Nuts like hazelnuts are widely used in various types of food such as sweets and snacks. Before processing, hazelnuts are usually stored for a certain period and must be kept in a strictly controlled environment to prevent the growth of fungi that produce toxic mycotoxins. Therefore, moisture control in the storage area is extremely important. Industrial dehumidifiers maintain optimal humidity levels during storage, ensuring the quality and safety of the products.
During the storage of hazelnuts, the relative humidity of the storage environment should be maintained between 50-60% to prevent fungal growth. High humidity levels can cause hazelnuts to spoil and mold, creating a suitable environment for aflatoxin formation. Aflatoxins are toxic and carcinogenic substances produced by molds such as Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, making hazelnuts dangerous to consume and reducing their export value.
By maintaining the relative humidity between 50-60% during storage in cold conditions, dehumidifiers prevent fungal growth and aflatoxin formation. In some nuts, fungal growth starts when the moisture content exceeds 13%. Therefore, hazelnuts should be dried to a moisture content of up to 12% before being placed in cold storage. The drying process is typically done with air heated to 7-8°C above the ambient temperature but below 35°C. This ensures that the air in the storage area is in equilibrium with the hazelnuts, preventing moisture transfer between the product and the air. In conditions where the relative humidity is 50-60% and the hazelnuts are at equilibrium moisture content, there is no moisture transfer between the product and the air, ensuring long-term product integrity. Since the storage conditions for hazelnuts use dry thermometer conditions of 4-10°C, the dehumidifier used should be an industrial-type silica gel rotor dehumidifier capable of producing low dew points.
When selecting a dehumidifier for hazelnut storage, the size of the storage area and the amount of hazelnuts stored must be considered to choose a dehumidifier with appropriate capacity. The stacking method of the hazelnuts, whether in open or closed sacks, should also be considered. The insulation level of the panels used in the storage and the frequency of opening and closing the storage doors should be included in the engineering calculations for dehumidifier selection. The heat energy produced by the dehumidifier in response to the moisture removed from the storage should be communicated to the cooling equipment designer. Regular maintenance of the dehumidifier, including cleaning of filters and rotors, should not be neglected. The ducting configuration of the dehumidifier within the hazelnut storage area generally involves directing the hot, dry air from the dehumidifier to the evaporator's intake in the room. This way, the dry and hot air from the dehumidifier is not distributed uncontrollably within the storage area but is processed through the evaporator and delivered as cold and dry air to the environment. Therefore, when positioning the dehumidifier within the hazelnut storage area, an area that allows free air intake and discharge, as well as easy access for service and troubleshooting, should be selected.
The use of industrial dehumidifiers in hazelnut storage is a widely preferred application for maintaining the long-term health and quality of the products. Dehumidifiers control humidity levels, reducing the risk of mold formation and aflatoxin contamination. Thus, economic losses are prevented, and safe products are provided to consumers. Dehumidifiers prevent fungal growth and mycotoxin formation by maintaining optimal humidity levels during hazelnut storage.
At NKT – Moisture Control Technologies, our expert engineering team provides our customers with the most suitable industrial dehumidifier solutions, offering energy-efficient, high-performance solutions for hazelnut storage. For more information, please contact us via the form below.