PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF A DOUBLE-DECK CONVEYOR DRYER - A COMPUTATIONAL APPROACH

ABSTRACT

This paper illustrates the use of numerical simulation models for evaluating the performance of a moving bed dryer. A finite-volume method is employed in developing a steady state, two-dimensional numerical model for a double-deck conveyor dryer. Using this numerical model, variations in the product moisture content and temperature along the length and across the height of the product beds are predicted. Similarly, the resulting variations in the temperature and relative humidity of the drying air are predicted in the entire two-dimensional domain of a dryer. Effect of air-to-product mass flow ratio and product residence lime on the average moisture content of the outgoing product are also evaluated for three different drying air temperatures.

KeyWords and Phrases:

• CFD
• finite-volume
• modeling
• simulation

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kishor K. Khankari

Current Address: Fluent, Inc., 220 E. Huron St., Suite 407, Ann Arbor, MI 48104