A compact fluid bed dryer with stainless steel construction, ideal for drying granules and powders efficiently.
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Fluidized Bed Dryer – Applications in Agriculture Industry

Written by ChemiplantApril 17, 2024

Fluid Bed Dryers are used to dry, wet granulated materials attained after the granulation process. The material is dried through the combination of (a) moisture diffusion from the inside of the granules and (b) the removal of moisture by forced-air convection. In this unit operation, the granulated material is fluidized by hot & dehumidified air to achieve efficient heat and mass transfer.

In agriculture, ensuring the quality and longevity of harvested crops and processed materials is of paramount importance. One innovative solution that has gained traction in this industry is the fluid bed dryer. This specialized drying equipment offers a unique and efficient approach to drying wet, granulated materials obtained after the granulation process.

Applications in the Agriculture Industry

Fluid bed dryers have found widespread applications in the agriculture industry, catering to a diverse range of products. From grains and seeds to herbs and spices, this versatile drying equipment can handle a variety of granulated materials, gently fluidizing them while accelerating the drying process without compromising their integrity.

As the agricultural sector continues to prioritize efficiency and product quality, fluid bed dryers offer a powerful solution. By embracing this innovative technology, producers can stay ahead of the curve, maximizing output while ensuring the preservation of their valuable agricultural products.

  • Grain Drying: Fluid Bed Dryers are commonly used for drying grains such as rice, wheat, corn, and barley. These dryers help reduce the moisture content of grains, preventing spoilage and ensuring longer shelf life.
  • Seed Drying: Seeds are essential agricultural products that require careful drying to maintain their viability and quality. Fluid Bed Dryers provide a gentle drying process that helps preserve the germination rate and quality of seeds.
  • Herb Drying: Similar to spices, herbs require careful drying to preserve their flavor and aroma. Fluid Bed Dryers provide an efficient drying solution for herbs, ensuring that they retain their quality.
  • Vegetable Drying: Vegetables such as onions, garlic, and peppers are often dried for use in various food products. Fluid Bed Dryers offer a gentle drying process that helps retain the nutritional value and color of vegetables.
  • Fruit Drying: Drying fruits such as bananas, apples, and mangoes helps preserve them for longer periods. Fluid Bed Dryers provide a controlled drying environment that helps maintain the flavor and texture of fruits.
  • Forage Drying: Forage crops such as hay and alfalfa are dried to reduce moisture content and prevent Mold growth. Fluid Bed Dryers offer a quick and efficient drying solution for forage crops, ensuring their quality and nutritional value.
  • Biomass and Agricultural Waste Drying: Fluid bed dryers play a crucial role in the drying of biomass materials and agricultural waste. This application encompasses the drying of crop residues, such as stalks, leaves, and husks, as well as animal manure. The efficient drying process facilitated by fluid bed dryers prepares these materials for subsequent use in energy production or composting. By reducing the moisture content, fluid bed dryers ensure that biomass and agricultural waste can be handled and stored efficiently, minimizing issues related to excessive moisture.

Conclusion:

Fluid bed dryers have become essential tools in the agriculture industry, providing an efficient and versatile drying solution for a wide range of agricultural products. From grains and seeds to herbs, spices, vegetables, and fruits, these innovative systems ensure optimal drying while preserving quality, flavour, and nutritional value. Additionally, fluid bed dryers contribute to sustainable practices by facilitating the drying of biomass materials and agricultural waste for energy production and composting. As the agricultural sector continues to prioritize efficiency and product preservation, the adoption of fluid bed dryer technology positions producers at the forefront, enabling them to meet growing demands while maximizing output and minimizing waste. This cutting-edge drying solution represents a significant stride toward a more sustainable and productive agricultural future.

