DRYING OF SUGAR BEET PULP USING A LABORATORY AIR DRIER

ABSTRACT

Drying curves for sugar beet pulp were obtained in a laboratory-scale air drier. Dehydration conditions were: temperatures in the range of 35 to 90 ^°C, air flow velocities of 0.5 to 2.0 m/s, and air moisture content of 0.005 to 0.06 kg water/kg air. Using data from thin layer experiments, a mathematical model was derived to describe the dehydration behaviour under the described conditions. The model was able to predict data obtained from deep bed experiments. Results from this work could be used to develop a design methodology for dryers that operate at relatively low temperatures (<90^°C).