Application of Microsoft Excel in the Design and optimization of a Belt Dryer

In this project, first we introduced a general rule for the design of drying processes and then, we have applied Microsoft Excel for this purpose. Belt dryer is one of the most common dryers in the food industry. In this study, our aim was to process carrot by this dryer. We optimized the target function (total annual cost or TAC) and investigated the influence of design variables on this target function. This was done by preparation of the equations related to heater, belt dryer, fan, belt drive shaft, electrical energy requirements and cost analysis including the annual operating cost, equipment cost, investment return factor, and finally TAC. Our results revealed that among design variable, an increase in air humidity reduces the TAC and an increase in air temperature, drying air velocity, and belt width caused an increase in TAC.