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Powder drying tunnelMicrowaves, hot air and integrated cooling

The WL24 drying tunnel is an industrial machine designed to reduce the moisture content of food products through the combined action of microwave energy and hot air.

The machine is designed to operate as part of an automated production line, with the product moving through the different treatment stages, extending through to the final cooling stage at the outlet.

Process
Drying
Target throughput
120–150 kg/h
Technologies
Microwaves + hot air + cooling

Applications

Continuous processing of food products for drying.

  • Drying of powdered food products
  • Controlled moisture reduction on a conveyor belt

How it works

The tunnel is designed for continuous operation and can achieve an average throughput of up to 150-200 kg/h, depending on the product and the process parameters set.

Combined technology: focus on efficiency and maintainability

The system applies microwave energy through specially designed power supplies installed in the upper section of the treatment area, ensuring uniform energy distribution across the product and simplifying maintenance.

Microwaves

The oven uses microwave technology to dry the product quickly and efficiently as it passes through the treatment chamber.

The system consists of six 4 kW microwave power supplies, providing a total installed microwave power of 24 kW. The power can be adjusted according to the product and specific process requirements.

Microwave energy, combined with the hot air system, allows controlled thermal processing as the product moves through the oven.

Hot air and ventilation

Microwave treatment is combined with a hot air ventilation system, which contributes to the drying process and reduces the moisture content of the product.

The chamber features an upper air recirculation system and a lower system for introducing heated air, promoting moisture removal during treatment.

The air temperature can be set directly via the operator panel, allowing the treatment to be adapted to the product characteristics and process requirements.

Integrated cooling

The product leaving the thermal treatment chamber passes through a cooling system at the outlet.

The system consists of a slide along which the product moves, exposed to airflow generated by four fans. In this way, cooling is integrated directly into the machine's processing sequence.

Material quality

The treatment chamber is made of stainless steel.

The hood lifting structure is designed for safety and reliability.

Maintainability and ergonomics

MIT SRL's standard design features an automatically liftable hood with a synchronised lifting system.

Opening the hood provides easier access to the machine's internal components, facilitating inspection, cleaning and maintenance.

A patented microwave attenuation system is used for microwave shielding, requiring neither cooling systems nor maintenance.

Removable lower drawers also facilitate cleaning.

Customisation and automation

The tunnel is available with a standard usable conveyor belt width of 600 mm, but can be customised to the required width.

The conveyor belt speed is adjustable, allowing the product residence time inside the oven to be adapted to product and process requirements.

The system is designed for automatic loading and unloading, facilitating integration with other machines in the production line.

Integration and control

The main oven operating parameters can be set and controlled via the operator panel.

Controllable parameters

Each recipe associates the product with the parameters required for processing.

  • Microwave power of individual sources
  • Treatment air temperature
  • Ventilation speed
  • Conveyor belt speed

The system also allows processing recipes to be set, associating each product with the parameters required for processing, including microwave source power and activation, conveyor belt speed, ventilation and air temperature.

Technical specifications

Main technical specifications of the reference configuration.

Type
Powder drying tunnel
Application
Powdered food products requiring drying
Structure
Stainless steel
Treatment technology
Microwave and hot air
Control system
Touch screen control panel
Installed microwave power
24 kW
Individual microwave generator power
1 kW
Installed heating element power
24 kW
Installed electrical power
≈ 58 kW
Adjustable air temperature
Up to 135 °C
Conveyor belt speed
0.5÷1.5 m/min
Usable conveyor belt width
600 mm
Maximum overall length
7,830 mm
Maximum overall width
1,350 mm
Maximum operating height
2,320 mm
Loading height
≈ 1,115 mm
Compressed air supply pressure
6 bar

Industrial microwave systems designed for measurable performance, flexible packaging and 24/7 production

1

Measurable performance

Desk studies, sizing assessments and energy calculations are carried out before project development. Expected performance is verified through in-house testing on actual products.

2

Packaging flexibility

Compatible with microwave-safe, non-metallic packaging, without restrictions to proprietary trays, films or valves. Packaging is selected according to the product.

3

Industrial automation

Recipes, traceability, temperature control, data logging, alarms, remote assistance and integration with existing production lines.

4

Proprietary technology

Microwave applicators, shielding systems, and command and control systems developed in-house to ensure safety, stability, durability and ease of maintenance.

5

24/7 operation and independent maintenance

Accessible components, clear diagnostics, identifiable spare parts and operator training: the system is designed to allow customers to carry out routine maintenance in-house, reducing downtime and dependence on the supplier.

6

Validated quality

Texture, colour, nutrients, clean-label characteristics and shelf life are verified through testing and validation.

MIPAAF Validation

Microwave technology for organic

Validated cooking and pasteurisation processes for organic production.

CookingPasteurisationOrganic

Download

Download the catalogue dedicated to cooking and pasteurisation and the appendix featuring practical applications.

Cooking and pasteurisation catalogue 2026 cover

Cooking and pasteurisation

2026 catalogue featuring solutions, technologies and configurations for industrial processes.

Download the catalogue
Cooking and pasteurisation applications appendix cover

Cooking and pasteurisation case studies

Appendix featuring industrial applications and combined microwave processes.

Download the appendix