PRODUCT QUALITY MULTI-OBJECTIVE OPTIMIZATION OF FLUIDIZED BED DRYERS

ABSTRACT

Design of fluidized bed dryers constitutes a mathematical programming problem involving the evaluation of appropriate structural and operational process variables so that total annual plant cost involved is optimized. The increasing need for dehydrated products of the highest quality, imposes the development of new criteria that, together with cost, determine the design rules for drying processes. Quality of dehydrated products is a complex resultant of properties characterizing the final products, where the most important one is color. Color is determined as a three-parameter resultant, whose values for products undergone drying should deviate from the corresponding ones of natural products, as little as possible. In this case, product quality dryer design is a complex multi-objective optimization problem, involving the color deviation vector as an objective function and as constraints the ones deriving from the process mathematical model. The mathematical model of the dryer was developed and the fundamental color deterioration laws were determined for the drying process. Non-preference multi-criteria optimization methods were used and the Pareto-optimal set of efficient solutions was evaluated. An example covering the drying of sliced potato was included to demonstrate the performance of the design procedure, as well as the effectiveness of the proposed approach.     

OPTIMAL DESIGN OF WELL-MLXED FLUIDIZED BED DRYERS

ABSTRACT

In a recent article, Baker described a novel technique for estimating the energy consumption of well-mixed fluidized bed dryers based on the use of experimental drying curves. An integrated approach to performing sizing and energy consumption calculations for such dryers using this technique is described in the present paper. A computer program, which includes not only the dryer simulator but also a heat recovery module and an exhaust air recycle option, is used to evaluate the viability of different energy-conservation strategies. The effects of operating parameters such as bed temperature, solids loading and air velocity on energy consumption and bed area are also explored. The observed drying kinetics are shown to have a major effect on the optimal design and operation of the dryer.     

OPTIMAL DESIGN OF WELL-MLXED FLUIDIZED BED DRYERS

In a recent article, Baker described a novel technique for estimating the energy consumption of well-mixed fluidized bed dryers based on the use of experimental drying curves. An integrated approach to performing sizing and energy consumption calculations for such dryers using this technique is described in the present paper. A computer program, which includes not only the dryer simulator but also a heat recovery module and an exhaust air recycle option, is used to evaluate the viability of different energy-conservation strategies. The effects of operating parameters such as bed temperature, solids loading and air velocity on energy consumption and bed area are also explored. The observed drying kinetics are shown to have a major effect on the optimal design and operation of the dryer.     

ADVANCED CONTROL STRATEGIES FOR FLUIDIZED BED DRYERS

Generating the best possible control strategy comprises a necessity for industrial processes, by virtue of product quality, cost reduction and design simplicity. Three different control approaches, namely an Input-Output linearizing, a fuzzy logic and a PID controller, are evaluated for the control of a fluidized bed dryer, a typical non-linear drying process of wide applicability. Based on several closed loop characteristics such as settling times, maximum overshoots and dynamic performance criteria such as IAE, ISE and ITAE, it is shown that the Input-Ouput linearizing and the fuzzy logic controller exhibit a better performance compared to the PID controller tuned optimally with respect to the IAE, for a wide range of disturbances; yet, the relevant advantage of the fuzzy logic over the conventional nonlinear controller issues upon its design simplicity. Typical load rejection and set-point tracking examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.     

ADVANCED CONTROL STRATEGIES FOR FLUIDIZED BED DRYERS

ABSTRACT

Generating the best possible control strategy comprises a necessity for industrial processes, by virtue of product quality, cost reduction and design simplicity. Three different control approaches, namely an Input-Output linearizing, a fuzzy logic and a PID controller, are evaluated for the control of a fluidized bed dryer, a typical non-linear drying process of wide applicability. Based on several closed loop characteristics such as settling times, maximum overshoots and dynamic performance criteria such as IAE, ISE and ITAE, it is shown that the Input-Ouput linearizing and the fuzzy logic controller exhibit a better performance compared to the PID controller tuned optimally with respect to the IAE, for a wide range of disturbances; yet, the relevant advantage of the fuzzy logic over the conventional nonlinear controller issues upon its design simplicity. Typical load rejection and set-point tracking examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.     

MULTIVARIABLE PROCESS IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL OF CONTINUOUS FLUIDIZED BED DRYERS

ABSTRACT

Dynamic models that rigorously describe fluidized bed dryers based on the fundamental principles of the process are usually so complex to be employed in control system design. To obtain simple reduced-order models for such systems, a sequence of step changes in the manipulated and load variables is introduced into the rigorous model. The obtained input–output dynamic response data are used for off-line model identification. Different types of linear models are generated, which are shown to be adequately representing the fluidized bed drying dynamics. The derived models are useful to develop model-based control algorithms such as Internal Model Control (IMC) and Model Predictive Control (MPC). Performance and robustness properties of these controllers are analyzed. Simulation results demonstrate a good performance in terms of tracking and load rejection capabilities.     

DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF CONTINUOUS WELL-MIXED FLUIDIZED/SPOUTED BED DRYERS

A diffusion-based mathematical model is presented for the prediction of the dynamics of drying in continuous well-mixed fluidized/spouted beds. Numerical techniques are used to solve the model equations. The outlet solids moisture content, the outlet air humidity and solids temperature are predicted as a function of time for the falling rate drying period. The model is helpful in describing the drying process during the startup periods and in studying open loop behavior of drying process. The model is also useful in designing control system for fluidized/spouted bed dryers.     

MULTIVARIABLE PROCESS IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL OF CONTINUOUS FLUIDIZED BED DRYERS

Dynamic models that rigorously describe fluidized bed dryers based on the fundamental principles of the process are usually so complex to be employed in control system design. To obtain simple reduced-order models for such systems, a sequence of step changes in the manipulated and load variables is introduced into the rigorous model. The obtained input-output dynamic response data are used for off-line model identification. Different types of linear models are generated, which are shown to be adequately representing the fluidized bed drying dynamics. The derived models are useful to develop model-based control algorithms such as Internal Model Control (IMC) and Model Predictive Control (MPC). Performance and robustness properties of these controllers are analyzed. Simulation results demonstrate a good performance in terms of tracking and load rejection capabilities.     

PRODUCT QUALITY MULTI-OBJECTIVE DRYER DESIGN

Design of conveyor-belt dryers constitutes a mathematical programming problem involving the evaluation of appropriate structural and operational process variables so that total annual plant cost involved is optimized. The increasing need for dehydrated products of the highest quality, imposes the development of new criteria that, together with cost, determine the design rules for drying processes. Quality of dehydrated products is a complex resultant of properties characterizing the final products, where the most important one is color. Color is determined as a three-parameter resultant, whose values for products undergone drying should deviate from the corresponding ones of natural products, as little as possible. In this case, product quality dryer design is a complex multi-objective optimization problem, involving the color deviation vector as an objective function and as constraints the ones deriving from the process mathematical model. The mathematical model of the dryer was developed and the fundamental color deterioration laws were determined for the drying process. Non-preference multi-criteria optimization methods were used and the Pareto-optimal set of efficient solutions was evaluated. An example covering the drying of sliced potato was included to demonstrate the performance of the design procedure, as well as the effectiveness of the proposed approach.     

PRODUCT QUALITY MULTI-OBJECTIVE DRYER DESIGN

ABSTRACT

Design of conveyor-belt dryers constitutes a mathematical programming problem involving the evaluation of appropriate structural and operational process variables so that total annual plant cost involved is optimized. The increasing need for dehydrated products of the highest quality, imposes the development of new criteria that, together with cost, determine the design rules for drying processes. Quality of dehydrated products is a complex resultant of properties characterizing the final products, where the most important one is color. Color is determined as a three-parameter resultant, whose values for products undergone drying should deviate from the corresponding ones of natural products, as little as possible. In this case, product quality dryer design is a complex multi-objective optimization problem, involving the color deviation vector as an objective function and as constraints the ones deriving from the process mathematical model. The mathematical model of the dryer was developed and the fundamental color deterioration laws were determined for the drying process. Non-preference multi-criteria optimization methods were used and the Pareto-optimal set of efficient solutions was evaluated. An example covering the drying of sliced potato was included to demonstrate the performance of the design procedure, as well as the effectiveness of the proposed approach.     

THE EFFECT OF RELATIVE SIZE ON THE DYNAMICS OF FLUIDIZED BED DRYERS

The dynamic characteristics of a two stage fluidized bed dryer are studied when the drying gas flows in a crosscurrent or countercurrent arrangement. The slow dynamic modes are related to such extensive thermodynamic process variables as the total mass and energy content of both dryers. The fast dynamic modes are shown to represent steady state mass and energy balances of one of the dryers.     

OPTIMIZATION OF HETEROGENEOUS CATALYTIC PROCESSES IN FLUIDIZED BED

A number of large-scale chemical processes is carried out in fluidized-bed reactors (FBR). Optimization of processes in FBR is thus of great importance both for the increase of efficiency of the existing plants and for the design of new ones. Selection of optimal conditions for exothermic processes should recognize conditions for heat removal and multiplicity and stability of stationary states rather than just the reaction kinetics and fluidized bed hydrodynamics. Mathematically this problem is rather cumbersome. A process in FUR is described by the boundary problem for differential equations while statement of an optimization problem requires some additional limitations to be imposed on concentrations at the input and output of the reactor, on temperature, design parameters etc. One should take special notice of the limitation on the process stability which (owing to great reverse thermal agitation) is much more important in FBRs than in packed-bed reactors.     

