DRYING OF PULP AND PAPER SLUDGE IN A PULSED FLUID BED DRYER

Hydrodynamics and drying kinetics for the pulp and paper primary sludge dried in a pulsed fluid bed dryer with relocated air stream are presented. Batch experiments have indicated that drying of disintegrated sludge to the required 12% moisture content takes place during the first drying period at practically constant material temperature close to the wet bulb temperature with respect to the inlet air conditions. Equations were developed for pressure drop, minimum pulsed-fluidization velocity, dynamic bed height, and volumetric mass transfer coefficient. Continuous experiments under drying conditions determined from the average residence time concept have confirmed that transportation of disintegrated sludge along the dryer follows the plug flow model.     

Effects of Air Velocity,Air Temperature,and Berry Diameter on Wild Blueberry Drying

Abstract:

In order to design, manufacture, and commission a commercial dryer to dry individually quick frozen (IQF) wild blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium), The Nova Scotian Fruit Company completed a series of experiments to characterize the effect of air velocity, air temperature, and packed bed depth on drying. Based on previous experience with forced air packed bed drying systems at air temperatures up to 65°C, the experiments focused on measuring the effect of air temperature and velocity during the first few hours of drying. The data collected suggest that drying occurs solely in the falling rate period. These data were used to successfully design, build, and commission a commercial dryer with a tenfold increase in production capacity over previous equipment.     

ANALYSIS OF THE DRYING OF RESIDUAL SLUDGE: FROM THE EXPERIMENT TO THE SIMULATION OF A BELT DRYER

ABSTRACT

The drying of residual sludge is a current environmental problem not sufficiently described in the literature, hence research investigations on this dewatering process are required. This paper proposes a modelling of a conveyor dryer belt. However the study of residual sludges dewatering in order to design or simulate drying equipment requires some experimental investigations. An analysis in terms of drying kinetics is proposed in this paper. Specific experiments were also needed in order to better describe some particular aspects such as crusting, shrinkage, and particle size impact. According to these data some analytical expressions have been derived and integrated in a belt dryer model. The set of air operating conditions (T, RH, v) was reduced to a single parameter, the drying potential. The results of the simulations show that a conveyor belt dryer is not well adapted to activated sludge. This is essentially due to a crust phenomenon. For a PVC industrial sludge this kind of dryer is more efficient and allows drying with reasonable residence times. Several simulations were run in order to point out the relevant parameters of the process.     

MOBILE FLUIDIZED BED PADDY DRYER

ABSTRACT

The objectives of this research are to design, construct and test a mobile fluidized bed paddy dryer with a drying capacity of 2.5-4.0 t/h. Suitable drying conditions are recommended as follows : drying capacity 3.8 t/h, bed velocity 2.8 m/s, average drying air temperature 144 °C, bed height 13.5 cm, fraction of air recycled 0.8. Residence time of paddy was approximately 1.3 minutes. Test results showed that moisture content of paddy was reduced from 32.6 % dry-basis to 25.8 % dry-basis. Consumption of electrical power and diesel fuel was 12.9 kW and 21.71 1/h respectively. Primary energy consumption was 910.9 MJ/h. The dryer could evaporate water 218.8 kg/h. Specific primary energy consumption was 4.2 MJ/kg-water evaporated. Cost of paddy drying was 1.48 baht/kg-water evaporated of which 0.53 was fixed cost and 0.95 was energy cost (US$1 =34baht).     

Drying and Heat Transfer Characteristics for a Novel Fluidized Bed Dryer

Abstract

The use of a fluidized bed dryer with a lateral air flow and mechanical agitation to the drying of sludge from a wastewater treatment plant was investigated. Experimental curves of moisture content vs. drying time, as well as heat transfer coefficients and the size characteristics of the products, were determined at temperatures between 80°C and 110°C, a stirring rate of 55 rpm and air velocity of 0.9 m/s for 3 kg sludge batches with initial moisture contents of 0.55 and 0.65 (d.b.). Experimental drying kinetics were compared with values derived from three models based on Fick's second law, namely: the constant diffusivity model, the simplified variable diffusivity model, and the modified quasi-stationary model.     

