Energy Efficiency of Multi-Stage Adsorption Drying for Low-Temperature Drying

Abstract

This work discusses the evaluation of multi-stage adsorption dryers with air dehumidification by zeolite and alumina pillared clay. In a multi-stage dryer, product is dried in succeeding stages while air leaving a stage is fed to the next stage after dehumidification by an adsorbent. Energy efficiency of the drying system is evaluated for low-temperature drying (10–50°C) and compared with conventional condenser drying. Results showed that the efficiency of the multi-stage adsorption dryers increases with the number of stages. For low drying temperatures, zeolite is most favorable; for drying temperatures 40–50°C, alumina pillared clay needs less cooling and deserves preference.

Keywords:

• Adsorption
• Alumina pillared clay
• Condensation drying
• Energy efficiency
• Multi-stage drying
• Zeolite

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This work is funded by the staff training program (TPSDP) of the Chemical Engineering department of the Diponegoro University, Semarang Indonesia, and NEOT01005 project, Energy Research Program EOS of the Dutch Ministry of Economics.

Notes

^a The values for enthalpy flow depend on the stage number.

^a Energy efficiency based on .

^a Energy efficiency based on .