Simulation, Calculation and Possibility of Energy Saving in the Spray Drying Process

Document Type : Complete scientific research article

Abstract

Spray drying is one of the most important Processes applied in the industry. The equipment used in this process evaporates water in a very short time and so, need a lot of energy. In this work, we used Microsoft Excel as an analysis tool for the optimization of fuel usage in this dryer. We have described the process in terms of thermodynamic calculations and mass and heat balance equations. Our results revealed that it is possible to reduce the operating costs and increase the process efficiency by the recovery of outlet air from cyclone. The maximum of recirculation rate is 60% and reduction of fuel usage is linearly proportional to the recirculation rate. Our calculations showed that we can reduce the fuel usage by 7.75%. The other advantage of this method is that it reduces the production of gases which are not environmentally friendly.