CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 12 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 13

DRYING DRYING

PROBLEM # 01. 3. Water evaporated

= +ℇ
A hot air dryer handles 1,000 kg/h of wet feed with a moisture content of 20% wet basis to
ℇ = 1,000 − 899.9888 = 100.0112
reduce the moisture content to 12.5% dry basis. Atmospheric air at 23.9°C with a relative ℎ ℎ ℎ
humidity of 60% is preheated to a dry bulb temperature of 82.2°C. The exhaust air leaves
the dryer at 60°C. Calculate: (a) the volume of the atmospheric air handled by the pre- 4. Humidity of air entering the pre-heater
heater, and (b) the duty of the pre-heater in kcal/h. At 23.9°C, = 22.243
= 100
Source: CHE Board Exam Problem (November 1989)
(60)(22.243)
= = 13.3458
100
SOLUTION: (18)(13.3458)
Air = = 0.0112
(28.84)(760 − 13.3458)
23.9 C
60% RH 5. Humidity of air entering the dryer

HEATER = = 0.0112

60 C 82.2 C 6. Humidity of air leaving the dryer

Assume adiabatic drying conditions, using the psychrometric chart at dry bulb
DRYER temperature of 60°C
= 0.019

7. Amount of dry air entering the dryer

F = 1,000 kg/h
ℇ= ( − )
xi=0.20 Xf=0.125
100.0112
= ℎ = 12,821.9487
1. Final moisture content wet basis (0.019 − 0.0112) ℎ

=
1+
0.125 8. Specific volume of dry atmospheric air
= = 0.1111 From the psychrometric chart at 23.9°C
(1 + 0.125)
1
2. Dry product balance: = 13.4 = 0.8365
(1 − ) = 1 − 16.0185
(1 − 0.20) 1,000
ℎ
= = 899.9888
(1 − 0.1111) ℎ
 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 14 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 15
DRYING DRYING

9. Humid volume of atmospheric air PROBLEM # 02.

∙
0.0112 0.08205 (296.9 )
∙ A Proctor & Swartz coconut meat dryer processes 1,133.8 kg of desiccated coconut per
= 0.8365 +
(1 ) 18 hour. The following are other data:
Specific heat of coconut meat - 0.754 kJ/kg·K
= 0.8516 Density of coconut meat from the shearing - 1.520 kg/m3
and washing section
Initial moisture content of coconut meat - 20%
10. Volume of entering air Final moisture content of coconut meat - 1.5%
= 12,821.9487 0.8516 Coconut meat inlet temperature - 21°C
ℎ Coconut meat outlet temperature - 38°C
= , . Drying condition - 71°C db
Drying condition RH - 20%
Barometer reading - 89.6 kPa
11. Humid heat of air entering the dryer Compute the heat input to the dryer.
From the psychrometric chart at = 0.0112
= 0.244 SOLUTION:
∙°
Air
12. Heat requirement RH = 20%
tF = 71 C
= ( − )

= 12,821.9487 0.244 (82.2 − 23.9)° DRYER

ℎ ∙°
= , .

F = 1,133.8 kg/h xf = 0.015

xi = 0.20 t sf = 38 C
tsi = 21 C

1. Moisture content (dry basis)

0.20
= = = 0.25
1− 1 − 0.20
0.015
= = = 0.0152
1− 1 − 0.015

2. Mass of bone-dry solid

80
̇ = 1,133.8 = 907.04
ℎ 100 ℎ

3. Mass of water in the feed

20
̇ = 1,133.8 = 226.76
ℎ 100 ℎ
 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 16 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 17
DRYING DRYING

10. Latent heat to vaporize the moisture

4. Mass of product after drying =
Consider solid balance From steam table at 89.6 kPa,
(1 − ) = 1 −
= 2,261.55
(1 − 0.20) 1,133.8
ℎ
= = 920.8528 = 212.9472 2,261.55 = 481,591.7526
(1 − 0.015) ℎ ℎ ℎ

5. Mass of water evaporated

Consider over-all material balance 11. Sensible heat to raise temperature of the bone dry solid from vaporization temperature
= + (96.48°C) to final product temperature (38°C)
= 1,133.8 − 920.8528 = 212.9472 = ̇ , −
ℎ
= 907.04 0.754 (38 − 96.48)
ℎ ∙
6. Mass water in the product
1.5 = −39,994.9492
̇ = 920.8528 = 13.8128 ℎ
ℎ 100 ℎ
12. Sensible heat to raise temperature of water remaining in the material from vaporization
7. Vaporization temperature temperature (96.48°C) to final product temperature (38°C)
From steam table at 89.6 kPa drying operation = ̇ −
,
= 96.48 °
= 13.8128 4.1868 (38 − 96.48)
ℎ ∙
8. Sensible heat to raise temperature of solid from initial (21°C) to vaporization
temperature (96.48°C) = −3,381.9821
ℎ
= ̇ , ( − )

= 907.04 0.754 (96.48 − 21) 13. Total heat requirement of the system
ℎ ∙ = + + + +
= 51,621.3879 = 51,621.3879 + 71,660.6190 + 481,591.7526 + −39,994.9492
ℎ ℎ ℎ ℎ ℎ

9. Sensible heat to raise temperature if water from initial (21°C) to vaporization + −3,381.9821
ℎ
temperature (96.48°C) 1ℎ 1
= 561,496.8282
= ̇ , ( − ) ℎ 3,600 1
= 226.76 4.1868 (96.48 − 21) = .
ℎ ∙
= 71,660.6190
ℎ
 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 18 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 19
DRYING DRYING

