Flame spray drying: Droplet and particle flow dynamics

ABSTRACT

The work presents the fundamental research of dispersed phase flow during flame spray drying. Particle dynamics analysis and laser Doppler anemometry technique were applied to determine particle size distribution and particle velocity distribution. Results of the study showed that stable combustion and longer length of the flame were observed for coarse spray (large droplets, low atomization pressure, small spraying angle, and low concentration of droplets in spray). Particle residence time in the combustion zone is the main factor affecting the increase in particle diameters due to puffing. Complex flow dynamics of dispersed phase observed at the outward regions of the flame in recirculation zones results in the formation of particle agglomerates.

KEYWORDS:

• Combustion
• discrete phase
• flame spray drying
• particle size distribution
• particle velocity distribution