An Excel VBA‐based educational module for simulation and energy optimization of spray drying process

Abstract

AbstractThe spray drying processes are widely used in chemical, ceramic, food, and pharmaceutical industries to produce both high‐volume and high‐value particulate products. Therefore, it is important to include a topic covering the spray drying process in the undergraduate curriculum of chemical and materials engineering students. In this article, we describe an Excel Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)‐based educational module developed to assist students in learning the spray drying process. The module consists of two Excel files with VBA macro programs and teaching materials. The module focuses on the design of spray drying process conditions to produce the particulate product with desired moisture content at required production rate while satisfying the process restrictions on the inlet slurry concentration and the exhaust air temperature. Students are also asked to carry out the energy performance analysis of spray dryer equipped with an air‐to‐air heat exchanger that recovers the exhaust air heat to preheat the drying air. Using this module, students will enhance their theoretical and practical knowledge in drying processes, and gain analytical skills in drying process energy optimization.