3. kg water removed
PROBLEM # 03. = +ℇ
ℇ = 3,400 − 1,000 = 2,400
Ipil-ipil leaves will be dried in a moving train of tray dryers. The wet leaves containing 75% ℇ= ,
water (wet basis) is to be dried to 15% (wet basis) in trays measuring 1 m x 1.5 m. The wet
leaves are spread out in the tray to a uniform thickness of 8 cm. Calculate: 4. humidity of entering air
a) The number of trays needed to produce 1 metric ton of the dried leaves For the entering air, at 20% RH and 110°F:
b) The amount of water removed/MT of product. The density of the wet leaves is 0.75 g/cc ° = 1.2763
c) If dry hot air at 20% RH and a dry bulb temperature of 110°F is blown into the dryer = 100
and moist air leaves at 105°F dry bulb and 86°F wet bulb temperatures, how many ft3 of 20
dry hot air will be needed per MT of product? = (1.2763 )
= 0.25526
100
(18)(0.25526)
Source: CHE Board Exam Problem = = 0.0110
(28.84)(14.7 − 0.25526)
SOLUTION:
5. Humidity of air leaving the dryer
Air For the exit air at Tdb = 105°F and Twb 86°F
110 F
db = 105 F
20% RH = 0.023
wb = 86 F

DRYER 6. Amount of dry air entering the dryer

ℇ= ( − )

2,400
xi=0.75 = = 200,000
P = 1 MT (0.023 − 0.011)
xf=0.15

1. Weight of feed 7. Specific volume of dry air

(1 − ) = 1 − From the psychrometric chart at 110°F
(1 − 0.15)(1,000 )
= = 3,400 = 14.3
(1 − 0.75)
13. Humid volume of atmospheric air
2. Required number of trays ∙
. 0.0110 0.7302 (570° )
1 . ∙°
=1 1.5 8 = 0.12 = 14.3 +
100 . (1 ) 18

# = = 14.5544

14. Volume of entering air

3,400 1
750 = 200,000 14.5544
# = 0.454
0.12 = .

# = . ~
 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 20 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 21
DRYING DRYING

PROBLEM # 04. 3. Humidity of ambient air

For air at 30°C, 70%RH, from table 2-5 CHE HB 8th edition
A wet material from a process plant containing 100% (dry basis) moisture has to be dried = 31.824
to produce a product with 10% moisture. Heated air at 100°C and 10% relative humidity is
= 100
being supplied to the dryer and leaves at 60°C and a dew point of 52.5°C. Part of the outlet
air is re-circulated and mixed with ambient air at 30°C and 70% relative humidity. (31.824 )(70)
Neglecting heat losses due to radiation to the surroundings and pre-heating of the solid = = 22.2768
100
materials and its receptacle, calculate: (a) volume of ambient air, m3/min, and (b) (18)(22.2768)
= = = 0.0188
percentage of the outlet air re-circulated and mixed with ambient air when producing 500 ( − ) (28.84)(760 − 22.2768)
kg/h of product.
4. Humidity of air entering the dryer
Source: CHE Board Exam Problem (May 1988) For air at 100°C, 10%RH, from table 2-5 CHE HB 8th edition
= 760
SOLUTION:
Air = 100
30 C 1
70% RH
(760 )(10)
= = 76
100
db = 60 C
(18)(76)
R = = = 0.0693
Dew pt = 52.5 C ( − ) (28.84)(760 − 76)
4 3 2 100 C
10% RH 5. Humidity of leaving the dryer
DRYER For air at 60°C and dew point of 52.5°C, from the pychrometric chart
= 0.0950

Xi=1.00
6. Amount of dry air required in the dryer
1. Feed rate
ℇ= ( − )
Consider dry material balance
(1 − ) = 1 − 409.0909
= ℎ = 15,917.9338
1 ℎ
= = = 0.50 (0.095 − 0.0693)
1+ 1+1
0.10 7. Dry air balance at the entrance of dryer
= = = 0.0909 = +
1+ 1 + 0.10
= 15,917.9338 − 1
(1 − 0.0909) 500
ℎ Consider water balance:
= = 909.0909
(1 − 0.50) ℎ = +
.
15,917.9338 0.0693 −( ) 0.0188
2. Water evaporated/removed from the material ℎ
=
Consider over-all material balance 0.095
= + ℇ
= 11,611.7138 − 0.1979 2
ℇ = 909.0909 − 500 = 409.0909 Equate 1 and 2
ℎ ℎ ℎ
15,917.9338 − = 11,611.7138 − 0.1979
= 5,368.6822
ℎ
 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 22 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 23
DRYING DRYING

8. Specific volume of ambient air

From figure 19.2 Unit Operations of Chemical Engineers, 7th edition, McCabe, et.al. PROBLEM # 05.
.
. 1 . An adiabatic tunnel dryer reduces the moisture content of pineapple stumps used as a fuel
.
= 13.75 = 0.8584
. . . in the boiler of a pineapple cannery. Ambient air is heated and blown through the tunnel
16.0185
. dryer countercurrent to the flow of pineapple stumps. The operating conditions are:

9. Humid volume of ambient air Pineapple Stumps: Feed rate 100 MT/day
∙ Moisture content, feed 100% Dry basis
. 0.0188 0.08205 (303 )
∙ Moisture content, product 30% dry basis
= 0.8584 +
. (1 ) 18 Ambient Air: Temperature 29.4°C
Relative Humidity 80%
= 0.8844 Hot Air: Inlet temperature 76.9°C
. Outlet relative humidity 100%

10. Volume of ambient air Calculate: (a) the quantity of moisture removed from the pineapple stumps in MT/day; (b)
. 1ℎ the humidity of the inlet air; (c) the temperature of the air leaving the dryer; (d) the volume
= 5,368.6822 0.8844
ℎ 60 . of ambient air needed for drying in m3/h
= . CHE Board Exam Problem (May 1993)

