A novel approach for modeling and simulation of vibrating fluidized bed dryers: Industrial scale case study

Abstract

Vibrating fluidized bed dryers offer numerous advantages in comparison to conventional fluidized bed dryers, while complex phenomena that occur during this process pose a challenge in modeling and simulation of the process. Thus, a novel, Aspen Plus-based approach was developed and validated with data on industrial drying of aluminium-trihydrate particles. Novelty of the proposed approach consists of custom flowsheet configuration, taking into account both fluidization and drying effects, combined with modified mathematical models for vibrating fluidized bed processes. For validation purposes, solids moisture content profile along the dryer, as well as particle size distributions at dryer outlets were considered, in order to validate drying and fluidization specifications, respectively, and both are in good agreement with experimental data. Obtained simulation model was further used for determination of possible routes for process optimization, where energy consumption reduction of 28% can be achieved by reducing air flow rate in second drying section.