology and 5 models are available (GW Dryer is expandable from 1 to 5 modules). Model 2 (Size (L X W X H) = (14.94 x 2.44 x 2.59) m, belt length 112 feet (34 m), heating surface around 17,5 m 2 ) is the object of this EU ETV verification. Figure 1. Conceptual design of the GW Dryer RINA, commissioned by the Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), has verified the performance claim of the technology GW Dryer according to the relevant procedures for EU ETV as for GVP Version 01 - July 7th, 2014 and the requirements set in the Specific Verification Protocol N 2015-DG- MP-141, Revision N 00. ILVO, according to the objectives of the FP7 Noshan project (http://www.noshan.eu) is investigating the processes and technologies needed to use food waste for feed production at low cost, low energy consumption and with maximal valorization of starting wastes. In this context moisture control and stabilization technologies are also analysed, including the GW Dryer technology. The Noshan project has received funding from the European Union s Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement n 312140 G3 Enterprises (G3) is the owner of the technology GW Dryer (formerly known as the Refractance Window Dryer). G3 authorized the verification of the environmental performance of the GW Dryer as proposed by ILVO according to the EU ETV Programme. ETV_08_VStatement (09/2015) page 2/9
2. APPLICATION 2.1 MATRIX Liquids, slurries, pastes. 2.2. PURPOSE To dry wet products (liquids, slurries, pastes) into a dry, stable products. 2.3 CONDITION OF OPERATION AND USE GW Dryer is a continuous process. The wet liquids, slurries, pastes are applied in a thin layer: 40 300 µm (Fig.2). Finished Product capacity: 5 50 (kg/h) is dependent on feed solids and process conditions. The GW Dryer utilizes circulating hot water, usually at 95 97 C and at atmospheric pressure, to carry thermal energy to material to be dehydrated. However the actual product temperature during the process is usually in the 60-70 C range. More information about the condition of operation and use for the specific GW Dryer s application tested are available in table 5. Fig.2: the thin layer of tested materials on the GW Dryer belt. 2.4 VERIFICATION PARAMETERS DEFINITION SUMMARY The goals of this test are to verify the technology performance regarding the following aspects: Thermal Efficiency of the GW Dryer. The evaporation of water from the product at the air puree interface constitutes a major part of energy consumption in RW drying 1. For this reason the verification activities focused on the thermal efficiency expressed as the ratio of the theoretical thermal energy for drying the wet products to the actual thermal energy supplied for drying by the heating unit (the efficiency of possible pre-heating steps as well the efficiency of the steam generator are not included in the thermal balance. Air to remove moisture has not been considered in the drying heat balance). Ability of the GW Dryer to maintain color of initial feed material. GW Dryer can be used to gently remove moisture from delicate products like anthocyanins and other natural colorants preserving the natural color. The Color Loss parameter shows the ability of the GW Dryer to maintain color of initial feed material. Minimal Product Loss. The Solid Yield parameter shows the ability of the GW Dryer to perform the drying process with a high percentage of the product recovered. 1 (Nindo et al., 2007) Refractance Window Dehydration Technology: A Novel Contact Drying Method - Drying Technology, 25: 37 48, 2007 ETV_08_VStatement (09/2015) page 3/9
In table 1 a summary of the aspects covered by the verification and related performance parameters. Table 1: Summary of the performance parameters Aspect Related Performance Parameter (unit) Thermal Efficiency of the GW Dryer Ability of the GW Dryer to maintain color of initial feed material Thermal Energy consumption (kj/kgh2o) Thermal Efficiency (%) Surface Evaporation capacity (kgh 2 O/ hm 2 ) Color Loss (%) Extinction Value (EV) on a dry basis at (λmax) Minimal Product Loss Solids Yield (%) Dry Product Loss (%) Feed material (kg / h) Input s moisture content (%) Product material (kg / h) Product s moisture content (%) 3. TEST AND ANALYSIS DESIGN 3.1. EXISTING AND NEW DATA No existing data was submitted by the proposer. This ETV verification is based on new data collected by G3 Enterprises trough the GW Dryer (Model 2) available at the San Joaquin Valley Concentrates (SJVC), wholly owned by E & J Gallo Winery. The test was performed on 28 th of January 2016 in California (US) at the following address: San Joaquin Valley Concentrates, 5631 E. Olive Ave. Fresno, CA 93727 G3 Enterprises, Inc., Delaware Corporation, located at 502 E. Whitmore Avenue, Modesto, California 95358 ( G3 ) was in charge of planning, performing and reporting the