SOLUTION:
11. Weight of wet air recycled, from equation 1
.
= 15,917.9338 − 5,368.6822 = 10,549.2516 Ambient Air
ℎ T1 = 29.4 C
. . 80% RH
= 10,549.2516 + 10,549.2516 0.0950
ℎ ℎ
100% RH T2 = 76.9 C
.
= 11,551.4305 HEATER
ℎ DRYER

12. Weight of wet air leaving the dryer

= +
. . F = 100 MT/day
= 15,917.9338 + 15,917.9338 0.0950 Xi = 1.0
ℎ ℎ Xf = 0.30
.
= 17,430.1375 1. Dried pineapple stumps produced
ℎ
(1 − ) = 1 −
13. % recycled air 1
= = = 0.50
. 1+ 1+1
11,551.4305
% = ℎ 100 0.30
. = = = 0.2308
17,430.1375 1+ 1 + 0.30
ℎ
% = . % (1 − 0.50) 100
= = 65.0026
(1 − 0.2308)
 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 24 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 25
DRYING DRYING

2. Moisture removed Trial Assume T3 H (from b) pA3 H (from c)

= +ℇ
01 97°F 0.040 0.8698 psi 0.0392
ℇ = 100 − 65.0026 02 97.5°F 0.040 0.8832 psi 0.0399
ℇ= .
7. Temperature of outlet air
= . ° = . °
3. Humidity of ambient air
From table 2-5 CHE HB 8th edition at 29.4°C 8. Amount of dry air needed
= 30.745 ℇ= ( − )
= 100 34.9974
(30.745 )(80) = = 1,841.9684
= = 24.596 (0.0399 − 0.0209)
100
(18)(24.596 )
= = = 0.0209
( − ) (28.84)(760 − 24.596) 9. Specific volume of ambient air at 29.4°C
From figure 19.2 Unit Operations of Chemical Engineers, 7th edition, McCabe, et.al.
4. Humidity of inlet air to dryer .
. 1 .
Since ambient air undergoes only sensible heating, therefore, .
= 13.70 = 0.8553
= . . .
16.0185
.
= .
10. Humid volume of ambient air
∙
5. Wet bulb temperature of inlet air to the dryer . 0.0209 0.08205 (302.4 )
∙
From figure 19.2 (McCabe, et al), for air at 76.9°C and H = 0.0209 = 0.8553 +
. (1 ) 18
= 97° = 36.11°

= 0.8841
6. Wet bulb temperature of outlet air from the dryer .
For adiabatic drying,
= = 97° = 36.11° 11. Volume of ambient air
1,000 1
Temperature of the outlet air, outlet air humidity and amount of air needed are all inter- = 1,841.9684 0.8841
24 ℎ
connected, thus the remaining questions can be solved only by trial and error.
a. Assume value of outlet air dry bulb temperature = , .
b. Using the psychrometric chart (figure 19.2) with wet bulb temperature of 97°F,
determine the air outlet humidity
c. To check if assumption is correct, solve for humidity considering 100% RH, wherein
=
=
( − )
d. If humidity from (b) is approximately the same as that from (c), then assumption is
correct; if otherwise, make new assumptions.
 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 26 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 27
DRYING DRYING

4. Wet bulb temperature of inlet air

PROBLEM # 06. From figure 19.2 (McCabe, et al)
= 106°
10 short tons/h of crushed coal with 15.1% moisture (wet basis) is to be dried to 5%
moisture (wet basis) in a counter-current continuous rotary dryer using hot air entering the 5. Wet bulb temperature of outlet air
dryer at 180°F, 10% relative humidity and leaves at 40% RH. How much hot air, in ft3/min For adiabatic process,
will be needed for the operation? Assume adiabatic operation. = = 106°
Source: CHE Board Exam Problem
6. Humidity of outlet air
SOLUTION: From figure 12-1 (CHE HB, 8th edition), at Twet bulb of 106°F and 40% RH
Hot Air = 0.045
T1 = 180 F
40% RH 10% RH
7. Air requirement
DRYER ℇ= ( − )
2,000
1.0632
= ℎ = 186,526.3158
(0.045 − 0.0336) ℎ
F = 10 short ton/h
xi = 0.151 xf = 0.05 8. Specific volume of dry air
From figure 19.2 (McCabe, et al)
1. Weight of dried crushed coal
= 16.1
(1 − ) = 1 −
(1 − 0.151) 10
ℎ 9. Humid volume of hot inlet air
= = 9.8368
(1 − 0.05) ℎ
∙
0.0336 0.7302 (640° )
∙°
2. Moisture removed = 16.1 +
= +ℇ (1 ) 18

ℇ = 10 − 9.8368 = 1.0632 = 16.9723

ℎ

3. Humidity of inlet air

10. Volume of air required
From appendix 7 (McCabe, et.al) at 180°F
1ℎ
= 7.515 = 186,526.3158 16.9723
ℎ 60
= 100
= , .
(7.515 )(10)
= = 0.7515
100
(18)(0.7515)
= = = 0.0336
( − ) (28.84)(14.7 − 0.7515)
 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 28 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 29
DRYING DRYING

