(586e) Modeling, Simulation and Scale-up Study of Biomass Drying in a Vortex Chamber

High-G fluidized beds can be generated in vortex chambers. Different lab- and pilot-scale studies show the potential process intensification that can be achieved [1]. Scale-up of the technology is, however, not straightforward. Detailed simulations can help to deal with the scale-up. The present paper addresses the modeling and simulation of vortex chamber biomass dryers. Data for the modeling and the estimation of the model parameters are obtained from batch experiments with woody biomass. The biomass moisture content and the air in- and outlet temperature and humidity are measured as a function of time. The non-stationary nature of the batch experiments allows obtaining different data points from a single experiment, as such minimizing the amount of experiments required for the modeling. The model is validated using available data on continuous woody biomass drying in a vortex chamber. The retained model accounts for interfacial mass and heat transfer limitations, a non-uniform distribution of the moisture in the particles and intra-particle diffusion limitations. Scale-up is then studied focusing on continuous drying. Optimization of the product uniformity and of the air consumption and utilization are studied, simulating different possible configurations.

References:

[1] Eliaers P., De Wilde J., Drying Technology, 31:2, p. 236-245, 2013.