Industrial Chili Drying Technical Solution

### **Industrial Chili Drying Technical Solution**

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#### **1. Core Challenges in Chili Drying**
**1.1 Material Characteristics Analysis**
- Initial moisture content: 75-85%
- Target moisture content: ≤12% (Export standard ≤10%)
- Pungency retention: Capsaicin retention rate ≥90%
- Color requirement: Redness value a* ≥25 (CIE Lab standard)

**1.2 Traditional Method Pain Points**
- Sun-drying: Mold risk >20%, uneven coloration
- Coal-fired drying: Sulfur residue超标, severe pollution
- Temperature失控: >70°C causes capsaicin degradation

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#### **2. Professional Drying Solution**
##### **2.1 Recommended Equipment**
**Model**: SC-ChiliDry 3000 Specialized Chili Drying Line
**Core Configuration**:
```mermaid
graph LR
A[Fresh Chili Elevator] --> B[Cleaning & Sorting]
B --> C[Skin Piercing]
C --> D[Multi-layer Belt Drying]
D --> E[Cooling & Screening]
E --> F[Packaging & Storage]
```

**Technical Parameters**:
- Processing capacity: 3-5 tons/hour (fresh chilies)
- Heat source options: Heat pump (main) + Gas (auxiliary)
- Installed power: 185kW
- Control accuracy: Temperature ±1°C, Humidity ±3%RH

##### **2.2 Three-Stage Drying Process**
| **Stage** | **Temperature** | **Humidity** | **Duration** | **Target** | **Key Technology** |
|-----------|-----------------|--------------|--------------|------------|-------------------|
| **Preheating** | 45-50°C | 40-45%RH | 2-3h | Surface softening | Slow heating, anti-crusting |
| **Rapid Dehydration** | 58-62°C | 25-30%RH | 8-10h | Moisture ≤25% | Uniform air supply, timed turning |
| **Setting** | 50-55°C | 15-20%RH | 4-6h | Moisture ≤12% | Low-temperature slow drying, color & aroma preservation |

##### **2.3 Quality Control Points**
- **Anti-browning treatment**:
- Pre-treatment: 1% citric acid + 0.5% VC soaking
- Blanching: 95°C steam treatment for 60 seconds
- **Pungency retention**:
- Drying temperature ≤65°C
- Rapid passage through 50-58°C capsaicin sensitive zone
- **Color protection**:
- Oxygen concentration <8% (Nitrogen protection)
- Shaded drying, avoid direct UV exposure

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#### **3. Economic Benefit Analysis**
##### **3.1 Cost Comparison (Per Ton Dried Chilies)**
| **Item** | Traditional Sun-Drying | Coal-Fired Drying | **SC Heat Pump Solution** |
|----------|------------------------|-------------------|---------------------------|
| Energy Cost | 0 | 280 RMB | **165 RMB** |
| Labor Cost | 320 RMB | 180 RMB | **80 RMB** |
| Quality Loss | 450 RMB | 200 RMB | **50 RMB** |
| **Total** | **770 RMB** | **660 RMB** | **295 RMB** |

##### **3.2 Return on Investment**
- Equipment investment: 1.25 million RMB (including installation)
- Daily output: 24 tons fresh chilies → 4 tons dried chilies
- Annual operating benefits:
- Energy savings: 295 RMB/ton × 1,200 tons = 354,000 RMB
- Quality premium: 0.8 RMB/jin × 2.4 million jin = 1.92 million RMB
- **Payback period: 8.2 months**

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#### **4. Success Case Study**
**Client**: Xinjiang Chili Cooperative (Annual processing: 5,000 tons)
**Problems**:
- Traditional sun-drying mold rate: 18%
- Export orders rejected due to sulfur residue

**Solution**:
1. Installed two SC-ChiliDry 3000 units
2. Equipped with pre-processing production line
3. Established HACCP quality system

**Results**:
- Mold rate: 18% → 0.5%
- Export qualification rate: 65% → 98%
- Product premium: 1.2 RMB/jin
- Annual additional revenue: 4.8 million RMB

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#### **5. Technical Service Support**
**5.1 Process Debugging**
- Free sample testing: 200kg fresh chili trial drying
- Customized process: Parameter adjustment based on variety
- Technical training: 3-day on-site operation training

**5.2 Quality Certification Support**
- HACCP documentation templates
- Assistance with ISO22000 certification
- Export testing reports (sulfur residue, microorganisms)

**5.3 Smart Operation & Maintenance**
- Remote monitoring system
- Predictive maintenance alerts
- Rapid spare parts response (24 hours)

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#### **6. Environmental Benefits**
- **Carbon emissions**: 85% reduction compared to coal-fired
- **Wastewater**: Closed-loop circulation, zero discharge
- **Noise**: ≤75dB (1 meter from equipment)
- **Certification**: China Environmental Labeling Product certification

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### **Technical Advantages Summary**
✅ **Energy Efficient**: 45% reduction in energy costs
✅ **Excellent Quality**: Vibrant color, maintained pungency
✅ **Smart Control**: Precise adjustment of process parameters
✅ **Eco-Safe**: Pollution-free, zero emissions
✅ **Fast ROI**: 8-month payback period

**Get Complete Solution**:
▸ Provide chili samples for free trial drying
▸ Schedule production base inspection
▸ Obtain "Chili Drying Process White Paper"

(Data source: National Agricultural Products Processing Technology R&D Center, 2025 Chili Drying Industry Report)