6. Dry air required

PROBLEM # 07. ℇ= ( − )
43.1818
Adiabatic tunnel dryer handles 100 kg of banana chips per batch reducing the moisture = = 2,106.4293
(0.0375 − 0.017)
content from 50% to 12%, all on wet basis. Drying takes 10 hours to complete by blowing
air at 82°C and 5% RH. The air leaves the dryer saturated. Assuming that the drying rate is
constant, calculate: (a) exit temperature of the air; (b) volume of air blown, in m3/h 7. Specific volume of inlet dry air
From figure 12-4 (CHE HB, 8th edition) at 82°C
Source: CHE Board Exam Problem (May 1990)
= 16.15
SOLUTION:
Air
8. Humid volume of inlet air
T1 = 82 C
5% RH ∙
100% sat’d 0.017 0.7302 (640° )
∙°
= 16.15 +
DRYER (1 ) 18
.
1
.
= 16.5914 = 1.0358
.
16.0185
F = 100 kg .
xi = 0.50 xf = 0.12
9. Volume of air required
1. Amount of dried banana chips = (2,106.4293 ) 1.0358 = 2,181.8394
(1 − ) = 1 −
(1 − 0.50)(100 )
= = 56.8182 10. Air flow rate
(1 − 0.12)
Since each batch takes 10 hours of drying time
1
2. Moisture removed = 2,181.8394
10 ℎ
= +ℇ
ℇ = 100 − 56.8182 = 43.1818 = .

3. Humidity of inlet air

From figure 12-3 (CHE HB, 8th edition), at 82°C and 5% RH
= 0.017

4. Humidity of outlet air (adiabatic conditions)

From figure 12-3 (CHE HB, 8th edition), at 100% saturated
= 0.0375

5. Temperature of outlet air

= ° = °
 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 30 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 31
DRYING DRYING

PROBLEM # 08. 4. Humidity of air entering the dryer

Since only sensible heating is involved in the heater
A dryer is to deliver 1,000 kg/h of palay with a final moisture content of 10%. The initial
moisture content in the feed is 15% at atmospheric conditions with 32°C dry bulb and 21°C = = 0.0115
wet bulb. The dryer is maintained at 45°C while the relative humidity of the hot humid air
from the dryer is 80%. If the steam pressure supplied to the heater is 2 MPa, determine: (a) 5. Wet bulb temperature of the air inside the dryer
palay supplied to the dryer in kg/h; (b) temperature of the hot humid air from the dryer; (c) From figure 12-3 (CHE HB, 8th edition), at 45°C dry bulb and 0.0115 humidity
air supplied to the heater in m3/h; (d) heat supplied by the heater in kW; (e) steam supplied = 74.5°
to the heater in kg/h

Source: ME Board Exam Problem (October 1985) 6. Wet bulb temperature of air leaving the dryer
Assume adiabatic operation,
SOLUTION: = = 74.5°
Air
TDB = 32 C 7. Temperature of the air leaving the dryer
TWB = 21 C From figure 12-3 (CHE HB 8th edition), at 80% RH and 74.5°F wet bulb
= ° = . °
80% RH T2 = 45 C
HEATER 8. Humidity of air leaving the dryer
DRYER From figure 12-3 (CHE HB 8th edition), at 80% RH and 74.5°F wet bulb
= 0.0172

F = 1,000 kg/h
xi = 0.15 xf = 0.10 9. Air supplied to the dryer
ℇ= ( − )
1. Palay fed to the dryer 58.8235
ℎ
(1 − ) = 1 − = = 10,319.9123
(0.0172 − 0.0115) ℎ
(1 − 0.10) 1,000
ℎ
=
(1 − 0.15) 10. Specific volume of dry air entering the heater
= , . From figure 19-2 (McCabe, et. al), at 32°C

= 13.8
2. Moisture removed
= +ℇ
11. Humid volume of air entering the dryer
ℇ = 1,058.8235 − 1,000 = 58.8235 ∙
ℎ 0.0115 0.7302 (549.6° )
∙°
= 13.8 +
3. Humidity of air entering the heater (1 ) 18
From figure 12-3 (CHE HB, 8th edition), at 32°C dry bulb and 21°C wet bulb .
1
.
= 0.0115 = 14.0564 = 0.8775
.
16.0185
.
 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 32 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 33
DRYING DRYING

12. Air supplied to the dryer

PROBLEM # 09.
= 10,319.9123 0.8775
ℎ
A rotary dryer fired with bunker oil of 10,000 kcal/kg heating value (HHV) is to produce 20
= , . MT/h of dried sand with 0.5% moisture from a wet feed containing 7% moisture. Specific
heat of sand is 0.21 BTU/lb·°R. Temperature of wet sand is 30°C and temperature of dried
product is 115°C. Determine: (a) weight of wet feed; (b) weight of water to be removed in
13. Humid heat of air entering the heater
kg/h; (c) heat required; (d) liters of bunker oil per hour if specific gravity of bunker oil is
From figure 19-2 (McCabe, et. al), at humidity of 0.0115
0.90 and efficiency is 60%.
= 0.244
∙° Source: ME Board Exam Problem (November 1983)

14. Heat transfer by the air in the heater SOLUTION:

= ( − ) Assume water starts to evaporate at 100°C
1. Weight of wet feed
= 10,319.9123 0.244 (45 − 32)° = 32,734.7618
ℎ ∙° ℎ (1 − ) = 1 −
(1 − 0.005) 20,000
15. Heat input to the heater ℎ
=
1ℎ 1 (1 − 0.07)
= = 32,734.7618
ℎ 60 14.34 = , .
= .
2. Water removed
16. Steam requirement = +ℇ
= ℇ = 21,397.8495 − 20,000
From steam table at 2 MPa,
ℇ= , .
= 451.6329
3. Weight of bone dry sand
32,734.7618
= ℎ
̇ = 1− = (1 − 0.005) 20,000 = 19,900
451.6329 ℎ ℎ

= . 4. Weight of water in the feed

̇ = = (0.07) 21,397.8495 = 1,497.8495
ℎ ℎ

5. Sensible heat to raise temperature of sand from 30 to 100°C

= ̇ , ( − )

= 19,900 0.21 (100 − 30) = 292,530

ℎ ∙ ℎ

6. Sensible heat to raise temperature of water from 30 to 100°C

= ̇ , ( − )

= 1,497.8495 1.0 (100 − 30) = 104,849.465

ℎ ∙ ℎ
 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 34 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 35
DRYING DRYING

7. Latent heat to vaporize the moisture PROBLEM # 10.

=ℇ
From steam table at 100°C A wet material having a critical moisture content of 15% (db) and an equilibrium moisture
content of 3% (db) took 6 hours to dry from 45% (db) to 5.5% (db). How long will it take
= 539.0599 to dry to 15% moisture (db)?

