Patent Publication Number: US-2022214107-A1

Title: Drying apparatus

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation-in-part of Patent Cooperation Treaty Application Serial No. PCT/US2021/025920, entitled DRYING APPARATUS, filed Apr. 6, 2020, and also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/007,099, entitled DRYING APPARATUS, filed on Apr. 8, 2020, which applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to embodiments of a heat transfer apparatus and method for drying substances, such as food substances. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional drying processes such as spray drying, freeze drying, and drum drying can be used to dehydrate products for sale or storage. However, such drying processes can degrade the nutritional value, color, and flavor of the processed products, can render the products unlikely to remain viable for long periods of storage, and/or can be expensive to utilize from both a product throughput and energy efficiency perspective. Accordingly, a need exists for improved drying apparatuses. 
     SUMMARY 
     Described herein are embodiments of an improved drying apparatus, as well as methods for using such an apparatus. 
     In a representative embodiment, a drying apparatus can comprise a wet end portion, a dry end portion, and a drying chamber. The wet end portion comprising a spray apparatus configured to apply a product puree to a belt and the dry end portion comprising a knife portion configured to remove a dry product from the belt. The drying chamber extending between the wet end portion and the dry end portion and comprising one or more table sections, each table section comprising a basin portion and one or more temperature control elements, the drying chamber comprising an air inlet and an air outlet such that air can flow through the chamber in a direction opposite a direction of the belt. 
     In some or all embodiments, the wet end portion comprises a first roller spaced apart from a second roller along a first axis, and wherein the belt is configured to extend over the first roller and beneath the second roller. In some or all embodiments, the first roller is offset from the second roller along a second axis such that a portion of the belt disposed between the first and second rollers is angled relative to the spray apparatus. 
     In some or all embodiments, the spray apparatus is pivotable relative to the belt. In some or all embodiments, the spray apparatus is an elongated bar or member comprising a plurality of openings disposed along a length of the bar, the openings extending through a wall of the bar. In some or all such embodiments, the openings taper from a first diameter at an inner surface of the bar to a second diameter at an outer surface of the bar. 
     In some or all embodiments, the drying chamber comprises one or more baffles configured to create turbulent airflow within the drying chamber. 
     In some or all embodiments, each table section further comprises a holding tank into which the temperature control elements at least partially extend, and wherein the temperature control elements are configured adjust the temperature of a fluid disposed within the holding tank until the fluid reaches a selected temperature. In some or all such embodiments, each table section comprises a diffuser bar configured to allow fluid from the holding tank to be pumped into the basin portion. 
     In some or all embodiments, the temperature control elements are electrically powered. In some or all embodiments, the temperature control elements are powered using one or more solar panels. 
     In some or all embodiments, the dry end portion further comprising a bullnose portion, wherein the bullnose portion is positioned at an angle relative to the knife portion such that when the belt passes between the bullnose portion and the knife portion the belt forms a Z-bend. 
     In some or all embodiments, the dry end portion further comprising a top roller and a drive roller, wherein the drive roller is configured to drive the belt through the drying apparatus. In some or all such embodiments, a leading edge of the top roller is offset from a leading edge of the drive roller along a second axis such that a portion of the belt disposed between the two rollers is angled relative to the knife portion. 
     In some or all embodiments, the drying apparatus further comprises a brush device configured to selectively remove remaining dry product from the belt. In some or all such embodiments, the brush device comprises a brush portion, a first brush roller, and a second brush roller, and wherein the brush device is pivotable between an engaged position, in which the brush portion contacts the belt, and a disengaged position in which the brush portion does not contact the belt. 
     In some or all embodiments, the drying apparatus is disposed within an environmental control room configured to allow an operator to adjust the humidity within the environmental control room. 
     In a representative embodiment, a method comprises spraying a product puree onto a continuous belt portion and driving the belt in a first direction such that the product puree moves into a drying chamber. The method further comprises flowing air along the belt in a second direction opposite the first direction to remove water from the product puree to create a dry product and driving the belt through a Z-bend to remove the dry product from the belt. 
     In some or all embodiments, the method further comprises driving the belt through a brush device to remove any remaining dry product from the belt. 
     The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a drying apparatus, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a wet end portion of the drying apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of the wet end portion of the drying apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a portion of the spraying apparatus of the wet end portion of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the drying apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a another perspective view of a portion of the drying apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is an embodiment of a drying chamber of a drying apparatus, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a simulation of air flow through the drying chamber of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a portion of the drying apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a table section of a drying apparatus, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the table section of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is another perspective view of the drying apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a portion of the dry end portion of the drying apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the dry end portion of the drying apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 15  is a side elevational view of the dry end portion of the drying apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 16  is another perspective view of the dry end portion of the drying apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a brush device of a drying apparatus, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  is another perspective view of the brush device of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a representative diagram of an exemplary computing environment. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a table section of a drying apparatus, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the table section of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 22  is a top plan view of the table section of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a spray apparatus. 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a spray apparatus, with the outer member shown translucently for purposes of illustration. 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of the spray apparatus of  FIG. 23 , with the outer member shown translucently for purposes of illustration. 
         FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional view of the spray apparatus along line A-A. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Described herein are embodiments of a drying apparatus or dryer for dehydrating, partially dehydrating, and/or desiccating a substance or product. The described dryers can be used to dehydrate a variety of products, including, for example, organic materials, minerals, chemicals, etc. In some examples, a product can comprise food substances (e.g., vegetables, fruits, fungi, algae, meat products including seafood and shellfish, spices, herbs, etc.), paper pulp, pigments, biopharma ingredients, etc. Such products can be processed into a sludge, slurry, or puree prior to being dried. The sludge, slurry, or pureed product can also be referred to herein as “wet product.” 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a drying apparatus  100  comprising a wet end portion  102 , a belt  104  (see e.g.,  FIG. 3 ), a drying chamber  106 , a dry end portion  108 , and a control unit (not shown). Generally, wet product such as a product puree can be applied to the belt  104  at the wet end portion  102  and can travel on the belt  104  through the drying chamber  106  in the X-direction, as shown with respect to coordinate system  110 . As the product puree passes through the drying chamber  106 , it gradually and gently dehydrates until it reaches a selected level of desiccation, at which point it is referred to herein as “dry product.” The product puree can be heated at temperatures ranging from, for example, about 30° C. to about 90° C., which advantageously ensures that the dry product retains the nutritional integrity, original color, and flavor of the original product. 
