This week’s image highlights a counter-current rotary dryer in 3D.
In counter-current dryers, material flows in the opposite direction as the drying air. Here, the wettest material comes in contact with the coolest drying air. The counter current design provides increased thermal efficiency for materials that must be heated to high temperatures. They are also ideal for materials that have high internal moisture retention, require higher heat, and a longer drying cycle to draw out the moisture.
Co-current rotary dryers are another option. In this design, the material flows in the same direction as the drying air. This process puts the wettest material in contact with the hottest drying air, and results in quick, initial drying. Co-current dryers are ideal for materials that have high external/surface moisture.
Which air flow will best suit the process is based on the material’s characteristics and the overall process requirements. FEECO’s engineering staff is able to custom design rotary dryers on a per project basis, be it air flow or other variables.
For more information on customized rotary dryers, contact us today!