= 1,397.8495 539.0599 = 753,524.567 Source: CHE Board Exam Problem (January 1974)
ℎ ℎ
SOLUTION:
8. Sensible heat to raise temperature of sand from 100 to 115°C
= ̇ , −

= 19,900 0.21 (115 − 100) = 62,685

ℎ ∙ ℎ
R
9. Sensible heat to raise temperature of water in the product from 100 to 115°C
= ̇ , −

= (1,497.8495 − 1,397.8495) 1.0 (115 − 100) = 1,500

ℎ ∙ ℎ
Xe Xf Xc Xi
0.03 0.055 0.15 0.45

10. Total heat requirement of the system

−
= + + + + = − +( − )
−
= 292,530 + 104,849.465 + 753,524.567 + 62,685 6ℎ
ℎ ℎ ℎ ℎ =
0.15 − 0.03
0.45 − 0.15 + (0.15 − 0.03) ln
+ 1,500 0.055 − 0.03
ℎ
= 12.2892
= , , .

1. Time to dry from 45% to 15% (CRP)

11. Weight of bunker fuel oil
= −
1,215,089.032 1
= ℎ = 202.5148
0.60 ℎ =
10,000
= −
12. Volume of bunker fuel oil
=− ( − )
1 1,000
= 202.5148
ℎ 900 = −(12.892)(0.15 − 0.45)
= .
= .
 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 36 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 37
DRYING DRYING

PROBLEM # 11. PROBLEM # 12.

Wet solids is to be dried from 36% to 8% moisture in 5 hours under constant drying Glazed banana chips are dried to its equilibrium moisture content of 12.28% by wt (wet
conditions, Xc = 14%, Xe = 4%. Calculate how much longer it would take under the same basis) in a tunnel dryer under constant air temperature and humidity in a batch process.
drying conditions to dry the same materials from 8% to 5.5% moisture. All moisture Control tests give the following data on the process:
contents are on dry basis.
Time, minutes 0 30 60 90 120 150
Source: CHE Board Exam Problem (October 1979) Moisture content, % wet basis 23.08 20.00 16.67 14.72 13.21 13.01

SOLUTION:
From these data, (a) determine the critical moisture content of the banana chips, % wt dry
basis; (b) formulate the falling rate equation for the drying operations.

Source: CHE Board Exam Problem (November 1988)

SOLUTION:
Basis: 1 m2 drying area
R x X* Ave X ΔX Δθ, min R
0.2308 0.3001
0.2751 0.0501 30 0.00167
0.2000 0.2500
0.2250 0.0500 30 0.00167
0.1667 0.2000
Xe Xf’ Xf Xc Xi 0.1863 0.0274 30 0.00091
0.04 0.055 0.08 0.14 0.36 0.1472 0.1726
0.1624 0.0204 30 0.00068
0.1321 0.1522
1. Consider crying from 36% to 8% - (CRP + FRP) 0.1509 0.0026 30 0.00009
− 0.1301 0.1496
= − +( − )
−
5 ∆ 1
= ∗ = ; = ∙
0.14 − 0.04 1− ∆
0.36 − 0.14 + (0.14 − 0.04) ln
0.08 − 0.04
Plot ΔX vs R
= 16.0447
0.0018 Critical moisture content
2. Time to dry from 8% to 5.5% (FRP) 0.0016 From the chart,
( − ) −
0.0014 = 0.225
= 0.0012
% = 22.5 % ANSWER

Drying Rate
− 0.001
0.08 − 0.04 0.0008
= (16.0447)(0.14 − 0.04) ln Falling rate equation
0.055 − 0.04 0.0006
= . 0.0004 = . − .
0.0002
0
0.15 0.17 0.19 0.21 0.23 0.25 0.27 0.29

Moisture Content, % dry basis

 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 38 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 39
DRYING DRYING

PROBLEM # 13. PROBLEM # 14.

A batch of wet solid was dried on a tray dryer using constant drying conditions and a In commercial practice, rayon-yarn skeins are dried after centrifuging, and the drying
thickness of material on the tray of 25.4 mm. Only the top surface was exposed. The drying occurs in the falling rate period. Experimental data for the drying of a certain type of yarn
rate during the constant rate period was R = 2.05 kg H2O/h·m2. The ratio of LS/A used was under constant air-drying conditions have been correlated by the following equation:
24.4 kg dry solid/m2 exposed surface. The initial free moisture was X1 = 0.55 and the
critical moisture content XC = 0.22 kg free moisture/kg dry solid. Calculate the time to dry a − = 0.00302 . ( − )
batch of this material from X1 = 0.45 to X2 = 0.30 using the same drying conditions but a
thickness of 50.8 mm, with the drying from the top and bottom surfaces. where:
− = Rate of drying, lb H2O evaporated / lb of dry yarn ·hour
Source: Transport Process and Unit Operations, by Geankoplis, et al = Wet air mass velocity, lb wet air/h·ft2
= Saturation humidity at wet-bulb temperature of the air
SOLUTION: = Humidity of air
Assume 1 m2 cross-sectional area of dry solid = Free moisture content of yarn, lb water/lb dry yarn
1. Volume of dry solid at condition 1
= = (1 )(0.0254 ) = 0.0254 A compartment dryer at 1 atm is to be used to dry the yarn from 0.80 to 0.01 lb free water
per lb dry yarn. The operation will be conducted under conditions approximating constant
2. Mass of dry solid at condition 1 drying conditions. The average conditions of the air passing over the yarn are to be:
Dry bulb temperature = 150°F
= 24.4 (1 ) = 24.4
% Relative Humidity = 10
Air velocity = 600 fpm
3. Density of dry solid The equilibrium moisture content of the yarn for the above conditions is 0.036 lb water per
24.4 lb dry yarn.
= = 960.6299
0.0254
(a) determine the lbs of water evaporated per 100 lb of dry yarn; (b) final moisture content
4. Volume of dry solid at condition 2 of the yarn; (c) determine the time required for drying.
= = (1 )(0.0508 ) = 0.0508
SOLUTION:
5. Mass of dry solid at condition 2 1. Water evaporated
= 960.6299 (0.0508 ) = 48.8000
ℇ = (100 )(0.80 − 0.01)