An Experimental Study and Mathematical Simulation of Wheat Drying

Abstract

A fixed-bed dryer was designed and constructed and drying experiments with fixed beds of wheat were carried out under various conditions of drying air with wheat of several initial moisture contents. The air temperature and moisture content of wheat at various levels within the beds were measured periodically. A computer program based on energy and mass balances was developed to simulate the deep bed drying process. Experimental data from the dryer were compared with the results from this program. The results showed that there was good agreement between the simulated drying rates between the layers and those experimentally observed. In addition, there was a good agreement with respect to the shapes of the drying air temperature profiles.     

A First Principles–Neural Networks Approach to Model a Vibrated Fluidized Bed Dryer: Simulations and Experimental Results

Abstract:

This article presents the modeling and simulation of a batch pilot-scale vibrofluidized bed dryer. The model considers the effect of back-mixing by establishing interconnected drying zones. The model's equations consist of the mass and energy balances for each zone in the solid phase, while a complete mixing is assumed in the gas phase. The drying and heat transfer parameters are correlated with the operating conditions by means of three neural networks that have been adapted from data obtained experimentally. The system of algebraic-differential equations provides the solid's moisture content and temperature profiles as a function of time. The model was validated by experiments with turnip seeds. Good fit was obtained using only four drying zones.     

MODELLING AND PRACTICAL OPERATION RESULTS OF A DRYER FOR WOOD CHIPS

ABSTRACT

A model of drying of fixed and moving bed in cross-flow is presented. A single particle model described as a multiple moving boundary problem applicable for an icy wood particle is proposed. The simultaneous drying and melting are described by shrinking cores and the effect of thermal storage is taken into account approximately. The results with both the single particle and the bed model compare favourably with reported laboratory measurements. The drying of a deep fixed bed is a two-stage process. A constant rate of drying period with saturated outlet air at constant temperature is followed by a decreasing rate of drying with increasing air outlet temperature and decreasing degree of saturation. The bed modelling is performed to support the development work of a boiler plant using a dryer. Practical operation of dryers within the boiler plants is discussed.     

HEAT,MOMENTUM, AND MASS TRANSFER MEASUREMENTS IN INDIRECT AGITATED SLUDGE DRYER

ABSTRACT

Whereas indirect agitated drying has been extensively studied for granular materials, little is known in the case of pasty products. We describe an experimental set up specially designed for the investigation of drying kinetics, of heat transfer coefficient evolution, and of the mechanical torque necessary for stirring. This device was applied to municipal sewage sludge. Preliminary experiments were performed to investigate the influence of ageing of sludge on the drying kinetics. It appears that ageing does have no effect except for the first two days. The influences of the wall temperature, the stirrer speed, the dryer load and the location of the stirrer against the heated wall were studied. Three different rheological behaviors were observed during sludge drying. In particular, the sludge goes through a “glue” phase, and high levels of mechanical strain are recorded when the compact mass begins to break up. A critical stirrer speed is found within the range 40–60 rpm. To shorten the drying time, it seems better to adjust the wall temperature in accordance with the moisture content of the sludge.     

SPOUTED BED DRYING OF SLUDGE FROM METALS FINISHING INDUSTRIES WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS

ABSTRACT

A 0.15 m diameter half cylindrical spouted bed was used to dry a ferric hydroxide - zinc hydroxide sludge with a moisture content of 83.4 % wet basis. Heat for drying was provided by an electrical air preheater. The sludge was fed through an air cooled feeder into the spout and dried product was removed by elutriation; it was captured by a cyclone and baghouse. The mechanisms of drying and the performance of the drier were studied as a function of the operating variables. A glass front panel was used for visual observation of the system to elucidate the drying mechanisms, a stainless steel panel was used at other times.

The study showed that a spouted bed drier could produce a consistent fine powder product with a mechanically simple and reliable design. A cost comparison of a spouted bed with other driers for a typical metals finishing installation shows that the spouted bed is cost competitive with conventional technology.     