     In some embodiments, the selected level of desiccation can be less than 10% water by weight, less than 7% water by weight, less than 5% water by weight, or less than 3% water by weight. In some particular embodiments, the selected level can be between about 7% and about 3%. The dry product can then be removed from the belt  104  at the dry end portion  108 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the wet end portion  102  of the dryer  100  can comprise a frame  112  having a first side portion  114  and a second side portion  116  between which a first roller  118 , a second roller  120 , and a spray apparatus  122  extend. The first roller  116  can be axially spaced from the second roller  118  in a Z-direction, as shown with respect to coordinate system  110  (see  FIG. 1 ). For example, the first roller  118  is above the second roller  120  in the orientation shown in  FIG. 2 . The spray apparatus  122  can be positioned between the first and second rollers  118 ,  120  along the Z-axis. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the belt  104  can extend over the first and second rollers  118 ,  120  and can move in the direction shown by arrow  124 . The spray apparatus  122  can spray puree onto a portion  126  of the outer surface  128  of the belt  104  that extends between the first and second rollers  118 ,  120 . In  FIG. 3 , the first roller  118  is aligned with the second roller  120  in the X-direction (e.g., roller  118  is directly above roller  120 ) such that the portion  126  of the belt  104  between the two rollers  118 , 120  extends substantially in the Z-direction. However, the first roller  118  can be movable relative to the second roller  120  such that it can be offset from the second roller  120  in the X-direction. The side portions  114 ,  112  of the frame  112  can each comprise a plurality of sequential apertures  119  configured to allow the first roller  118  to be positioned at a variety of different angles relative to the second roller  120 . When the first roller  118  is offset from the second roller  120 , the portion of the belt  126  disposed between the two rollers  118 ,  120  can be angled such that wet product can more easily adhere to the outer surface  128  of the belt  104 . For example, the first roller  118  can be positioned at a 45 degree angle relative to the second roller  120 . In other embodiments, the second roller  120  can be movable relative to the first roller  118 . 
     The first and second rollers  118 ,  120  can be, for example, stainless steel rollers. In a particular example, the first and second rollers can be 4-inch rollers. In such embodiments, the portion  126  of the belt  104  between the two rollers  118 ,  120  can have a length of between, for example, about 12 inches and about 18 inches. 
     The belt  104  can be a continuous conveyor belt having an outer surface  128  onto which the puree is applied, and an inner surface  130  that contacts the first and second rollers  118 ,  120 . In some embodiments, the belt  104  can comprise a mylar material. In some particular embodiments, the belt  104  can be about 0.008 inches thick and about 62.5 inches wide. However, the belt  104  can have any of various dimensions depending on the dimensions of the drying apparatus and/or the type of product puree to be applied. 
     The wet end portion  102  can be movable relative to the drying chamber  106  in the X-direction to accommodate various belt  104  lengths and to maintain tension in the belt  104 . The wet end portion  102  can, in some embodiments, further comprise a belt tension device configured to maintain tension in the belt  104  via, for example, one or more air cylinders. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the spray apparatus  122  is an elongated member  132  comprising a plurality of channels  134  (see e.g.,  FIG. 4 ) disposed along a length of the member  132  and oriented toward the outer surface  128  of the belt  104 . The elongated member  132  can comprise one or more inlets  136  configured to be coupled to one or more pumps. The pumps can be coupled to one or more puree containers and/or troughs containing the product puree to be dried. In some embodiments, the one or more puree containers can comprise a temperature control system including, for example, a heating system and/or a refrigeration system. The puree containers can further comprise one or more circulation pumps that circulate the puree to keep the particles in suspension rather than allowing them to settle to the bottom of the container. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the channels  134  can extend through a thickness of a wall of the elongated member  132 . The channels  134  can be configured to spray product puree onto the belt  104  in a fan-type pattern. For example, each channel  134  can have a first width at a radially inner surface of the elongated member  132  and a second width at a radially outer surface of the elongated member  132 . The second width can be greater than the first width such that the channel flares outwardly as it extends through the thickness of the member  132 . Such a configuration allows the puree to spray out of the member  132  in a fan-type pattern. 
     In other embodiments, the spray apparatus  122  can be a spray gun apparatus similar to, for example, a paint gun. The spray gun apparatus can be positioned centrally relative to a width of the belt  104  and can pivot in the Y-direction to apply the product puree along the width of the belt  104 . In such embodiments, the belt  104  can move in a halting pattern (e.g., movement, pause, movement, pause, etc.) such that the spray gun apparatus has time to fully coat the width of the belt  104  with product puree. 
     The spray apparatus  122  can be coupled to the frame  112  via an adjustable coupling  138 . The adjustable coupling  138  can be configured to allow the spray apparatus  122  to move closer and/or further relative to the belt  104  (e.g., in the X-direction as shown by coordinate system  110 ). The side portions  114 ,  112  of the frame  112  can comprise a plurality of sequential apertures  140  configured to allow the spray apparatus  122  to be positioned at a variety of different angles relative to the second roller  120 . The spray apparatus  122  can be pivotably coupled to the adjustable coupling, such that the angle of the spray extruded from the spray apparatus  122  can be adjusted relative to the belt  104 . For example, in some embodiments, the openings  134  can be directed to a portion of the belt  104  that is nearer to the first roller  118  or nearer to the second roller  120 . This configuration advantageously allows the openings  134  to be angled differently relative to the belt  104  based on the thickness and/or viscosity of the product puree. 
     As the wet product is applied to the belt  104 , some of the wet product can run back down the belt  104  toward the second roller  120 , allowing the wet product to spread to a substantially uniform thickness. Thicker and/or more viscous wet product slurries or purees can advantageously be applied to the belt  104  nearer the second roller  120 , thereby giving the puree or slurry additional time to spread to a substantially uniform thickness before entering the drying chamber  106 . 
     Puree that falls from the belt  104  (e.g., “run-off puree”) can be caught in a trough or collecting pan (not shown). The collecting pan can comprise one or more pumps (e.g., scavenging pumps) that pump the run-off puree back into the puree container and/or back into the spray apparatus  122 . 