ℇ=
6. Time to dry solid from 45% to 30%
= − 2. Final moisture content of the yarn
= +
=
= 0.01 + 0.036
= −
= .
=− −
(48.8000 ) 3. Air humidity
=− (0.30 − 0.45) From figure 12-3 (CHE HB 8th edition), for air at 150°F and 10% RH
(2 1 ) 2.05
∙ℎ = 0.016
= .
 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 40 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 41
DRYING DRYING

4. Air wet bulb temperature

From figure 12-3 (CHE HB 8th edition), for air at 150°F and 10% RH PROBLEM # 15.
= 89.1°
In a pilot process, mashed potatoes are dried in pans ½ inch deep which are insulated on
5. Air saturation humidity at wet bulb temperature of 89.1°F the bottom. Drying air is at 180°F with a 10% relative humidity. Drying from an initial
From figure 19.2 (Unit Operations of CHE, 7th edition, McCabe, et. al) moisture content of 0.15 lb/lb dry solid requires 6 hours. All drying is in the falling rate
period and is diffusion controlled. The equilibrium moisture content is 0.1 lb/lb dry solid
= 0.031 when in contact with air at this temperature and humidity. Bulk density of the product is
0.75 g/cc.
6. Specific volume of dry air
In the plant process, the potatoes are to be dried from the same initial moisture content as
From figure 19.2 (Unit Operations of CHE, 7th edition, McCabe, et. al) at 150°F in the pilot process to a final moisture content of 0.25 lb/lb dry solid. The process will take
= 15.3 place in a pan dryer with pans 2-in deep but with perforated metal bottoms so that drying
occurs from both faces. If the drying air conditions are controlled to duplicate those in the
pilot dryer, what drying time will be required?
7. Humid volume of air
∙ Source: Principles of Unit Operations by Foust, et.al
0.016 0.7302 (610° )
∙°
= 15.3 + SOLUTION:
(1 ) 18
For the pilot process: assume pan cross sectional area of 1 ft2
= 15.6959
1. Volume of dry solid

8. Mass velocity of air = = (1 ) 0.5 = 0.0417

12
60
600 (1 + 0.016)
= ℎ = 2,330.2855
∙ℎ 2. Mass of dry solid
15.6959
62.43
= 0.75 (0.0417 ) = 1.9509
9. Drying time
. (
− = 0.00302 − )
3. Constant drying rate for falling rate period (FRP)
.
− = 0.00302 (2,330.2855) (0.031 − 0.016) ( − ) −
=
−
− = 4.0382
(1.9509 )(0.60 − 0.10) 0.60 − 0.10
= − = ln
= (1 )(6 ℎ) 0.15 − 0.10

− = 4.0382 = 0.3743
∙ℎ

.
−1
=
4.0382 .
0.01
= −0.2476 ln
0.8
= .
 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 42 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 43
DRYING DRYING

For the plant process: assume same pan cross-sectional area of 1 ft2
4. Volume of dry solid PROBLEM # 16.
= = (1 ) 2 = 0.1667
12 Under a constant drying condition a dryer produces 1,080 kilos of 8% wet from a 50% wet
material in 6 hours. The critical moisture content of this material is 16%. In the market,
5. Mass of dry solid this product could be sold under 2 classes as follows:
62.43
= 0.75 (0.1667 ) = 7.8038 Grade Moisture Content Price/kg
I 9% 20 cents
II 5% 23 cents
6. Required drying time for falling rate period (FRP)
( − ) −
= The plant must operate on a continuous 24 hours basis and spends PhP 80 daily for heat,
− power, labor, fixed charges, etc. if the raw material usually arrives at an average of 50%
Since drying will occur on both sides, therefore, A must be multiplied by 2 moisture content and costs PhP 0.12 per kilo received, which grade will you produce? (%
are in dry basis). Do not assume any change in the construction and operating conditions,
(7.8038 )(0.60 − 0.10) except the rate of feed.
0.60 − 0.10
= ln
(2 1 ) 0.3743 0.25 − 0.10
∙ℎ SOLUTION:
= .
1. Constant drying rate
Since final moisture content is lower than critical moisture and initial moisture is higher
than critical moisture, therefore drying is combined constant rate and falling rate
= +
For CRP:
=− ( − )

For FRP:
( − ) −
=
−

Assume Xe = 0
= ln

=− ( − )+ ln

= − + ln

= − + ln

8 100
= 1,080 = 1,000
(100 + 8) 8
 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 44 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 45
DRYING DRYING