Experimental Study on Microwave Vacuum Drying of Two-Porosity Level Media

Abstract

Microwave vacuum drying experiments were performed on a laboratory scale dryer with a two-level porosity material: a packed bed of porous alumina beads. The incident microwave power and the vacuum pressure level were fixed, the main varying parameters being the beads diameter and porosity, and the mean pore diameter. The drying kinetics and the evolution of the product temperature are presented. The drying kinetics can be divided into two main periods. The first one corresponds to the drying from the bed voids according to evaporation mechanism that we describe with a stagnant film law. The second one corresponds to the drying from the particle pores and we divide it into two parts: we suggest that the former is dominated by capillarity driven moisture transport, and the latter is limited by the desorption kinetics of the few water layers left.     

HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER DURING DRYING OF A LIQUID FILM FROM THE SURFACE OF A SINGLE INERT PARTICLE

ABSTRACT

This paper presents the results of theoretical and experimental studies on drying of aqueous suspensions of finely dispersed solids sprayed over the surface of an inert ceramic sphere. The effects of temperature and air velocity on kinetics of heat and mass transfer as well as peeling off the layer of a dry material from the sphere surface are described. The mathematical model of a drying process based on simplified ?gradientless? approach to transfer phenomena is proposed. The adequacy of the model developed for drying of the wet coat from a single sphere to the real drying process taking place in a bed of particulate carrier is confirmed by results of drying of several organic dyestuffs in an industrial spouted bed dryer with inert particles.     

Influence of Factors on the Drying of Cassava in a Solar Simulator

ABSTRACT

In tropical countries, sun drying is still the most popular method used for processing root and tuber crops like cassava and yam. Relatively very little has been done on studying the kinetics of sun drying a bed of chips of cassava and similar crops, but this information is invaluable in finding options for reducing drying time and costs, and increasing tonnage produced. This project studied some factors that have an effect on the sun drying rate of cassava chips. The factors were ambient temperature, relative humidity, radiation intensity, air velocity, and loading density.

A solar simulation chamber was constructed so that drying could be achieved under controllable conditions similar to those obtained in sun drying. Experiments carried out in the simulator revealed that temperature had the most significant effect on drying rate, followed by air velocity, and radiation intensity. Regression equations were developed relating the drying rate with the factors studied.     

Enhancement of Drying Rate in Paper Machines with Multi-Functional Radial Jet Reattachment Blow Boxes — Theoretical Analysis

ABSTRACT

Multi-functional radial jet reattachment blow boxes deliver a dry air into the pockets of the dryer section of a paper machine by impinging directly onto the unsuppned sheet in the open diaw. The air flow also maintains or improves the sheet swbility.

The iadial jet reattachment blow box technology pmvides a significant enhancement in drying rates. The theoretical drying results are presented in terms of average drying rates, moisture and temperature pmfiles along the drying section with and without the presence of the multi-functional radial jet reaaachment blow boxes. The thcorclical results indicate that enhancements of drying rates within the range of 8% to 25% are feasible depending on ihe operating conditions and machine configuration.     

Development of Cross-Flow Fluidized Bed Paddy Dryer

ABSTRACT

A cross-flow fluidized bed paddy dryer with a capacily of 200 kgh was designed, fabricated and tested. Experimental results showed that final moisture content of paddy should not be lower than 23 % dry-basis if quality is to be maintained. Drying air temperature was keot constant at 115°C according to the recommendation of previous work. Results obtained from the mathematical model developed in this study indicatedthat optimum operating parameters should be as follows : air speed of 2.3 m/s, bed thickness of 10 cm and fraction of air recycled of 80 %. At this condition, energy consumption was close to the minimum while drying capacity was near the maximum. A prototype fluidized bed dryer with a capacity of 1 t/h was designed, fabricated and installed with the collaboration of a private company. The unit has been used for almost the whole past harvesting season in 1994 at a paddy merchant sile with preference compared to conventional column continuous dryers. More than 300 tons of paddy were dried without any problems.     