     Once the product puree has been applied to the belt  104 , the belt  104  can move the puree into the drying chamber  106 . Referring again to  FIG. 1 , The drying chamber  106  can comprise a housing  142  and one or more table sections  144 . The housing  142  can comprise one or more panels  146  pivotably connected to the housing  142  and movable between an open position (see e.g.,  FIG. 1 ) and a closed position (see e.g.,  FIG. 5 , in which half the panels  146  are shown in the closed position). When in the open position, a user can view the belt  104  (and therefore the product slurry) as it passes through the drying chamber  106 . When in the closed position, the panels  146  define a chamber through which air can flow. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the panels  146  can be pivotably coupled to the housing  142  via one or more air cylinders  147 . In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, each panel  146  can be coupled to two air cylinders  147  configured to raise and/or lower the panels  146 . In some embodiments, the air cylinders can be actuated via the control unit. In other embodiments, in addition to or in lieu of air cylinders  147 , each panel can comprise a respective locking device configured to retain the panel  146  in the open or closed position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the housing  142  can have an air inlet  148  (e.g., adjacent the dry end portion  108 ) and an air outlet  150  (e.g., adjacent the wet end portion  102 ). Air can be pumped through the air inlet  148  via one or more air ducts, using, for example, a first fan (e.g., a 10-hp high pressure fan). The air can flow through the drying chamber  106  from the inlet  148  to the outlet  150  in a direction opposite the direction of movement of the belt  104 . For example, the belt  104  can move from the wet end portion  102  to the dry end portion  108  as indicated by arrow  152  and the air can flow from the dry end portion  108  to the wet end portion  102  in the opposite direction. The air can be removed or exhausted from the drying chamber  106  via the outlet  150  using, for example, a second fan (e.g., a 10-hp high pressure fan). Using separate first and second fans can advantageously allow pressure to be balanced within the drying chamber  106 . 
     In some embodiments, the drying chamber  106  can utilize atmospheric air (e.g., air pumped in from outside). In such embodiments, the atmospheric air can pass through a filter prior to entering the drying chamber  106 . In some embodiments, the atmospheric air can be heated and/or cooled prior to entering the drying chamber  106  in order to mitigate humidity. For example, incoming air temperature can be raised by about 40 degrees prior to the air entering the drying chamber  106 . In some embodiments, airflow within the drying chamber  106  can be between 7,000 ft 3 /min and 11,000 ft 3 /min. Inlet and outlet fan speeds can be controlled by, for example, one or more frequency drives, which can be controlled via the control unit. 
     In some embodiments, as seen in  FIG. 7 , the drying chamber  106  can include one or more baffles  154  configured to disrupt the flow of air through the chamber. Without the baffles  154 , air flows through the chamber in a laminar fashion and the layer of air nearest the product puree absorbs water from the puree and becomes saturated. The water-saturated air is heavier and therefore remains on top of the puree as a “bound layer” preventing drier air from reaching the product. The baffles  154  can be configured to create a swirling or turbulent flow of air through the drying chamber  106 , thereby disrupting the bound layer and speeding the drying process. The turbulent air flow caused by the baffles  154  forces the water-saturated air to mix with the drier air and moves the drier air adjacent the puree, allowing the drier air to absorb water from the puree and thereby allowing a greater total volume of water to be absorbed by the air.  FIG. 8  illustrates a simulation of air flow through the drying chamber  106  with the baffles  154  installed. 
     The one or more baffles  154  can be coupled to an upper or ceiling portion  166  of the housing  142 , to a side portion  168  of the housing  142 , and/or to a respective panel  146 . In some embodiments, the baffles  154  can be permanently coupled to the housing  142 , such as by welding, adhesives, etc. In other embodiments, the baffles  154  can be removably coupled to the housing  142 , for example by mechanical fasteners such as screws etc. The baffles  154  can be rearranged and/or removed as required by a specific product puree to be dried. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the baffles  154  have a “zig-zag” shape comprising a first straight portion  156 , a second straight portion  158  coupled to the first straight portion  156  at a first bend  160 , and a third straight portion  162  coupled to the second straight portion  158  at a second bend  164 . However, in other embodiments, the baffles can have any of various shapes configured to create a non-laminar and/or turbulent flow within the drying chamber  106 . Though  FIG. 7  shows five baffles  154  disposed within the drying chamber  106 , in other embodiments, any number of baffles  154  can be used depending on, for example, the length of the drying chamber, the humidity within the drying chamber, the selected product puree to be dried, the humidity of the atmospheric air, etc. 
     Certain products or slurries may be particularly sensitive to higher temperatures (which can, for example, degrade the nutritional value, color, and/or structural integrity of the product). In such cases, the drying chamber  106  can further comprise one or more dehumidification devices configured to help dry the product puree at a lower temperature. In such embodiments, the air that passes through the drying chamber  106  can be recycled within the drying apparatus  100  system rather than being exhausted to the atmosphere. This configuration advantageously allows only the moisture released during the drying process to be extracted and mitigates the need to remove moisture from large volumes of atmospheric air. The dehumidification devices can be disposed, for example, on the roof of the drying apparatus  100 . In embodiments wherein the drying apparatus  100  is contained within an environmentally controlled room or chamber, the dehumidification devices can be disposed outside the chamber to control the level of humidity within the chamber. 
     As mentioned previously, the drying chamber  106  can comprise one or more table sections  144 . The table sections  144  can be configured to heat a layer of water, over which the belt  104  (including the product puree) passes. As the belt  104  passes over the water layer, the heat from the water layer is transferred to the product puree, thereby evaporating water from the product puree and desiccating the puree to a selected level of dryness. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the drying chamber  106  comprises two table sections  144 . However, in other embodiments, the drying chamber  106  can comprise any number of table sections  144  to produce a selected length of the drying chamber  106 . For example, the drying chamber  106  can comprise one, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten table sections  144 . In some particular embodiments, each table section can have a length of about 10 feet. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9-11 , each table section  144  can comprise a holding tank  170  ( FIG. 10 ), one or more temperature control elements  172 , and a basin or water table  174  configured to hold a layer of water. As best seen in  FIG. 10 , the water table  174  can comprise an elongated base portion  176 , a first end wall configured as a diffuser bar  178 , a second end wall  180  ( FIG. 11 ), and first and second side walls  182 . 
     Generally, heated water can be pumped from the holding tank  170  onto the water table  174  via the diffuser bar  178  and can drain from the water table  174  back into the holding tank  170  to be reheated, creating a continuous cycle. 
