Drying; energy efficiency and product quality
Drying of products means the removal of water. This is mainly done for longer preservation (storage). Drying is an energy intensive process which takes about 15% of all the energy in industrial production. To preserve qualities in food and biorefinery products mild drying with an energy efficiency in the range 30-50% is applied. We search for smart drying methods that combine a minimal loss of product quality with energy efficiency.
© Uniform drying of particles in a packed bed (moisture and quality)
Particles in a dryer experience different drying regimes, resulting in different final moisture contents and product qualities. In this project we want to simulate the drying history of the different particles by CFD. In another project we want to find out how to control the particles for a more uniform moisture and quality distribution. (Van Boxtel)
© Optimal control for spatially distributed particles
We work on drying strategies for the best average moisture and the best average quality. As an alternative we can also include the spatial moisture and quality distribution as well. In thesis work we want to use optimal control in combination with CFD-models for moisture and quality. (Van Boxtel)
Solar drying
These days we work on combining solar energy and adsorption drying of Yam in Ghana. There are several sub projects for MSc-thesis work. (Van Boxtel)
• Dryer system optimization with peripheral units
We search for energy efficient drying systems. Till now we mainly focused on the dryer system, but now we want to extend to peripheral units. The main question is how these units can be involved to reduce the energy consumption. (Van Boxtel)
Sound analysis to monitor dryers
There are no monitoring systems that give indication of the fouling in spray dryers. It is suggested that fouling results different sound characteristics which can be interpreted by experienced operators. As an alternative we look for an automatic data processing method for sound during spray drying. (Van Boxtel)