Agroindustrial project analysi

can process almost any eration); $0.024-.044 times present sanitary problems; suitedform of food (solids, per pound raw material to small-scale batch production of difliquids,or slurries) (65 percent moisture), ferent products or as back-up dryer$0.032-.057 per pound for sun drying during adverse weatherwater removedTunnel Semicontinuous opera- $58,000 for 7Y2 Relatively high labor Long drying time contributes to highertion for large-scale tons, $113,000 requirements for load- losses of nutrients and lower organo-(10-50 tons daily) pro- for 15 tons daily ing/unloading trucks; leptic quality than other more adductionof dried vege- labor cost is 50 percent vanced drying methods; sanitary probtables,fruits, meats, of total operating cost; lems are sometimes encounteredother piece-form foods; relatively low maintecanprocess various nance cost; $0.023-.024solid foods with minorper pound raw machangesin operationsterial (75 percent moisture),$0.031-.032 perpound water removedContinuous Continuous operation $125,000 for 15 Low labor costs but Because of shorter drying times, prodconveyorfor medium- to large- tons, $208,000 skilled personnel re- ucts with higher nutrient retention andscale production of for 30 tons, quired for operation better organoleptic quality are prodriedpiece-form foods; $280,000 for 46 and maintenance; labor duced than those from tunnel or cabibestfor large volumes tons, $431,000 cost is 5-20 percent of net drying; fewer s4nitary problemsof one product; not for 92 tons daily total operating cost; than with tunnel or cabinet dryingsuited to differentmore efficient cost thanproducts in one plantcabinet or tunneldryers; $0.01-.013 perpound raw material at(Table continues on the following page.)