Experimental Analysis of Low-Temperature Bed Drying of Wooden Biomass Particles

This report investigates the low-temperature bed drying of biomass particles for use in a gasification process. Experimental drying equipment capable of drying up to 0.25 m³ of biomass batchwise was constructed. The experimental result indicates that the drying equipment and applied method are appropriate to evaluate different drying parameters and their influence on the drying course. Drying parameters such as air temperature, air velocity, bed height, and type of wood are studied regarding the drying rate, final moisture content in the material, and bed pressure drop. The constant-rate and falling-rate drying period are studied to obtain an energy efficient drying process. Measurements show that the drying zone (where the actual drying occurs) progresses irregularly through the bed.