Drying of Carrots in a Fluidized Bed. II. Design of a Model Based on a Modular Neural Network Approach

Abstract

The present paper deals with the design of a neural network type model for drying of carrots, which includes the associated transport mechanisms of the process. The model uses the operational variables and the time as input parameters. Two sub-layers of linear and sigmoidal nodes make up the hidden layer, to represent the external and internal resistances to the diffusion of water vapors during the drying process. The single output node weights the contribution of each mechanism of the drying process to predict the exit moisture content of the product. This model was used to predict the drying of carrot particles in a mechanically fluidized bed dryer reported in a previous paper [Reyes, A.; Alvarez, P.; Marquardt, F. Drying of carrots in a fluidized bed: I.- effects of drying conditions and modeling. Drying Technology 2002, 20 (7), 1463–1483.]. Simulated drying curves obtained with this model fits adequately the curves determined experimentally for the most operation conditions, which would indicate that this model is appropriate to be used for rough estimations in the design, the selection of optimal operational conditions, and the scaling up of dryers.     

Drying Characteristics of Porous Materials in a Fluidized Bed under Reduced Pressure

Abstract

The drying of porous materials immersed in the fluidized bed under reduced pressure was performed, and the results were compared with those of hot air drying. The pressure in drying chamber was changed (5.0–101.3 kPa) and the effect of it was examined.

The temperature of the sample center becomes lower as the pressure in drying chamber decreases, and the temperature in fluidized-bed drying is higher than that in hot air drying at the same pressure. The effect of pressure in drying chamber on the sample temperature is significant for different temperatures of drying gas.     

Forced Convective Drying of Wastewater Sludge with the Presentation of Exergy Analysis of the Dryer

The main objective is studying the fundamental aspect, by means of drying kinetics and the application of forced convective drying of wastewater sludge with the determination of the optimum drying conditions. The drying system is composed of two units; small samples of 2.5 g are dried in the first unit and a bed of sludge weighing 250 g is dried in the second unit. The experiments are performed under air temperatures varying between 80°C and 200°C. The range of the air velocity and its humidity is 1–2 m/s and 0.005–0.05 kg_water/kg_{dry air}, respectively. The experiments are performed for two different sludges: activated sludge (AS) and thermalized and digested sludge (TDS). Usually, three main drying phases are observed during drying of bed of sludge. These phases are reduced to only two for small samples. Determination of the influent parameters shows that the temperature of the drying air and sludge origin can profoundly influence the drying kinetic of the sludge. The exergy analysis of the two units of the drying system allows selecting 140°C, 2 m/s, and 0.05 kg_water/kg_{dry air} as optimum drying conditions with an exergy efficiency reaching 90%.     

Drying Kinetics of Some Building Materials

Abstract

Moisture is one of the most deteriorating factors of buildings. The deteriorating effect of moisture occurs mainly during the drying phase, not in the wetting phase. Environmental factors, such as air temperature, air humidity, and air velocity affect drying. An experimental air dryer of controlled drying air conditions was used to investigate the drying performance of 4 stone materials, 2 bricks, and 6 plasters. Drying kinetics was examined at 3 air temperatures, 5 air humidities, and 3 air velocities. A first-order kinetics model was obtained in which the drying time constant was a function of the drying conditions, and the equilibrium material moisture content was described by the modified Oswin equation. The parameters of the proposed model were found to be affected strongly by the material characteristics.     

Final Drying of Whole Milk Powder in Vibrated-Fluidized Beds

Abstract

Vibro-fluidized beds are widely used in drying sticky powders and agglomerated materials as milk powder. Using a vibro-fluidized laboratory scale dryer, this work is aiming at analyzing preliminarily the effect of its operational variables on the drying kinetics and characteristics of whole milk powder. The full-factorial design technique with three replications at the central point has been employed to generate data and correlations to quantify the effect of inlet air temperature, air flow rate, and vibration bed amplitude on the drying curves and the milk powder properties related to its faster reconstitution in water (as tapped density, Hausner cohesion ratio, agglomerate size distribution, and internal pore concentration). Results obtained are analyzed and discussed to identify the adequate operation condition for final drying whole milk powder in vibro-fluidized beds, assuring a high product quality.