Drying of a dilute suspension in a revolving flow fluidized bed of inert particles

Revolving air flow was generated by oblique holes on air distribution board in a fluidized bed dryer. Such a revolving air flow shows a large scale velocity fluctuation in radial as well as tangential directions. This turbulent flow of air can fluidize the inert particles with superior performance than vibrated fluidized bed. The revolving fluidized bed is simpler in fabrication and easier in operation. For two types of inert particles tested, 4mm glass beads and 4mm×5mm Teflon cylindrical extrudates, the volumetric heat transfer coefficients were found to increase with the liquid feed flowrate and air flow velocity but decrease with the air inlet temperature, height of static bed, and liquid concentration. The revolving fluidized bed gives an increase of volumetric heat transfer coefficient by 1 kW/m³ K, and represents a 15-25% enhancement from ordinary fluidized bed operated at a bed height of 60mm, bed diameter of 140mm, superficial air flow velocity of 3.5m/s, liquid feed (Soya milk) flowrate of 20 mL/min at a concentration of 6.7%, and a temperature ranges of 80-140°C using Teflon extrudates as inert particles. © 2004 by Marcel Dekker, Inc.