Abstract
Intermediate storage and mechanical stress treatment (bending) during clipfish drying is investigated for this industrial case study. A drying time reduction of 17.5% or 1.5 days can be achieved when the product is stored prior to the drying process in a climate chamber. A similar drying time reduction is reached by interrupting the drying process and store the product intermediate or when the product is bent after a certain time step. By combining both treatments (intermediate storage and bending) the drying time can be reduced by up to 35%. A higher specific surface area, drip losses and a reduced dry layer are identified as the most likely cause for the obtained drying time reductions. The performed investigations identify appropriate measures to increase productivity and reduce drying times without increasing the capacity and size of the drying system.