Optimization of the Spray Drying Operating Conditions for Producing the Powder Mixture of Gum Arabic and Maltodextrin

Abstract The powder mixture of gum arabic and maltodextrin was produced by spray drying. The inlet air temperature of spray dryer was varied from 160 °C to 260 °C and the maltodextrin content was varied from 0 to 50 % in the feed solution with the concentration of 42.5 % (w/v) total solids by weight. The properties of the finished product were characterized to examine the impact of changes in these operating parameters. The results showed that: the inlet air temperature had a stronger influence on the properties of finished product than the MD/GA ratio, whereas the feed rate was more clearly affected by the MD/GA ratio. Two optimal parameters obtained include MD/GA ratio equal to 0.615 and the inlet air temperature of spray dryer Te = 258 °C.