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A Fluid Bed Dryer with a large tank and a mixer, used for drying and mixing substances.
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The Complete Guide to Understanding How Fluid Bed Dryers Work

Written by ChemiplantMarch 18, 2024

Fluid Bed Dryers are used to dry, wet granulated materials attained after the granulation process. The material is dried through the combination of (a) moisture diffusion from the inside of the granules and (b) the removal of moisture by forced-air convection. In this unit operation, the granulated material is fluidized by hot & dehumidified air to achieve efficient heat and mass transfer.

There are three critical inlet air parameters that affect the efficiency of the Process and the Quality of the product:

  • Temperature
  • Humidity
  • Air Flow Rate

Features:

  • Mono block construction – retarding chamber and filter bag chamber made in a single-piece construction to enhance GMP & promote hygienic cleaning.
  • Solid Flow Sensor installed to detect leaks on filter bags to avoid material loss & air contamination.
  • Intrinsically safe earthing arrangement.
  • Inlet air-filtration system with primary. secondary and 0.3 microns HEPA filters.
  • Pneumatic lifting/locking for product container with retarding chamber.
  • Fully Automatic Bag shaking.
  • Rear Chamber with heating coils and Inlet filter is to be mounted in the Technical Area (Remote Area) 
  • Blower/Motor to be mounted in the Technical Area (Remote Area)
  • Inlet & Outlet dampers with pneumatic control valves.
  • PLC-based control panels with Time vs. temperature, Control Batch Programming & batch data printouts.

Working Principles:

Fluid Bed Dryer is a batch operation in which the moist material is converted to a free-flowing fluidized state by means of an upward-flowing hot air stream. During this process, the entire surface of each particle is surrounded by hot air thus achieving a homogeneous distribution of temperature & thereby a rapid drying operation.

The air is drawn through a blower fan from outside & passed through 3 stages of filtration (pre, fine & HEPA) & heated with the help of steam coils & or electric heaters. The air then flows upwards through the material Inside the product container & absorbs the moisture from the material.

The filter bag assembly mounted above the container & retarding chamber keeps the material caught up in the flow of air which subsequently fall back into the container, by means of the outlet air damper as installed in the outlet duct.

The drying time depends on various factors such as physical properties of raw material, initial moisture content, type of moisture (free or inherent of water of crystallization) & the drying temperature.

Accessories:

  • Retarding Chamber:

During the FBD operation, there is a tendency of generation of static electricity due to the agitation of material and the presence of steam & dust. However, the same is variable in quantity depending upon the material air velocity & the degree of dryness of the product. The retarding chamber is provided to settle the heavier particles in the product container. Also, outside the retarding chamber antistatic probe assembly is provided to absorb static electricity and to discharge the same to the earthling cable.

  • Filter Bag & Sealing:

The filter bag is sealed with the help of an inflatable gasket held inside a SS ring which is inserted into the lower end of the filter bag & sandwiched between the retarding chamber & the filter housing The gasket material can be Silicon, Neoprene, or EPDM Food Grade rubbers. The basic function of the sealing is to prevent the product from escaping into the outlet air.

  • Filter Bag Shaking Device:

The device is used for the removal of fine particles from the Filter Bag & thereby avoiding pressure drops across the filter. It consists of a wire rope & pulleys wherein one end of the wire rope is attached to a handle and the other end to the filter bag hanger. The filter hanger is held in place by the handle stopper & whenever the handle is released, jacked up & down the filter bag is compressed & stretched alternately. This operation can also be automated by means of a pneumatic cylinder.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, fluid bed dryers are crucial for drying wet granulated materials efficiently. They operate by fluidizing the material with hot, dehumidified air, allowing for effective heat and mass transfer. The key parameters affecting the process efficiency and product quality include temperature, humidity, and airflow rate. The design features of fluid bed dryers, such as mono block construction, solid flow sensor, and inlet air-filtration system, enhance their performance and hygiene. The working principle involves converting moist material into a free-flowing fluidized state using an upward-flowing hot air stream. Accessories like the retarding chamber, filter bag & sealing, and filter bag shaking device further optimize the drying process and ensure product quality. Overall, fluid bed dryers are essential in various industries for their rapid and efficient drying capabilities.

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