     The diffuser bar  178  can be an elongated member comprising a plurality of apertures or openings  184  spaced apart from one another along a length of the diffuser bar  178 . The diffuser bar  178  can further comprise an inlet or valve  188  ( FIG. 11 ) that can be removably coupled to the holding tank  170  via one or more pumps. Water can be pumped from the holding tank  170  into the diffuser bar  178  and can exit the diffuser bar  178  onto the base portion  176  via the openings  184 . The diffuser bar  178  of each table section  144  can be disposed nearer the wet end portion  102  of the drying apparatus  100 .The base portion  176  can comprise one or more drain openings  186  extending through a thickness of the base portion  176 . The drain openings  186  can be aligned with the holding tank  170  such that water flowing through the drain openings flows into the holding tank  170 , where it can be heated and/or cooled by the one or more temperature control elements  172 . 
     The holding tank  170  can comprise one or more temperature control elements  172  extending at least partially into the holding tank  170 . In some embodiments, the temperature control elements  172  can be electric immersion heaters, immersion style steam heat exchangers, or a combination of the two. Each temperature control element  172  can operatively coupled to a power source, for example, an electrical power source. In some embodiments, the power source can comprise one or more solar panels. In some embodiments, in lieu of or in addition to the temperature control elements  172 , the drying apparatus  100  can comprise a boiler or other gas-powered heating system configured to heat the water which can then be pumped to the water table  174 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, each holding tank  170  comprises two temperature control elements  172 . However, in other embodiments, each holding tank  170  can comprise any number of temperature control elements, such as one, three, four, five, or six temperature control elements  172 . 
     The configuration of the table sections  144  advantageously reduces the amount of water necessary per table section  144 . In some conventional drying apparatuses, the water requirement per section can be about 119 gallons. However, in the disclosed embodiments, the water requirement is about 76 gallons per table, a 36% reduction. Drying apparatuses are typically drained weekly to ensure water quality, accordingly, the disclosed embodiments can advantageously save 258 gallons of water per week when compared to other conventional drying apparatuses. The holding tank  170  further provides a smaller heating area, which can advantageously reduce energy costs and further allows for easier cleaning due to the reduced profile of the tank  170  under the drying apparatus  100 . 
     Each table section  144  can be controlled via the control unit and can operate independently of the other table sections  144  such that each table section  144  can heat the water to a respective selected temperature. In some embodiments, each table section  144  may be set to a selected temperature different from the adjacent table section(s). For example, in an embodiment having six table sections  144 , the first table section (adjacent the wet end portion  102 ) can have a selected temperature of about 180 degrees, the second table section can have a selected temperature of about 170 degrees, the third table section can have a selected temperature of about 160 degrees, the fourth table section can have a selected temperature of about 150 degrees, the fifth table section can have a selected temperature of about 145 degrees, and the sixth table section (adjacent the dry end portion  108 ) can have a selected temperature of about 140 degrees. In other embodiments, one or more table sections  144  can have the same selected temperature. 
     In some embodiments, one or more of the temperature control units  172  can be, for example, refrigeration units. In such embodiments, the temperature control units  172  can be configured to cool the water to lower a temperature of the product puree. For example, an ending table section  144  (e.g., disposed adjacent the dry end portion  108 ) of the drying apparatus  100  can be configured to lower the temperature of the product, which can advantageously facilitate removal of the dry product from the belt  104 . In such embodiments, the water can include one or more antifreeze agents, such as glycol, to prevent the water from freezing. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , a wall or dam  190  can be positioned between each pair of adjacent table sections  144  to prevent water from flowing from one table section  144  to another. The dam  190  can comprise, for example, ultra-high molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMW), and can be sized to abut the inner surface  130  of the belt  104 . 
     In some embodiments, adjacent table sections  144  can be removably coupled together (e.g., using screws or other mechanical means such as clamps, clasps, etc.) such that the drying apparatus  100  is a modular drying apparatus the length of which can be adjusted as necessary depending on the selected product to be dried. In other embodiments, adjacent table sections  144  can be permanently coupled together (e.g., using welding or other means). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 20-22 , in some embodiments, the drying chamber  106  can comprise one or more angled table sections  400 . The angled table sections  400  can be used in lieu of or in addition to table sections  144 . For example, the angled table sections  400  can be disposed adjacent the wet end portion  102  and the dry end portion  108 . As shown in  FIG. 20 , similar to table sections  144 , the angled table sections  400  can comprise a first end portion  402 , a second end portion  404 , two side walls  406 , and a table portion or water table  408 . The angled table sections  400  can include the same features described previously for the table sections  144 , such as a holding tank, one or more temperature control elements, a diffuser bar, one or more drain openings, etc. 
     Each side wall  406  comprises a flat portion  414  and first and second angled portions  416 ,  418 . As shown in  FIG. 22 , the first angled portion  416  can taper from a first width W 1  at the first end portion  402  to a second, greater width W 2  at the second end portion  404 , and the second angled portion can taper from a first width W 3  at the first end portion  402  to a second, narrower width W 4  at the second end portion  404 . As shown in  FIG. 21 , the flat portions  414  extend laterally outward (e.g., along the Y-axis as shown by coordinate system  110 ) from a longitudinal axis of the table section  400  (e.g., the X-axis as shown by coordinate system  110 ). Referring again to  FIG. 22 , the flat portions  414  can taper from a first width W 5  at the first end portion  402  to a second, narrower width W 6  at the second end portion  404 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 21 , the intersection of the angled portions  416 ,  418  and the flat portions  414  defines a first opening  420  the first end portion  402  and a second opening  422  at the second end portion  404 . The first opening  420  can have a width W 7 , and the second opening  422  can have a width W 8  greater than the width W 7  of the first opening. Accordingly, the first end portion  402  can be referred to as the narrow end portion and the second end portion  404  can be referred to as the wide end portion. The width W 7  of the first opening  420  can be substantially equal to the width of the belt  104  such that the deposition on the belt  104  of water disposed on the table portion  408  of the angled table section  400  is reduced or prevented. The second opening  422  can have a width greater than the width of the belt  104  to allow the belt  104  to lay flat and to prevent or mitigate belt creasing. 
     In some embodiments, the drying apparatus  100  can comprise a first angled table section  400  positioned adjacent the wet end portion  102  and a second angled table section  400  positioned adjacent the dry end portion  108 . One or more table sections  144  can be positioned between and coupled to the first and second angled table sections  400  to form a base portion of the drying chamber  106 . The second or wide end portion  404  of each angled table section  400  can be positioned such that it is adjacent to a roller. For example, the second end portion  404  of the first angled table section  400  can be positioned adjacent a roller  118  of the wet end portion  102 , and the second end portion  404  of the second angled table section  400  can be positioned adjacent a roller  192  of the dry end portion  108 . 
