How a conduction dryer works and how to select one — Part I
A conduction dryer can handle a heat-sensitive material, control your drying process atmosphere to ensure final product quality, or use a waste-heat source to cut drying energy costs. Read this two-part article to see if a conduction dryer can suit your application. Part I discusses classifying drying methods, understanding how a conduction dryer works, and comparing batch conduction dryers. Part II, which will appear in the October 1997 issue, covers comparing continuous conduction dryers, selecting a conduction dryer, and running dryer tests.
A dryer uses much more energy than most other bulk material processing equipment. One dryer that can save energy and enhance your plant's productivity is a conduction dryer. A look at how conduction compares with other drying methods is the first step in understanding how such a dryer works and whether it's right for your drying needs.