A simplified approach to the drying of solids in a batch fluidised bed

Abstract

A simplified model for drying solids in the constant rate period in a batch fluidised bed was developed. It assumes the bed to be divided into dense and bubble phases with heat and mass transfer between the phases. The model predicts the constant-rate drying period, provided the fluid bed shape and material characteristics are known. The model is compared with experimental data reported in the literature covering a wide range of materials, gas flow rates, column diameters, material hold-ups, air temperatures and humidities. Model predictions compare satisfactorily with the experimental data.