     In use, the belt  104  can pass from roller  118  of the wet end portion  102  onto the second, wider end portion  404  of the first angled table portion  400  and through the first end portion  402 , travel through the drying chamber  106 , and onto the second angled table portion  400  through the first end portion  404 . The belt can then pass from the second end portion  404  onto roller  192  of the dry end portion  108 . Such a configuration advantageously allows the belt  104  to move off of roller  118  onto a wide end portion  404  and off of a wide end portion  404  onto roller  192 , thereby mitigating or preventing creasing of the roller belt  104 . 
     In other embodiments, the first and/or second angled table portions can be positioned such that the first end portion  402  is adjacent the wet and/or dry end, respectively. In still other embodiments, any number of table sections can be configured as angled table sections  400 . For example, in some embodiments, all table sections in a drying apparatus  100  can be configured as angled table portions  400 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12-15 , as mentioned previously, the drying apparatus  100  can comprise a dry end portion  108 . As the product puree moves through the drying chamber  106 , water is removed from the puree until a selected level of desiccation is reached, resulting in a “dry product” (e.g., a product having less than a selected level of hydration). The dry product can then be removed from the belt  104  at the dry end portion  108 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , the dry end portion  108  can comprise a first roller  192 , a second roller configured as a drive roller  194 , a bull nose  196 , and a scraper or knife  198 . The first roller  192  can be offset from the drive roller  194  toward the drying chamber  106  (e.g., in the X-direction as shown by coordinate system  110 ) such that a leading edge  200  of the first roller  192  is positioned at an angle relative to a leading edge  202  of the drive roller  194 . In some particular embodiments, the leading edge  200  of the first roller  192  can be positioned at about a 13 degree angle relative to the leading edge  202  of the drive roller  194 . This configuration advantageously allows the belt  104  to have increased contact with the drive roller  194 , which can prevent or mitigate slippage of the belt  104  relative to the driver roller. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the drive roller  194  can comprise a food grade silicon rubber compound that helps the drive roller  194  grip the belt  104 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the belt  104  can pass over the first roller  192  between the bullnose  195  and knife  196  and under the drive roller  194 . The bullnose  195  can be positioned above the knife  196  in the Z-direction (e.g., as shown by coordinate system  110 ), and can be angled such that a bottom surface of the bullnose  195  is disposed at about a 15 degree angle relative to the knife  196 . The bullnose  195  can comprise, for example, ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) plastic, and the knife  196  can be, for example, stainless steel, such as 303 stainless steel. 
     As the belt  104  passes between the bullnose  195  and the knife  196 , the positioning of the bullnose  195  and knife  196  relative to one another cause the belt  104  to form a Z-bend  204 . In some embodiments, the Z-bend can have an angle between about 45 degrees and about 60 degrees. In some particular embodiments, the Z-bend can have an angle of about 60 degrees or greater. The Z-bend configuration advantageously allows the knife  196  to release the dry product from the belt  104  while preventing or mitigating damage to the belt  104 . The dry product can then be collected and removed from the drying apparatus  100 . For example, in conventional drying devices belts are often required to be replaced after 72 hours operation (e.g., due to damage and/or wear). However, the disclosed drying apparatus  100  can advantageously operate for at least 480 hours before belt replacement is needed. 
     The dry end portion  108  can further comprise one or more vacuum heads  206  configured to keep the belt  104  taut and maintain the contact of the belt  104  with the rollers  192 ,  194 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the dry end portion  108  comprises a first vacuum head  206   a  and a second vacuum head  206   b.  The second vacuum head  206   b  can be coupled to the bullnose  195  and can be configured to help keep the belt  104  in contact with the bullnose  195 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , the vacuum head  206   b  can be configured as an elongated member having a plurality of vacuum openings along its length. This configuration advantageously helps the bullnose  195  remove water from the inner surface  130  of the belt  104 . The one or more vacuum heads  206  can be configured as wet vacuum heads and can be coupled to a wet vacuum system. 
     In some embodiments, one or more of the rollers  192 ,  194  can be configured as chilled rollers. A chilled roller is a roller that has a temperature below the wet product temperature. The chilled temperature of the roller can be accomplished by filling the roller with a cool substance. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, roller  192  can be a glycol chilled roller. The roller shaft  193  can be coupled to one or more rotating joints that allow chilled glycol to fill the inner volume of the roller  192 . Such a configuration can advantageously aid in the removal of dry product from the belt  104 . For example, products that have a high sugar contact can be rapidly cooled using the glycol chilled roller  192 , decreasing the adherence of the product to the belt (e.g., decreasing the stickiness of the product) and causing the product to become more brittle and thus more easily removed from the belt  104 . In other embodiments, the chilled roller temperature may be controlled with other fluids, such as air. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 13 , the dry end portion  108  can further comprise one or more adjustment devices  208  configured to adjust the position of, for example, the knife  196 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment device  208  is configured to adjust the position of the knife  196  relative to the bullnose  195  (e.g., in the X-direction and/or the Z-direction). This configuration can advantageously allow a user to adjust the angle of the Z-bend  204  depending on the thickness of the belt  104  and/or the specific product being dried. In other embodiments, additional adjustment devices can control the position of the bullnose  195 , and/or the rollers  192 ,  194 . 