1,000 0.16 For Grade II product

= 0.50 − 0.16 + 0.16 ln
6ℎ 0.08 8. Over-all drying time
= 75.1506 =− ( − )+ ln
ℎ

For Grade I product = − + ln

2. Over-all drying time 1,000 0.16
= 0.50 − 0.16 + 0.16 ln = 7.0001 ℎ
=− ( − )+ ln 0.05
75.1506
ℎ

= − + ln
9. Wet product daily production
1,000 0.16 (100 + 5) 1 ℎ 24 ℎ
= 0.50 − 0.16 + 0.16 ln = 5.7492 ℎ = 1,000 = 3,599.6583
0.09 ℎ 100 7.0001 ℎ
75.1506
ℎ
10. Total Sales
3. Wet product daily production ℎ 0.23 ℎ 827.92
(100 + 9) 1 ℎ 24 ℎ = 3,599.6583 =
= 1,000 = 4,550.1983
ℎ 100 5.7492 ℎ
11. Raw materials required daily
4. Total Sales = (1 − )
ℎ 0.20 ℎ 910.04
= 4,550.1983 = =
1+
1
= 1− =
5. Raw materials required daily 1+ 1+
= (1 − )
= (1,000 )(1 + 0.50)
=
1+ 1 ℎ 24 ℎ
1 = 1,500 = 5,142.7837
= 1− = ℎ 7.0001 ℎ
1+ 1+

= (1,000 )(1 + 0.50) 12. Cost of raw material

ℎ 0.12 ℎ 617.13
1 ℎ 24 ℎ = 5,142.7837 =
= 1,500 = 6,261.7408
ℎ 5.7492 ℎ
13. Revenue
6. Cost of raw material = −( + )
ℎ 0.12 ℎ 751.41 ℎ 827.92 ℎ 617.13 ℎ 80
= 6,261.7408 = = − +

= ℎ 130.79
7. Revenue
= −( + )
ℎ 910.04 ℎ 751.41 ℎ 80 THEREFORE, IT IS MORE ECONOMICAL TO PRODUCE THE GRADE II PRODUCT
= − +

= ℎ 78.63
 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 46 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 47
DRYING DRYING

7. Volume of soap flakes produced per batch

PROBLEM # 17. 40
A 25% solution of a certain soap is fed at 175°F to a double drum dryer (2 ft diameter by 4 = ℎ = 0.6105
1.05 62.4 ℎ
ft long) being heated by steam at 40 psig. The drums are rotated at 5 rpm. In 30 minutes,
20 lb of product (2% moisture) was obtained. Calculate: (a) capacity of dryer, in lb water
evaporated per sq ft drum area per hour; (b) if the specific gravity of the product was 1.05, 8. Thickness of soap flakes
how thick was the soap flakes produced; (c) estimate the steam consumption per hour; (d)
calculate the over-all heat transfer coefficient for this dryer. 0.6105
= = ℎ
5 60
50.2655
SOLUTION: ℎ
1. Lb of product produced per hour = .
20
= = 40 9. Steam requirement
0.50 ℎ ℎ
Assume that the steam requirement is the amount needed to evaporate water from soap
2. Lb dry solid produced per hour and water is removed at 212°F
2 98
= 40 = 39.2
ℎ 100 2 ℎ = ( − )+

212° = 970.3
3. Lb feed required per hour
(1 − ) = 1 − = 116.8 1 (212 − 175)° + 970.3
ℎ ∙°
(1 − 0.02) 40
ℎ = 117,652.64
= = 156.8 ℎ
0.25 ℎ

4. Water removed per hour For the steam

= + ℇ =
ℇ = 156.8 − 40 = 116.8
ℎ 40 = 920.2063

5. Dryer surface area per revolution 117,652.64

= ℎ
=2 = 2 (2 )(4 ) = 50.2655 920.2063

= .
6. Dryer capacity
ℇ
= 10. Over-all heat transfer coefficient
= ( − )
116.8 40 = 286.61°
= ℎ
50.2655
117,652.64
= ℎ
= . (50.2655 )(286.61 − 212)°
∙
= .
∙ ∙°
 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 48 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 49
DRYING DRYING

(1,000 − 150) − (244.1827 − 150)

∆ = = 343.5533°
PROBLEM # 18. 1,000 − 150
ln
Flourspar (CaF2) is to be dried from 6 to 0.4 percent moisture (dry basis) in a counter- 244.1827 − 150
current adiabatic rotary dryer at a rate of 18,000 lb/h of bone-dry solids. The heating air
7. Heat the solids from 70°F to 212°F
enters at 1,000°F with a humidity of 0.03 and a wet-bulb temperature of 150°F. The solids
= ( − )
have specific heat of 0.48 BTU/lb·°F; they enter the dryer at 70°F and leave at 200°F. The
maximum allowable mass velocity of the air is 2,000 lb/ft2·h. (a) what would be the = 18,000 0.48 (212 − 70)° = 1,226,880
ℎ ∙° ℎ
diameter and length of the dryer if Nt = 2.2? Is this a reasonable design? (c) repeat part a if
Nt = 1.8.
8. Heat water from feed from 70°F to 212°F
= ( − )
Source: Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering, 7th edition, McCabe, et.al
= 1,080 1.0 (212 − 70)° = 153,360
ℎ ∙° ℎ
SOLUTION:
Assume water is vaporized at 212°F 9. Heat to vaporize water at 212°F

1. Mass water in feed = 970.3

6
, = 18,000 = 1,080 = ℇ = 1,008 970.3 = 978,062.40
ℎ 100 ℎ ℎ

2. Mass water in product 10. Heat the solids from 212°F to 200°F
0.4 = −
, = 18,000 = 72
ℎ 100 ℎ
= 18,000 0.48 (200 − 212)° = −103,680
ℎ ∙° ℎ
3. Mass water vaporized/removed
ℇ = 1,080 − 72 = 1,008 11. Heat water from product from 212°F to 200°F
ℎ = −