testing activities (Test Body). ROLE TEST BODY LAST NAME FIRST NAME TEST RESPONSIBLE BENAVIDES ALFONSO INTERNAL AUDITOR ANDERSON STEVEN 3.2. LABORATORY OR FIELD CONDITIONS The GW Dryer (Model 2) available at SJVC is a full scale / commercial application of the GW Dryer. SJVC is a supplier of grape juice concentrates, natural colors, and grape seed extract to the food and beverage industries. G3 Enterprises, Inc., Delaware Corporation, located at 502 E. Whitmore Avenue, Modesto, California 95358 ( G3 ) was in charge of planning, performing and reporting the testing activities (Test Body). ROLE TEST BODY LAST NAME FIRST NAME TEST RESPONSIBLE BENAVIDES ALFONSO INTERNAL AUDITOR ANDERSON STEVEN The testing activities were conducted at the San Joaquin Valley Concentrates (SJVC), 5631 E. Olive Ave. Fresno, CA 93727, where the the GW Dryer (Model 2) is used to concentrate and dry natural colors. SJVC operators and lab staff were involved in the testing activities under the supervision of the G3 test responsible. ETV_08_VStatement (09/2015) page 4/9
3.3. MATRIX COMPOSITIONS Two types of Natural Color from Grape Skins (Anthocyanins) were tested: - Liquid Purple Grape (Fig.3) and Liquid Red Grape These tested products are natural colors produced from California grapes. They are concentrated and dried in crystal form without the use of any carriers. The product is non-hygroscopic and readily soluble. The materials tested are in line with the SVP. Fig.3: Liquid Purple Grape 3.4. TEST AND ANALYSIS PARAMETERS The list of parameters considered in the specific verification protocol is described in Table 2. Parameter (list of parameters to be considered in the specific verification protocol) Table 2: Parameters considered in the specific verification protocol Value at the 95% confidence level Water Temperature Inlet Temperature: 80-98 C Outlet Temperature: 80-98 C Moisture content Finished product at 7% moisture Existing legal Requirements and/or BAT values Test or measurement method(s) Not applicable Electrical instrumentation for Temperature: ifm efector TD2817 Not applicable Thermogravimetric analysis: Lab Equipment for Moisture Measurement: Mettler Toledo MJ33. Water Flow To be determined during testing Not applicable Dynasonics (now Badger Meter) DXNP-AHS-NN Doppler/Transit Time Flow Meter Weight 50 100 kg/h wet feed @ ~30% solids. 20 30 kgs/h of finished product at 7% moisture. Not applicable Weight of Barrels: Mettler Toledo IND560 ETV_08_VStatement (09/2015) page 5/9
Color in finished product (Extinction Value Test) EV @ ph 3.00 (λmax) USA: 21 CFR 73.250. Fruit juice for color. EU: EU Commission Regulation N 231/2012 Extinction Value Test Method at ph 3: λmax at 520 nm. Spectrophotometer Hewlett Packard 8453 3.5. TESTS AND ANALYSIS METHODS SUMMARY During dryer operation one separate data collection events each lasting 2 to 3 hours was conducted. 1) Thermal Efficiency of the GW Dryer. Measurement of heating water flow and temperatures: A doppler/transit-time wrap around flow meter was utilized to measure flows on dryer hot water feed pipes. Local readout water thermometers were installed on all hot water supply and return pipes from heat exchangers to dryer hot water reservoirs. Several reading of each parameter were taken during the test period. 2) Ability of the GW Dryer to maintain color of initial feed material. Samples were taken of the dryer feed material and the dryer product for each lot. Samples were then analysed for color intensity on a dry weight basis using a spectrophotometer. Color Intensity was reported using the Extinction Value Method with the units of EV @ ph 3.00 (λmax). The color intensity lost across the dryer was then be calculated from the color intensity method by looking at the delta before and after drying and then dividing by the original color intensity, prior to drying. 3) Minimal Product Loss Samples of product being fed and dried material being produced were taken to be analysed for moisture content. The total amount of material fed to the dryer and the total amount of dried product was weighed at the end of each test run. 3.6. PARAMETERS MEASURED In addition to the performance parameters listed in section 2.4 above the following parameters were measured and evaluated as part of the verification (table 3): Table 3: Parameters considered in the specific verification protocol Parameter (list of parameters to be considered in the Unit of measure specific verification protocol) Duration of the process hours Temperature of Feed to Dryer C Temperature of the product at the outlet C Water Temperature at 4 Inlets of Dryer C Water Temperature at 4 Outlets of Dryer C Flow Rate of Water at 4 Inlets of Dryer Liters/min Humidity of Dryer Room % Ambient Temperature of Outside Air C Humidity of Outside Air % Initial color in feed materials Extinction Value (EV) on a dry basis at (λmax) ETV_08_VStatement (09/2015) page 6/9