     The drying apparatus  100  can further comprise one or more belt sensors configured to track the position of the belt  104 . The belt sensors can be positioned at the wet end portion  102 , the dry end portion  108 , and/or at any position along the length of the drying apparatus  100 . The belt sensors can be operatively coupled to the control unit which can be operatively coupled to one or more steering units  210  mounted on the wet end portion  102  and/or dry end portion  108  of the drying apparatus  100 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the drying apparatus  100  comprises a steering unit  210  disposed on the dry end portion  108  of the apparatus. The steering unit  210  can be configured to receive a tracking command (e.g., “right” or “left”) from the control unit and to turn a portion of the dry end portion  108  based on the command to correct the position of the belt  104 . In some embodiments, the wet end portion  102  can also comprise a steering unit  210 . In such embodiments, the wet end portion  102  and dry end portion  108  can steer simultaneously. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 16 , the belt  104  can be driven by an electric gear motor  221  coupled to the drive roller  194  at the dry end portion  108 . The belt speed can be controlled via a frequency drive operatively coupled to the electric gear motor  221 . The frequency drive can control the speed of the electric gear motor (and thereby the drive roller  194 ) and can be controlled by the control unit. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the dry end portion  108  can comprise an upper housing  212  and a lower housing  214 . The upper housing  212  can be pivotably coupled to the lower housing  214  via steering unit  210  at a pivot point  216 . The steering unit  210  can comprise one or more air cylinders  218  configured to actuate to pivot the upper housing  212 . The steering unit  210  can have a default or center position, in which the upper housing  212  is not pivoted relative to the lower housing  214 . When a belt sensor determines that the belt  104  is not correctly centered, the belt sensor transmits the information to the control unit, which activates the steering unit  210  to pivot the upper housing  212  (e.g., by actuating one or more air cylinders  218 ). Once the belt  104  has returned to a selected position, the control unit can receive input from the belt sensors indicating that the belt  104  is in the selected position, and the control unit can actuate the steering unit  210  to return to the center position. This configuration can advantageously prevent or mitigate the belt  104  from becoming displaced or “wandering” to one side or the other of the drying apparatus  100 , which can result in fraying or tearing of the belt  104 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment (see e.g.,  FIG. 1 ), the drying apparatus  100  can further comprise one or more brush devices  220  configured to selectively clean remaining dry product off the outer surface  128  of the belt  104 . Referring to  FIGS. 16-17 , each brush device  220  can comprise a first roller  222  and a second roller  224 , a brush  226  (e.g., a nylon bristle brush), and a motor  228  (e.g., right angle gear motor) operatively coupled to the brush  226 . The brush device  220  can be movable between an engaged position (in which the brush  226  contacts the belt  104 ) and a disengaged position (in which the brush  226  does not contact the belt  104 ). The operation of each brush device  220  can be controlled via the control unit. Though the illustrated embodiment shows a single brush device  220 , in other embodiments the drying apparatus can comprise two, three, four, etc. brush devices. 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , the first roller  222  can be spaced apart from the second roller  224  in the Z-direction (see e.g., coordinate system  110 ). In some embodiments, the first roller  222  can be positioned directly above the second roller  224 , and in other embodiments, the first roller  222  can be offset from the second roller  224  in the X-direction. The belt  104  can pass between the first and second rollers  222 ,  224  and over the brush  226 . When the brush device  220  is in the engaged position, the first roller  222  can be configured to push the belt  104  against the brush  226  such that the brush  226  can remove remaining dry product from the belt  104 . When the brush device  220  is in the disengaged position, the second roller  224  can push the belt  104  away from the brush  226  such that the brush  226  does not contact the belt  104 . 
     The brush device  220  can be pivotably coupled to the drying apparatus  100  via pivot members  230 . The first and second rollers  222 ,  224  can be moved (e.g., in the Z-direction) relative to the brush  226  via one or more air cylinders  232 . Air pressure to the air cylinders  232  can be controlled via, for example, a regulator, which can thereby control the tension of the belt  104  against the brush  226 . 
     Each brush device  220  can further comprise one or more spray bars  234  (see e.g.,  FIG. 17 ). Each spray bar  234  can be an elongated bar comprising one or more openings and/or spray nozzles  236  and configured to spray water onto the belt  104  and/or brush  226 . The flow of water can help loosen and/or remove remaining dry product from the belt  104  and/or brush  226 . The spray bar  234  can be controlled via the control unit which can control the flow of water to the spray bar  234 . 
     Water sprayed by the spray bar  234 , referred to hereinafter as “rinse water” can flow from the brush device  226  into a trough or catch basin positioned beneath the brush device  220 . A pump can be coupled to the catch basin via a drain valve to pump the rinse water to, for example, a drain. The catch basin can comprise an additional spray bar configured to be used during cleaning and/or disinfecting of the catch basin. An air operated diaphragm pump can be coupled to the catch basin and can be configured to supply cleaning and/or disinfecting fluid to the spray bar within the catch basin. 
     During cleaning and/or disinfecting of the drying apparatus  100 , the drain valve in the catch basin can be closed and the catch basin can be filled with cleaning and/or disinfecting solution. The diaphragm pump can then pump the cleaning and/or disinfecting solution through the brush device  220  sprayer bar  234  onto the belt  104  and/or brush  226 . 
     In some embodiments, cleaning and/or disinfecting of the drying apparatus  100  can be configured as a manual process (e.g., rather than one controlled by the control unit). Such embodiments can advantageously mitigate the chances of cleaning materials contaminating product puree and/or dry product. 
     In some embodiments, the drying apparatus  100  can be contained within an environmentally controlled room or chamber. The chamber can encase the entire drying apparatus  100  such that humidity, temperature, and/or air quality within the chamber and/or drying apparatus  100  itself can be controlled. In such embodiments, rather than supplying the drying apparatus  100  with atmospheric air that has been filtered, the chamber can comprise a self-contained air handling system. 
     In some embodiments, the chamber can comprise a plurality of foam-insulated, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certified panels. Some of the panels can be, for example 4 inch thick panels having a width of 4 feet and a height of 8 feet. One or more panels (e.g., the roof panels) can be 4 feet wide, 16 feet long, 4 inches thick, and can span 16 feet without needing additional support in the middle portion of the panel. The panels can be configured to support the weight of, for example, HVAC equipment, without bending or buckling. The panels can be insulated such that temperature and humidity can be controlled within the chamber. The chamber can be sized such that one or more workers can enter the chamber with the drying apparatus  100 . 
     As mentioned previously, the drying apparatus  100  can comprise a control unit configured to control various components of the drying apparatus. In some embodiments, the drying apparatus  100  can comprise a display unit configured to allow a user to access the control unit. The display unit can allow a user to input instructions and/or information to the control unit and/or can display information relating to the drying process. The control unit can further be configured to receive data from and/or transmit data to a remote device. For example, the remote device can be configured to store data from, transmit data to, and/or remotely control the drying apparatus  100 . The remote device can be, for example, a general-purpose computer, a hand-held mobile device (e.g., a cell phone or tablet), and/or any type of accessory therefore (e.g., a “smart watch” etc.). 
     The following is a general description of a computing environment suitable for use with the disclosed control unit.  FIG. 19  depicts a generalized example of a suitable computing environment  300  in which software and control algorithms for the described innovations may be implemented. The computing environment  300  is not intended to suggest any limitation as to scope of use or functionality, as the innovations may be implemented in diverse general-purpose or special-purpose computing systems. For example, the computing environment  300  can be any of a variety of computing devices (e.g., desktop computer, laptop computer, server computer, tablet computer, gaming system, mobile device, programmable automation controller, etc.). 
