Every year, 16 October marks World Food Day, a reminder that food security is not only about agricultural production – it also depends on energy efficiency and waste reduction in food processing.

In the food industry, every stage from raw materials to finished products affects resource utilisation. Among them, dewatering – a seemingly simple step – plays a crucial role in maintaining product quality, improving energy efficiency, and reducing waste.

Guided by the belief that technology should make production more refined, Haibar demonstrates through its Fruit and Vegetable Belt Press Dewaterers how mechanical engineering can enhance the efficiency and sustainability of food processing.

I. The Importance of Fruit and Vegetable Dewatering

Fruit and vegetable raw materials usually have a high moisture content. Without dewatering, the material remains bulky, costly to transport, and prone to spoilage. In processes such as vegetable drying, juice concentration, and fruit residue recycling, the effectiveness of dewatering directly affects product stability and energy consumption.

Traditionally, the industry relied on manual or centrifugal pressing methods – simple but with notable drawbacks:
• Limited processing capacity, unsuitable for continuous production;
• Low dewatering rate and high residual moisture;
• Frequent maintenance and unstable operation;
• High energy use and labour costs.

With the ongoing automation of the food industry, there is a growing need for dewatering solutions that are efficient, energy-saving, hygienic, and safe.

II. Working Principle of Haibar’s Belt Press Dewaterer

Haibar’s Fruit and Vegetable Belt Press Dewaterer achieves solid-liquid separation through mechanical pressing. The material is fed into the pressing zone via a conveying system, where moisture is gradually expelled under the combined action of multiple rollers and filter belts. The process is fully continuous, ensuring stable throughput and optimal energy utilisation.

Key structural components include:
• Multi-stage roller pressing system: Applies segmented pressure for thorough and even dewatering;
• High-strength filter belts: Food-grade polyester with excellent permeability, tensile strength, and cleanability;
• Automatic tensioning and tracking system: Keeps the belt running smoothly and reduces maintenance needs.

Thanks to these features, Haibar’s dewaterer delivers high solids output with remarkably low energy consumption, significantly improving productivity and material utilisation.

III. Design Highlights and Performance Advantages

1. Efficient continuous operation: Can be integrated with upstream conveyors and downstream dryers to form a fully automated production line.
2. High dewatering rate, low energy use: Optimised roller ratio and belt tension design ensure high solids output with minimal power demand.
3. Food-grade and hygienic design: Constructed from 304/316 stainless steel with smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces; cleaning agents and juice are separated to prevent cross-contamination, while a fully enclosed frame maintains sanitary conditions.
4. Easy maintenance: Modular design allows for quick belt replacement and cleaning, reducing routine maintenance time.
5. Wide adaptability: Suitable for a range of materials such as vegetable residues, fruit pulp, peels, and root crops.

Through efficient mechanical dewatering, food processors can reduce drying energy consumption, increase juice yield, and make better use of by-products. The dewatered fruit residue can serve as feedstock, organic fertiliser, or raw material for further processing – cutting down food waste and supporting sustainable production.

IV. Towards a Sustainable Food Future

Globally, food security is never achieved through a single effort but through cooperation across the entire supply chain. From raw materials to machinery, from processing techniques to operational philosophy, every stage reflects the value of efficiency and conservation.

Haibar remains committed to developing efficient and reliable belt press dewatering equipment, providing intelligent solutions for the food processing and environmental sectors – contributing to global food security and sustainable development.

Haibar’s Fruit and Vegetable Belt Press Dewaterer