Abstract: | A batch-indirect rotary drier heated with steam was experimentally operated to obtain data of moisture content and temperature versus time for soy meal and fish meal. Operation conditions were as follow: steam pressure (1 to 4 bar), rotation speed (3.7 to 11.6 r.p.m.) and rate of vapor extraction (0.059 to 0.256 m/s).
From experimental data the effective heat transfer coefficient between the hot surface and the bed of solids was determined. These data were correlated by means of dimensional analysis as a function of the drying process variables. The equation obtained for the effective Nusselt number predicts adequately the effective heat transfer coefficient, for both substrates, in the range of the operating variables studied. |