Daily throughput is not one number on a datasheet. It is the product of a finished batch mass and the number of complete batches that can run in an operating day, after allowing for every non-drying activity.
List every time element
- Loading and spreading the material to the target fill depth.
- Freezing and reaching the starting condition.
- Primary and secondary drying, including ramp and hold segments.
- Defrosting the condenser and cleaning between campaigns.
- Unloading, inspection and any hold time before packaging.
Watch the bottlenecks
A dryer is only one element. Pre-freezing capacity, tray or container logistics, inspection and packaging can limit the line even when the dryer has open time. Model the line as a sequence and identify the constraint before adding equipment.
Use ranges until data exists
Early in a project, cycle times are ranges. Each trial narrows the range for a specific material, fill depth and quality target. Record the conditions and results so the ranges are traceable and can be defended in a proposal.