DRYING OF SUGAR-BEET PULP USING A LABORATORY AIR DRIER

Drying curves for sugar beet pulp were obtained in a laboratory-scale air drier. Dehydration conditions were: temperatures in the range of 3 5 to 90-degrees-C, air flow velocities of 0.5 to 2.0 m/s, and air mois ture content of 0.005 to 0.06 kg water/kg air. Using data from thin la yer experiments, a mathematical model was derived to describe the dehy dration behaviour under the described conditions. The model was able t o predict data obtained from deep bed experiments. Results from this w ork could be used to develop a design methodology for dryers that oper ate at relatively low temperatures (<90-degrees-C).