A New Algorithm for Dryer Selection

ABSTRACT Selection of industrial dryers is one of the most complex and poorly understood areas in drying technology. A new procedure has been developed by SPS to assist the choice between the many types of dryers and ancillaries currently available. Dryers are classified by various criteria and this information is used to construct an equipment me. Likewise, information is collected on the material to be dried. including the results of bench-scale tests, and basic flowsheet parameters such as solids throughput and required reduction in moisture content. A five-step algorithm is then used to analyse the problem; at each step, mles based on the material and flowsheer considerations are used to test the different dryers in the equipment tree. Each individual dryer is awarded a merit score and may be eliminated if clearly unacceptable; the merit scores for each remaining dryer can be compared at the end of the procedure. Rough sizing and costing calculations are also included. Two worked examples are provided.