OPTIMIZATION OF HETEROGENEOUS CATALYTIC PROCESSES IN FLUIDIZED BED

A number of large-scale chemical processes is carried out in fluidized-bed reactors (FBR). Optimization of processes in FBR is thus of great importance both for the increase of efficiency of the existing plants and for the design of new ones. Selection of optimal conditions for exothermic processes should recognize conditions for heat removal and multiplicity and stability of stationary states rather than just the reaction kinetics and fluidized bed hydrodynamics. Mathematically this problem is rather cumbersome. A process in FUR is described by the boundary problem for differential equations while statement of an optimization problem requires some additional limitations to be imposed on concentrations at the input and output of the reactor, on temperature, design parameters etc. One should take special notice of the limitation on the process stability which (owing to great reverse thermal agitation) is much more important in FBRs than in packed-bed reactors.     

THE DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE OF CONTINUOUS WELL-MIXED FLUIDIZED BED DRYERS - AN ANALYTICAL APPROACH

Abstract

In a previous study, a unified approach to the calculation of the size and energy consumption of well-mixed fluidized bed dryers was developed. A computer code was written and a parametric study undertaken to determine the effects of the principal operating variables. The results were shown to depend on the form of the drying kinetics. The present paper describes the formulation of an analytical model of a well-mixed fluidized bed dryer, which applies for materials that exhibit linear falling-rate drying. These materials are typified by small hygroscopic particles, which are frequently dried in such equipment. Equations are presented that enable the drying time, specific energy consumption, heater duty and bed area to be calculated. The predictions of these equations agreed well with previously published experimental findings and with the results of computer simulations for a typical solid (ion exchange resin) exhibiting the required drying characteristics.     

THE DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE OF CONTINUOUS WELL-MIXED FLUIDIZED BED DRYERS - AN ANALYTICAL APPROACH

In a previous study, a unified approach to the calculation of the size and energy consumption of well-mixed fluidized bed dryers was developed. A computer code was written and a parametric study undertaken to determine the effects of the principal operating variables. The results were shown to depend on the form of the drying kinetics. The present paper describes the formulation of an analytical model of a well-mixed fluidized bed dryer, which applies for materials that exhibit linear falling-rate drying. These materials are typified by small hygroscopic particles, which are frequently dried in such equipment. Equations are presented that enable the drying time, specific energy consumption, heater duty and bed area to be calculated. The predictions of these equations agreed well with previously published experimental findings and with the results of computer simulations for a typical solid (ion exchange resin) exhibiting the required drying characteristics.     

PREDICTING THE ENERGY CONSUMPTION OF CONTINUOUS WELL-MIXED FLUIDIZED BED DRYERS FROM DRYING KINETIC DATA

ABSTRACT

Previous work has shown that it is possible to predict the size of a continuous welt-mixed fluidized bed dryer from batch drying curve measurements. This approach has been extended in the present study to include energy consumption calculations. A computer code was written to simulate the performance of the dryer and to determine its specific energy consumption E_s. Starting in this case with an isothermal bed batch drying curve, the program first calculates the mean solids residence time required under specified operating conditions. Mass and energy balances are then used to calculate the heat duty and E_s. The bed temperature was found to have a significant effect on specific energy consumption in all cases. However, the influences of air flowrate and humidity, and of solids loading, were shown to depend on the solids drying characteristics.     

生物流化床的流化特性

本文对生物流化床中流化速度与空隙率的关系进行了研究。实验发现Richardson—Zaki式不能用于描述生物床。并依据实验数据,得出数学模型,更为完善地描绘生物床的流化特性。     

流化床气化技术对煤质的要求

介绍流化床气化技术特点,从煤的分类、工业分析、半焦与CO2反应活性、卤族元素和碱金属含量等方面,分析煤质对流化床气化技术的影响,得出流化床气化适合可气化高灰、高水、高灰熔点的劣质煤,要求煤半焦的CO2反应性高,灰熔点不能偏低,反应温度操作范围尽量大;原料中的卤族元素含量尽量低;碱金属含量低于2%。     

动态模拟优化尿素产品质量控制

运用动态模拟对尿素装置蒸发系统非正常工况进行分析,找出尿素产品质量参数的变化规律和影响因素,提出操作上的优化措施。     

大颗粒尿素造粒装置的维护管理优化

介绍大颗粒尿素造粒装置目前存在的问题,以及在设备维护管理及环保治理方面的最新优化、改进措施,简要阐述下一步的攻关方向.