     With reference to  FIG. 19 , the computing environment  300  includes one or more processing units  302 ,  304  and memory  306 ,  308  (e.g., for storing sequence data and/or system input data). In  FIG. 19 , this basic configuration  310  is included within a dashed line. The processing units  302 ,  304  execute computer executable instructions. A processing unit can be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a processor in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other type of processor. In a multi-processing system, multiple processing units execute computer-executable instructions to increase processing power. For example,  FIG. 19  shows a central processing unit  302  as well as a graphics processing unit  304 . The tangible memory  306 ,  308  can be volatile memory (e.g., registers, cache, RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, etc.) or some combination of the two, accessible by the processing unit(s). The memory  306 ,  308  stores software  312  implementing one or more innovations described herein, in the form of computer-executable instructions suitable for execution by the processing unit(s). 
     A computing system may have additional features. For example, in some embodiments, the computing environment  300  includes storage  314 , one or more input devices  316 , one or more output devices  318 , and one or more communication connections  320 . An interconnection mechanism (not shown) such as a bus, controller, or network, interconnects the components of the computing environment  300 . Typically, operating system software (not shown) provides an operating environment for other software executing in the computing environment  300 , and coordinates activities of the components of the computing environment  300 . In some embodiments, the computing system can include virtual network computing (VNC) functionality configured to allow operators to access the control unit  126  and computing environment  300  from a remote location. For example, the computing environment  300  can have remote dial-in capability. The VNC functionality can allow an operator to remotely access the computing environment in order to, for example, perform maintenance or live monitoring of the administration device  100 , or to train an operator on the use of the administration device  100 . 
     The tangible storage  314  may be removable or non-removable, and includes magnetic disks, magnetic tapes or cassettes, CD-ROMs, DVDs, or any other medium that can be used to store information in a non-transitory way and can be accessed within the computing environment  300 . The storage  314  stores instructions for the software  312  implementing one or more innovations described herein (e.g., for storing sequence data, temperature data, template type data, location, date, etc.). In some embodiments, the storage can be a “cloud-based” system configured to store data, allow access to data, and/or generate reports. For example, data logs can be sent to a cloud system and reports can be generated therefrom. Users (including, for example, clients) can access the cloud system remotely through using selected log-in credentials. 
     The input device(s)  316  can be, for example: a touch input device, such as a touchscreen display, keyboard, mouse, pen, or trackball; a voice input device; a scanning device; any of various sensors (e.g., the quantity indicator, speed indicator, location unit, etc.); another device that provides input to the computing environment; or combinations thereof. The input device(s) can be remote from the control unit. The output device(s)  318  can be a display, printer, speaker, CD-writer, transmitter, or another device that provides output from the computing environment  300 . 
     The communication connection(s)  320  enable communication over a communication medium to another computing entity. For example, the communication connection(s) can enable communication between the control unit  126  and a remote input device, for example, a phone app, or a computer browser. The communication medium conveys information, such as computer-executable instructions or other data in a modulated data signal. A modulated data signal is a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media can use an electrical, optical, RF, Wi-Fi, or other carrier. 
     Any of the disclosed methods can be implemented as computer-executable instructions stored on one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., one or more optical media discs, volatile memory components (such as DRAM or SRAM), or nonvolatile memory components (such as flash memory or hard drives)) and executed on a computer (e.g., any commercially available computer, including smart phones, other mobile devices that include computing hardware, or programmable automation controllers). The term computer-readable storage media does not include communication connections, such as signals and carrier waves. Any of the computer-executable instructions for implementing the disclosed techniques as well as any data created and used during implementation of the disclosed embodiments can be stored on one or more computer-readable storage media. The computer-executable instructions can be part of, for example, a dedicated software application or a software application that is accessed or downloaded via a web browser or other software application (such as a remote computing application). Such software can be executed, for example, on a single local computer (e.g., any suitable commercially available computer) or in a network environment (e.g., via the Internet, a wide-area network, a local-area network, a client-server network (such as a cloud computing network), or other such network) using one or more network computers. 
     For clarity, only certain selected aspects of the software-based implementations are described. Other details that are well known in the art are omitted. For example, it should be understood that the disclosed technology is not limited to any specific computer language or program. For instance, the disclosed technology can be implemented by software written in C, C++, Java, Perl, JavaScript, Adobe Flash, or any other suitable programming language. Likewise, the disclosed technology is not limited to any particular computer or type of hardware. Certain details of suitable computers and hardware are well known and need not be set forth in detail in this disclosure. 
     It should also be well understood that any functionality described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components, instead of software. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components that can be used include Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Program-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Program-specific Standard Products (ASSPs), System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), etc. 
     Furthermore, any of the software-based embodiments (comprising, for example, computer-executable instructions for causing a computer to perform any of the disclosed methods) can be uploaded, downloaded, or remotely accessed through a suitable communication means. Such suitable communications means include, for example, the Internet, an intranet, software applications, cable (including fiber optic cable), magnetic communications, electromagnetic communications (including RF, microwave, and infrared communications), electronic communications, or other such communication means. 
     As mentioned previously, the control unit can include a display configured to allow a user to input commands to the control unit, control the drying process, and/or track information relating to the drying process. In some embodiments, the control unit can display real-time information on the display. In some embodiments, such as those wherein the control unit transmits information to a remote device, the remote device can comprise a display configured to allow a user to input commands to the control unit, control the drying process, and/or track information relating to the drying process. 
     The display can be configured to display a graphical user interface (GUI) comprising one or more data outputs (e.g., temperature, humidity, belt speed, product type, etc.) from the drying apparatus  100 . In some embodiments, the display can be a touchscreen display/UI and is configured to accept user input(s) via the touchscreen. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 23-26 , in some embodiments, in lieu of or addition to spray apparatus  122 , the drying apparatus  100  can comprise spray apparatus  500 , which is configured to spray puree onto a portion of the outer surface  128  of the belt  104 . Similarly to spray apparatus  122 , spray apparatus  500  can comprise one or more inlets  502  (similar to inlets  136 ) configured to be coupled to one or more pumps, and one or more adjustable couplings  504  similar to adjustable couplings  138  described previously. The pumps can be coupled to puree containers and/or troughs containing wet product. 
