Referring to the drawings of the numerals of reference thereon, an open work conveyor indicated generally at 10 includes a conveyor frame 11, which in the form shown comprises an endless chain type, cross rod conveyor " belt" member 12. In place of the cross rod type conveyor 12, an open mesh belt dryer conveyor could also be used. The conveyor is similar to chain conveyors used in various separating conveyors such as potato handling conveyors. The conveyor member is made to support on its upper surface trays such as the tray indicated at 13 which has an open mesh or perforated bottom indicated at 14. The bottoms of such trays have perforations which permit air to pass through. The tray 14 includes upright walls 15 surrounding the bottom, and is used for carrying bakery goods from the bakery to bulk users for example. These trays are washed in automatic washing machines (not shown) and then are placed on the conveyor 12. The trays are carried along the upper reach of the conveyor. The return portion or lower reach of the conveyor belt member 12 is not shown, and is guided to be below the apparatus for drying which is to be described. The conveyor or member 12 is driven by a motor 12A, shown schematically and suitable drive connection.
Also, known centrifugal separators may be used for the water air separator, and it should be noted that the intake on the vacuum side may have a larger area than on the pressure side. Some air is lost out the sides of the opening at the tray and conveyor. The entire section of the conveyor in which the drying equipment assembly is located can be enclosed in a housing (not shown). That is a large housing could enclose the members shown in FIG. 1, with entry and exit slots for the conveyor and trays. The slots could be draped or shielded to minimize air losses.