4. Temperature of outlet air = 72 1.0 (200 − 212)° = −864

ℎ ∙° ℎ
Using equation 24.8 (McCabe, et al)
−
= ln 12. Heat duty of the dryer
−
= + + + +
1,000° − 150°
= .
+ 150° = 244.1827°
= 1,226,880 + 153,360 + 978,062.40 + −103,680
ℎ ℎ ℎ
5. Specific heat of air at H = 0.03 + −864
ℎ
Using figure 12-3 CH HB 8th edition
= 2,253,758.4
= 0.254 ℎ
∙°
13. Air mass flow rate
6. Logarithmic temperature difference For adiabatic condition
Using equation 24.7 (McCabe, et al) =
( − )−( − ) ( )
∆ = = , −
−
ln
−
 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 50 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 51
DRYING DRYING

2,253,758.4
= ℎ = 11,739.695 3. Air mass flow rate
0.254 (244.1827 − 1,000)° ℎ
∙° For adiabatic condition
=−
14. Cross-sectional area of dryer =− , ( − )
= −2,253,758.4
= ℎ = 12,506.1534
0.254 (290.5041 − 1,000)° ℎ
11,739.695 ∙°
= ℎ = 5.8698
2,000
∙ℎ 4. Cross-sectional area of dryer
=
15. Dryer diameter
= 12,506.1534
= ℎ = 6.2531
4
2,000
4(5.8698 ) ∙ℎ
=

= . 5. Dryer diameter
=
4
16. Length of dryer
Using equation 24.22 (McCabe, et al) 4(6.2531 )
=
.
= 0.125 ∆
2,253,758.4 = .
=
0.125 (2.7338)(2,000) . (343.5533)
= . 6. Length of dryer
Using equation 24.22 (McCabe, et al)
THIS IS LONGER THAN USUAL ROTARY DRYER DESIGN = 0.125 .
∆
2,253,758.4
=
For Nt = 1.8 0.125 (2.8216)(2,000) . (394.1644)
1. Temperature of outlet air = .
Using equation 24.8 (McCabe, et al)
−
= ln
−
1,000° − 150°
= .
+ 150° = 290.5041°

2. Logarithmic temperature difference

Using equation 24.7 (McCabe, et al)
( − )−( − )
∆ =
−
ln
−
(1,000 − 150) − (290.5041 − 150)
∆ = = 394.1644°
1,000 − 150
ln
290.5041 − 150
 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 52 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 53
DRYING DRYING

PROBLEM # 19. 7. Surface tension of water at 120°F

Calculate the mean droplet diameter for a spray dryer with a 6-in rotary atomizer turning at = 4.67 10
10,000 rpm. The feed rate is 30 lb/min at 120°F. Assume the slurry density is 70 lb/ft3 and
the surface tension is that of water. In scaling up to a larger dryer with a 12-in atomizer,
what rotation should be used to obtain the same droplet size? 8. Droplet size
. . .
Γ
= 0.4
Source: Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering, 7th edition (McCabe, et al) Γ Γ

SOLUTION: .

Γ . 0.3183
∙
Using equation 24.24 (McCabe, et.al) = = 0.0104
166.6667
61.71 (0.25 )
. . .
Γ
= 0.4 .
Γ Γ
. 3.7563 10
∙
1. Disk radius = = 0.2596
Γ 0.3183
6 ∙
= = 0.25
2 12
.
⎡ 4.67 10 ∙ ⎤
. 61.71 (1.5708 ) 32.174
2. Disk periphery ⎢ ∙ ⎥
=⎢ ⎥ = 1.6435
=2 Γ
⎢ 0.3183 ⎥
= 2 (0.25 ) = 1.5708 ⎣ ∙ ⎦

3. Spray mass rate per unit length of disk periphery = 0.4(0.0104)(0.2596)(1.6435)

0.25
Γ= 12 2.54 1
= 4.4372 10
1 1 10
30
Γ= 60 = 0.3183 = .
1.5708 ∙
9. Rotation rate for a 12-in atomizer, with the same droplet size
4. Disk speed =
1 . . .
= 10,000 = 166.6667 Γ
60 = 0.4
Γ Γ
. . . . . .
5. Density of water at 120°F Γ Γ
0.4 = 0.4
Γ Γ Γ Γ
= 61.71
For a change in diameter of disk atomizer,
, , , will remain constant
6. Viscosity of water at 120°F Γ . 1 . .
Γ . 1 . .
=
6.7197 10 Γ Γ Γ Γ
∙ . .
= 0.559 = 3.7563 10 Γ .
Γ .
∙ =
. . . .
 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SERIES 54
DRYING

. .
. .
⎡ ⎤ ⎡ ⎤
⎢ ⎥ =⎢ ⎥
. . . .
⎢ ⎥ ⎢ ⎥
⎣ ⎦ ⎣ ⎦

1 1
. . . = . . .

1 1
. . .
= . . .
(2 ) (2 )

1 1
. .
= . .

( ) =( )
.
=
.
6
= (10,000 )
12

= , .

PROBLEM # 20.

If the rate of drying under constant drying conditions with air at 140°F and absolute
humidity of 0.03 lb water per lb dry air of unknown mass of solid is given by:

= 0.5 −
ℎ∙

What is the equilibrium moisture content?

Source: CHE Board Exam Problem (May 1985)

SOLUTION:

1. Equilibrium moisture content, where R = 0

= 0.5 −
0 = 0.5 −
= 0.0116
= . %