Modeling of a Cocurrent Rotary Dryer

Abstract

Parametric mathematical models of drying plants include balance equations and correlations that should be adjusted for each case depending on the material to be dried and the installation. In some cases, variable parameters are simplified as constants, providing an inaccurate model.

This article presents a model of a cocurrent dryer, showing the process by which it is arrived at, and raises suggestions for some improvements in the determination of the drying rate to obtain a more accurate analytical expression.

Preliminary tests are presented that can be performed on the solid material and the model of a pilot plant is validated.

Keywords:

• Modeling process
• Process simulations
• Rotary dryer

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This work has been accomplished thanks to the support of the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología through projects DPI2007-64697 and DPI2010-19154.

Notes

^a Even though some dynamical characteristics were found in the study, no dynamical validations were provided.