Rotary dryers and fluid bed dryers differ in several ways, each offering their own unique advantages and disadvantages as seen in the chart below. Generally speaking, the choice between a rotary dryer and fluid bed dryer is often dictated by the material or specific industry.
ROTARY DRYER |
FLUID BED DRYER | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Consumption | Requires less energy | Requires more energy |
| Thermal Efficiency | Less thermally efficient | More thermally efficient |
| Capital Costs | Comparable | |
| Spatial Footprint | Large footprint | Small footprint; modular design allows for easy operational growth |
| Maintenance | More maintenance required | Less maintenance required |
| Feedstock Variance | Insensitive to variance | Extremely sensitive to variance |
| Industries | Minerals, fertilizers, raw materials | Pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, food |
While the selection between a rotary dryer versus a fluid bed dryer is often dependent on the material and industry, each offer pros and cons to consider. For a more in-depth comparison, read our blog post Rotary Dryer or Fluid Bed Dryer, or contact a FEECO expert today!