Once you have addressed the five most important process parameters and adjustments, how do you know if the dryer has improved?

Quantifying the improvements will come from baseline measurements with a heat and mass balance of the system compared to final adjusted conditions. When generating a heat-and-mass balance, a baseline set of data should be collected before making any changes to your system. The data should include all of the information collected as you reviewed:

• Conveyor bed loading.
• Product depth.
• Airflow uniformity.
• Air temperature.
• Exhaust airflow.

The data constitutes the building blocks for a thorough dryer evaluation. Along with that data should be a moisture uniformity analysis of the discharged product. Finally, it is helpful to have energy consumption data via steam or gas flow meters, if installed.

Related Article: Conveyor Dryer Optimization

Joe Tordella is the manager of field engineering with Buhler Aeroglide, Cary, N.C., a manufacturer of dryers, ovens, roasters, toasters and coolers. To learn more from Buhler Aeroglide, call (919) 851-2000 or visit www.buhlergroup.com.