     Spray apparatus  500  can comprise a first or outer member  506  (shown translucently in  FIGS. 24-25  for purposes of illustration; also referred to as a first elongated member or bar) and a second or inner member  508  ( FIG. 24 ), also referred to as a second elongated member or baffle. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second members  506 ,  508  can be configured as elongated cylinders or tubes. However, in other embodiments they can have any of various shapes. As best seen in  FIG. 26 , the outer member  506  can comprise an inner lumen or bore  510  and the inner member  508  can comprise an interior lumen or bore  512 . As shown, the inner member  508  can be disposed within the inner bore  510  of the outer member  506 . In the illustrated embodiment, the inner member  508  is disposed concentrically within the outer member  506 , however, in other embodiments, the inner member  508  may be offset from a longitudinal axis of the outer member  506 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 23 , the outer member  506  can comprise a first end portion  507 , a second end portion  509 , and a plurality of channels  514  disposed along the length of the outer member and oriented toward the outer surface  128  of the belt  104 . The channels  514  can extend through a thickness of the outer member  506  and be fluidly connected to the inner bore  510 . Each channel can comprise a first opening at a first end portion (e.g., at a radially outer surface of the outer member  506 ) and a second opening at a second end portion (e.g., at a radially inner surface of the outer member  506 ). The openings can have any of various shapes, for example, circular, square, square-oval, triangular, rectangular, etc. For example,  FIG. 23  illustrates an embodiment wherein the openings at either end of each channel  514  have a circular shape. Such a configuration can be used with thinner products that naturally create a relatively even coating layer when applied to the belt  104 .  FIG. 24  illustrates an embodiment wherein the openings of each channel  514  have a square-oval or pill shape. Such a configuration can be used with thicker products to prevent or mitigate striping on the belt  104  and to help provide a more even coating layer. 
     In some embodiments, channels  514  can be similar to channels  134  described previously. That is, channels  514  can be configured to spray product puree onto the belt  104  in a fan-type pattern. For example, each channel  514  can have a first width at a radially inner surface of the outer member  506  and a second width at a radially outer surface of the outer member  506 . The second width can be greater than the first width such that the channel  514  flares outwardly as it extends through the thickness of the outer member  506 . Such a configuration allows the puree to spray out of the outer member  506  in a fan-type pattern. In other embodiments, the channels  514  can have openings of the same width at either end. 
     Referring to  FIG. 25 , the inner member  508  can comprise a first end portion  516 , a second end portion  518 , and a plurality of channels  520  disposed along the length of the inner member  508 . The channels  520  can be oriented in an opposite direction relative to the channels  514 . For example, in embodiments where channels  514  are oriented toward the belt  104 , channels  520  can be oriented away from the belt  104 . The interior bore  512  ( FIG. 26 ) of the inner member  508  can be fluidly coupled to the one or more inlets  502  and further to the inner bore  510  via the channels  520 . The inlets  502  are configured such that wet product can be pumped from a container or trough into the interior bore  512  of the inner member  508  and subsequently through the channels  520 . In some embodiments, the wet product is pumped into the inner member  508  using both inlets  502  simultaneously. In other embodiments, only one inlet can be used. In the illustrated embodiment, a respective inlet  502  is fluidly coupled to each end portion  516 ,  518  of the inner member  508 . In other embodiments, one or more inlets  502  can be positioned at any location along the length of the inner member  508 . 
     The channels  520  can extend through a thickness of the inner member  508  and be fluidly connected to the interior bore  512  of the inner member  508  at a first end portion (e.g., at a radially inner surface of the inner member  508 ) and to the inner bore  510  of the outer member  506  at a second end portion (e.g., at a radially outer surface of the inner member  508 ). Each channel  520  can comprise a first opening at the first end portion and a second opening at the second end portion. In the illustrated embodiment, each opening has a circular shape, however, in other embodiments the openings can have any of various shapes, for example, square, square-oval, triangular, rectangular, etc. 
     In use, as mentioned, wet product can be pumped into the interior bore  512  of the inner member  508  via the inlets  502 . The wet product can flow through the channels  520  into the inner bore  510  of the outer member  506 , where it can be sprayed out through channels  514 . Such a configuration advantageously allows the spray apparatus  500  to apply a more even layer of wet product to the belt  104 , which aids in the consistency of the drying process. The described configuration allows pressure within the spray apparatus  500  to equalize during use, such that each channel  514  is fed with the same amount of pressure and flow. This decreases the pressure differential throughout the length of the spray apparatus  500  preventing or mitigating issues such as sputtering and striping, which could otherwise adversely affect the application of wet product to the belt  104 . 
     GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS 
     For purposes of this description, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the embodiments of this disclosure are described herein. The disclosed methods, apparatus, and systems should not be construed as being limiting in any way. Instead, the present disclosure is directed toward all novel and nonobvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments, alone and in various combinations and sub-combinations with one another. The methods, apparatus, and systems are not limited to any specific aspect or feature or combination thereof, nor do the disclosed embodiments require that any one or more specific advantages be present or problems be solved. 
     Although the operations of some of the disclosed embodiments are described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that this manner of description encompasses rearrangement, unless a particular ordering is required by specific language set forth below. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed methods can be used in conjunction with other methods. Additionally, the description sometimes uses terms like “provide” or “achieve” to describe the disclosed methods. These terms are high-level abstractions of the actual operations that are performed. The actual operations that correspond to these terms may vary depending on the particular implementation and are readily discernible by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     All features described herein are independent of one another and, except where structurally impossible, can be used in combination with any other feature described herein. 
     As used in this application and in the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the term “includes” means “comprises.” Further, the terms “coupled” and “associated” generally mean electrically, electromagnetically, and/or physically (e.g., mechanically or chemically) coupled or linked and does not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between the coupled or associated items absent specific contrary language. 
     In the following description, certain terms may be used such as “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” and the like. These terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships. But, these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an “upper” surface can become a “lower” surface simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same object. 
     Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing material quantities, angles, pressures, molecular weights, percentages, temperatures, times, and so forth, as used in the specification or claims are to be understood as being modified by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, implicitly or explicitly, the numerical parameters set forth are approximations that can depend on the desired properties sought and/or limits of detection under test conditions/methods familiar to those of ordinary skill in the art. When directly and explicitly distinguishing embodiments from discussed prior art, the embodiment numbers are not approximates unless the word “about” is recited. Furthermore, not all alternatives recited herein are equivalents. 
     In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosure may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred examples and should not be taken as limiting the scope. Rather, the scope is defined by the following claims. We therefore claim all that comes within the scope and spirit of these claims.