Principles of Rotary Drying

The directly heated rotary dryer operates on the principle of lifting and
showering the product through a hot gas stream moving either in
parallel or counter-flow whereas with the indirect dryer, which is more
suited to fine and dusty materials, there is little or no contact between
the product and the drying gases since they are heated from the
outside, via a stationary jacket fitted with either multiple burners or
other external heat source.

The efficiency of the dryer is largely dependant on the differential

between the inlet and exhaust gas temperatures, although the heat
transfer rate is also influenced by the relationship between the design
of flights and the speed of rotation. However, irrespective of the gas
and material temperatures the drying (or residence) time may be
critical, as this is governed by the rate of diffusion of water from the
core to the surface of the material.

For greater thermal efficiency and where inertization is required,

recycling of exhaust gases can be used. This can be implemented on
all our airstream drying systems and retrofitted on customer's existing
drying operations.

For special applications, the rotary cascade design is adapted to

provide a shortfall, or 'Cruciform', lifter configuration.

Similarly, Rotary Cascade Coolers and Combined Dryer/Coolers are

available as required.

Features of the Rotary Drying

Robust construction with various lifter options

Can be co-current or counter-current

Permits use of higher drying temperatures

Relatively long residence time

Drum provides dispersion as material is

conveyed along the length

Can be designed for open circuit, partial gas

recycle and SSD
Benefits of Rotary Drying

Combines flexibility with reliability resulting in

a long service life. The rotary is also suitable for
operation with a wide range of materials & particle

sizes and can more readily accommodate 'upset'

up-stream process conditions

Co-current is suitable for materials with

relatively high moistures and provides rapid
evaporation without overheating the product.
Counter-current has the greatest thermal gradient
and helps achieve low product moistures

Reduces equipment size and the associated

capital and operating costs

Promotes diffusion drying

Relatively low fan power and low headroom

Enables energy savings and system

integration