Belt dryer for food

  • Up to 45% subsidized acquisition costs

  • Save up to 75% on energy costs

  • 100% planning reliability thanks to premium after-sales service

No suitable results found.

In food production, drying is a crucial process step: it influences taste, color, structure, shelf life, and nutrient content equally.

A HARTER belt dryer for food offers a precise, hygienic, and energy-efficient solution – ideal for fruit, vegetables, herbs, meat, and much more. The innovative heat pump technology ensures low temperatures, consistent results, and a closed, exhaust-free process.

How HARTER develops individual solutions for the food industry is shown in: Solutions for heat pump dryers are created this way.
An overview of the process is provided by: Energy-saving drying with heat pump.

Do you require a custom solution and/or would you like to test the drying process beforehand?

Development with practical tests in our in-house development center

We are an innovation-driven team and welcome new challenges. HARTER tests your custom solution in the technical center under realistic conditions, optimizes the parameters, and documents the results transparently. Please contact us – we would be pleased to provide you with a non-binding consultation!

Contact our experts now +49 8383 9223‑210 or submit the contact form
2000

Drying systems

in over 20 countries stand for our quality

100

Employees

from all areas ensure a high level of vertical integration

+ 35

Years of experience

in the development of innovative drying systems

Belt dryer for food – Technology and process advantages

The HARTER belt dryer operates in a closed air circuit with a heat pump. The air is dehumidified, tempered, and reused – without exhaust air or energy loss. This allows food to be dried gently and hygienically at stable temperatures between 30 °C and 75 °C.

Advantages of the technology:

  • uniform drying for homogeneous residual moisture levels
  • Energy savings of up to 70% compared to hot air processes
  • low temperatures for gentle treatment
  • hygienic, exhaust-free system without dust or odors
  • short drying times, high process stability

The controlled air flow preserves sensitive ingredients such as vitamins, pigments, and aromas. The result: natural color, intense taste, and longer shelf life – with low energy consumption at the same time.

How HARTER scales and optimizes drying systems is shown in: Expanding capacities with heat pump dryers.

Belt dryer for food

Belt dryer for food – Applications and system variants

The belt dryers from HARTER are precisely tailored to the product, cut shape, volume, and line layout. They are suitable for batch operation as well as for continuous large-scale production.

Typical applications:

  • Fruit and vegetables: apple rings, banana chips, berries, tomatoes, onions, peppers
  • Herbs and spices: parsley, basil, chives, dill
  • Meat and protein products: jerky, snack cubes, pet food
  • Specialty products: mushrooms, algae, flowers, or superfood ingredients

System options:

  • Single or multi-belt systems for various product shapes
  • vertical or horizontal air flow depending on product stacking
  • fully automatic control with temperature and humidity monitoring
  • stainless steel construction for hygienic production

Before series production, your original products are tested in the company’s own technical center. There, optimal process parameters such as air velocity, temperature, and residual moisture are validated. These results form the basis for a safe, GMP- or HACCP-compliant series system.

Further related applications can be found under: Industries.

The Process

We dry with dry air and deliver it to the right places: A perfect interplay of air preparation and air guidance provides you with the best possible drying result.

Interface: Airgenex® Dehumidification Technology / Dryer – Moist air is extracted from the drying chamber and supplied to the dehumidification unit.

The pre-cooler pre-cools the air in a first stage. This significantly reduces the compressor’s energy consumption.

Moisture condenses on the fins of the air cooler and drains out of the drying system via the drip tray and condensate drain.

The cooled, dehumidified air is warmed up without additional energy by means of a pre-heater.
The air heater warms the air to the required process temperature.

The process air fan ensures the necessary air exchange between the Airgenex® dehumidification technology and the drying chamber.

Now, the dry, unsaturated air is guided into the drying chamber, where it absorbs the product’s moisture. Thus, the cycle is closed.

Efficiency that pays off.

Our HARTER drying systems save up to 75% CO₂ and are up to 45% governmentally funded.

Reliable – Competent – Long-term

Service that thinks ahead – for years to come

With the HARTER After-Sales Service, you secure a reliable and efficient drying solution for the long term. Whether it’s maintenance, spare parts supply, or technical adjustments – we support your system throughout its entire life cycle and ensure that it delivers optimal results at all times.

Performance Service

Optimal performance through our “all-round carefree package”

Custom Service

Flexible for changing requirements

Expert Service

Fast assistance in case of failure

Lifetime Service

So that the quality is always right

Belt dryer for food – Sustainability, energy efficiency, and hygiene

HARTER heat pump drying combines energy efficiency with the highest hygiene standards. Since the system operates without exhaust air, there are no odors or dust loads – a clear advantage for food companies.

Sustainable advantages:

  • up to 70% lower energy consumption
  • CO₂ reduction through heat recovery
  • closed circuit – no exhaust air, no filters
  • validatable process control according to food standard
  • long-lasting, low-maintenance technology

HARTER systems are designed for 24/7 operation and are easy to clean. All parts in contact with the product are made of stainless steel, and the systems meet common food guidelines. Data logging, batch documentation, and interfaces to QS systems can be integrated on request.

How HARTER efficiently and individually realizes projects is shown in: Solutions for heat pump dryers are created this way.

What our customers say

Not convinced yet? Our customers are thrilled!

“Sometimes it is better to say nothing and let your customers speak for themselves.”
– Regina Mader, Managing Director

“For several decades, we have been using a sludge dryer from Harter in our electroplating shop and are very satisfied with it. The technology and service are reliable and have helped us save a lot of money on disposal.”

Daniel Hutter
Verzinkerei Kriessern AG

“BK Giulini GmbH has been working successfully with Harter GmbH for around 20 years. We are very satisfied with both the dryer technology and the reliability of the complete system. Based on these positive experiences and the very good service, we invested in another drying system of this type in 2023.”

Dimitri Baumbach
ICL Ladenburg / BK Giulini GmbH (ICL Group)

“In our waste incineration plant, we have saved an enormous amount of money by drying our heavy metal-containing hydroxide sludge. The system technology is sustainable and easy to maintain. In retrospect, the investment was a very good decision.”

Stefan Ringmann
KVA Linth

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about belt dryers for food

It enables gentle, uniform drying at low temperatures – perfect for sensitive products with high quality requirements.

Typically between 30 °C and 75 °C, depending on the product and desired residual moisture.

Compared to conventional hot air drying, energy consumption is reduced by 50–70%. The closed air circuit uses the heat multiple times.

The systems are made of stainless steel, are easy to clean, and operate without exhaust air. This keeps products free of dust, germs, and foreign odors.

Yes. The modular systems can be connected to upstream and downstream processes such as cutting, blanching, packaging, or cooling.

Yes. Due to their high energy efficiency, they meet the criteria of many funding programs for sustainable production.

All relevant process parameters – air volume, temperature, humidity – are tested in the technical center and monitored during operation.

Send us your inquiry now

Fill out the form now and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.