What Is a Calciner?
A calciner is a machine that uses high-temperature steam or infrared rays to rapidly bake foodstuffs.
Commonly utilized in the food processing and service industries, including restaurants, calciners support various applications like grilling, defrosting, and baking sweets.
Calciners come in several types, including superheated steam and light heating types. The former uses steam for heating, while the latter employs infrared rays, affecting firing efficiency and quality based on the method and ingredients used.
Uses of Calciners
Calciners are versatile in their applications:
1. Grilling
They can grill a wide range of foods, including fish, meat, and vegetables, directly from frozen states, particularly using the superheated steam type.
2. Thawing
Calciners efficiently thaw frozen foods, notably with the superheated steam method, reducing thawing time.
3. Baking and Heating
They’re used for baking sweets, heating dry goods, and steaming bread.
4. Roasting
Calciners are ideal for roasting coffee, tea, and nuts, ensuring even roasting.
5. Sterilization
In the food processing industry, calciners sterilize products, removing bacteria from food surfaces with superheated steam.
6. Other Applications
They’re also used for desalinating seafood and meat and manufacturing medical disinfection equipment.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Calciners
Advantages
Calciners evenly bake food with superheated steam, preserving nutritional value and enhancing natural flavors without the need for oil, offering healthier cooking options. They perform multifunctional cooking, saving space and time.
Disadvantages
Temperature control in calciners can be challenging, requiring precise timing and constant temperature maintenance. Regular cleaning is necessary to prevent equipment deterioration and clogging from food residue.
Types of Calciners
Calciners vary in their heating methods:
1. Superheated Steam Type
Uses high-temperature steam for baking.
2. Light Heating Type
Employs infrared rays, with methods ranging from near to far infrared heating.
3. Electric Heating Type
Heats food using electricity, suitable for both household and industrial use.
4. Gas Type
Utilizes gas combustion for rapid, high-temperature heating.
5. Microwave Type
Uses microwaves to penetrate food, heating it internally and externally.
Structure and Process of Calciners
A superheated steam calciner operates through steam generation, surface heating, and internal food heating, ensuring efficient and even cooking.
Other Information on Calciners
Calciners also find applications in fermentation, smokeless baking, industrial product manufacturing, and precise control over firing conditions for quality control.