MODELING, SIMULATION AND DESIGN OF CONVECTIVE INDUSTRIAL DRYERS

The use of computers to perform simulations of chemical engineering pr ocesses has lead to the development of software tools that perform mos t tedious computations in the field of process analysis, mathematical modeling and design. In the case of dryers, these mathematical program ming aspects can be dealt in a straightforward way. The mathematical m odels of all popular convective dryers are presented and analysed. The transport and thermophysical properties of materials and air involved in the developed mathematical models are briefly discussed. The simul ation of convective drying processes facilitated by modem computer tec hnology is outlined and discussed. Design of convective industrial dry ers is described and performed through the simulation tools developed. Short-cut design techniques are introduced allowing concentrated info rmation on design results for various levels of process parameters and variables to be integrated in generalized design curves that produce values of optimal dryer structures and operating conditions related to cost.