OzScientific Pty Ltd (www.ozscientific.com) on behalf of the Shire of Manjimup and SWDC/DPIRD is to undertake a pre-feasibility study on spray drying technology for value adding to agriculture and food produce.
Dr Ranjan Sharma has previously carried out feasibility study for high pressure procesing (HPP) in the Manjimup region (https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/news/media-releases/report-points-high-pressure-processing-plant-potential-manjimup).
Spray drying is a widely used technique for the production of food, dairy, pharmaceutical and nutritional powders. Spray drying involves introducing fine sprays of a concentrated liquid into hot air being blown into a tower or chamber. As the small droplets make intimate contact with the 
heated air, they flash off their moisture, become small particles, drop to the bottom of the tower and are removed. The key advantage of spray drying is that it exposes the feed to a low heat and short time drying combination which leads to a nutritionally and functionally superior quality product. This means heat-sensitive foods, biological products and pharmaceuticals can be dried at atmospheric pressure and low temperatures. Ingredients in the dried form have extended shelf life and can be cost-effectively transported worldwide. Potential applications of spray drying include anioxidant-rich fruit and vegetable powders, dairy and vegetable protein powders, micro-encapsulated bio-active ingredients such as omega 3 fatty acids (fish oil), essential oils, probiotics, nutraceuticals., etc.
OzScientific team will be visiting Manjimup and surrounds for the week of 8th January 2018 to meet various stakeholders. If you are interested in discussing your produce for their potential for spray-dried products and ingredients, please contact us via email: ozscientific@gmail.com. We will be happy to follow up or schedule a meeting with you.