This chapter focuses on analyzing the design of spouted bed dryers for particulate solids whose drying curve is characterized by the falling rate period only (Figure 11.1a), as well as those displaying both constant and falling-rate drying periods (Figure 11.1.b).
Because compromise among costs, efficiency, product quality, and a clean environment is required in the design and operation of any process equipment, simulation and optimization of the drying process are the best ways to obtain the appropriate dimensions and operating conditions for a dryer and its ancillary equipment. This chapter starts with a brief review of recent developments in the drying of particulate solids in spouted beds (SBs). A concise analysis of various possible dryer design models follows. Three different model levels, which have been used for modeling SB drying of particulate solids, are considered.
Various spouted bed dryers for particulate solids
The SB technique, originally developed by Mathur and Gishler for drying wheat, has found numerous applications, not only for drying of particulate solids, but also in combined operations, such as drying–powdering, drying–granulation, drying–coating, and drying–extraction. Therefore this chapter also provides information for the design of such combined operations, which are considered elsewhere in this book.