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Fundamental parameters in dimensioning a "vortex bed" drying apparatus are the pressure drop across the bed and the higher and lower limit of fluidization velocity. The analysis of the Navier-Stokes equations brings to the following functional relations between dimensionless groups: (see journal). These relations define the fluidization conditions in a "vortex bed" apparatus. Experimental tests carried out on a laboratory scale apparatus will provide us with the unknown constants for industrial scale extrapolation.

The article reports a description and a comparison of three concentration techniques: evaporation, freeze-concentration and reverse osmosis. The discussion is particularly concerned with the problems of aroma losses and retention and, for evaporation, the problems of heat damage and fouling. The increase in viscosity with concentration and the markedly non-newtonian behaviour of most food products are such that only evaporation allows to achieve high concentrations. The major progresses in evaporation plants and techniques are discussed in terms of heat transfer efficiency and residence time. Freeze-concentration and reverse osmosis are suitable for pre-concentration up to 30-35 10Brix of heat sensitive and aromarich products

The paper reports the results of two spray-drying tests carried out on yogurt as such or previously neutralized. The operating conditions of the drying operation were such that the temperature of the product didn't exceed 80 degrees C, and the residual moisture of the powder was about 10%, slightly higher than the B.E.T. monolayer value. The decrease of total counts was three and two decimal reductions respectively for the natural and neutralized product. This latter gave also much higher viability index as determined in a "fermenting activity" test. Also, the analyses, related to the quality of the protein fraction, strongly support the opportunity of neutralization before drying. In storage tests carried out during 8 months the survival data were higher at 5% relative humidity (corresponding to 7-8% humidity) and at 5 degrees C temperature. In all cases the better results were obtained from the powders of neutralized yogurt, even in comparison with a freeze-dried sample obtained from the natural product. The typical shape of the sorption isotherms of these products suggests that the optimum process as regard to microorganisms' survival consists in drying the neutralized product up to residual humidities of 8-10%, followed by storage, in humidity-proof containers, at temperatures of about 5 degrees C.