4. VERIFICATION RESULTS 4.1. PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS In table 4 the verified performance is presented as a mean value together with the respective 95 % confidence intervals and compared with the claimed performance. Table 4. Claimed versus Verified Performance Parameter Claimed Performance Verified Performance Type of Input material ANTHOCYANINS (E 163) Two different types of input Natural Color from Grape Skins materials have been tested: Liquid Purple Grape Liquid Red Grape Thermal Efficiency of the GW Dryer Thermal Energy consumption Surface evaporation capacity Color Loss (ability of the GW Dryer to maintain color of initial feed material) Extinction Value (EV) on a dry basis at (λmax) 52-77%, (Nindo et al., 2007) 3320 4920 kj/kgh2o 1.5 2.5 kgh 2 O/ hm 2 6% 20 23 63% [60 65] 3876 kj/kgh2o [3715 4037] 3,2 kgh 2 O/ hm 2 [2,6 3,8] 10% [0 21] 21,50 [21,38 21,75] ETV_08_VStatement (09/2015) page 7/9
Solid Yield / Loss Solids Yield : Product Solids (kg)/feed Solids (kg) Dry Product Loss Feed material Input moisture content Product material Product moisture content 95 99,5 % 0,5 5 % 50 100 kg/h wet feed ~70% moisture 20 30 kg/h of finished product product at ~7% moisture 100 % [96,6 100] 0 % [0 3,4] 87 kg/h [74 99] 69% [67 72] 28 kg/h [27 30] 7,4% [6,6 8,2] Verified thermal efficiency (60 65%) is in line with the claimed range (52 77%) (see Table 4). It is important to take in mind that many factors can influence the thermal efficiency performance (e.g thickness and consistency at deposition, Nindo et al., 2007). The verified performance is thus related only to the specific application object of verification. The verified average thermal energy consumption is 3876 kj/kgh 2 O with an average surface evaporation capacity of 3,2 kgh 2 O/ hm 2 (based on a evaporation surface of the GW Dryer of 17,466 m 2 ), resulting higher than the claimed range 2. The test results show a color loss value slightly bigger than expected, however Extinction Value (EV) on a dry basis at (λ max ) of the products is in line with the expected performance. The test results show that the drying process of the tested products do not involve any significant dry product loss, with a solid yield bigger than 96,6% at the 95% confidence level. It means that the color intensity meets the performance claimed. 4.2. OPERATIONAL PARAMETERS Appropriate environmental and operational conditions were ensured for the test performance. See the details in table 5. Air to remove moisture was not heated above hot water temperature, was kept as constant as possible in all and lower than the product feed temperature over the duration of the test. It was not considered in the drying heat balance. Table 5. Operational Parameters and Environmental Conditions Operational Parameters and Environmental Conditions Value Duration of the process In average 148 min to treat 50 gallons ( 189,27 liters) Temperature of Feed to Dryer after pre-heating Environmental Conditions 52 C T > 0 C 2 The range claimed was probably too conservative. According to (Nindo et al., 2007) typical surface evaporation capacity is in the range 1-10 kgh 2O/ hm 2 ETV_08_VStatement (09/2015) page 8/9
Water Temperature at 4 Inlets of Dryer Water Temperature at 4 Outlets of Dryer Flow Rate of Water at 4 Inlets of Dryer Temperature of Dryer Room Humidity of Dryer Room Ambient Temperature of Outside Air Humidity of Outside Air 96,5 C 95,5 C 223 Liters/min for each of the 4 inlets 32 C 54% 10 C 50% Initial color in feed materials: Extinction Value (EV) on a dry basis at (λmax) 23-27 4.3. ENVIRONMENTAL PARAMETERS The relevant environmental parameters are included as performance parameters as described in section 4.1 5. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Additional information can be found in the verification report. 6. QUALITY ASSURANCE AND DEVIATION The test and verification activities were planned and undertaken in order to satisfy the requirements on quality assurance described in the General Verification Protocol Version 1 developed for the EU ETV Pilot Programme. Test activities were undertaken by the Test Body G3. The test activities has been conducted under a quality management system that follows the principles of EN ISO 9001 and it is judged that it fulfils the requirements of the EU ETV General Verification Protocol (Chapter C.III). An external review was performed for the specific verification protocol, the verification report and the statement of verification by the technical expert Andrea Maffini. 7. REFERENCES (EU Environmental Technology Verification Pilot Programme) General Verification Protocol, version 1.1 of 07-July-2014 (Nindo et al., 2007) Refractance Window Dehydration Technology: A Novel Contact Drying Method - Drying Technology, 25: 37 48, 2007 ETV_08_VStatement (09/2015) page 9/9