Modification of fountain bed dryer for sawdust drying for fuel pellets production

Abstract

This article presents the results of research works obtained during the drying process of sawdust/pine shavings in a fountain dryer designed and adapted for drying various types of materials with different morphology. Before the drying process, tests were carried out to determine the main parameters of the fountain dryer for drying sawdust and pine shavings. The principles of operation of a fountain dryer are described and discussed. The characteristics of the wooden by-product resulting from sawing are also presented, specifying parameters such as calorific value, ash content, chemical composition, grain composition and specific surface of sawdust. The drying curves and the emission of volatile organic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were determined at the temperatures of 100, 125, 150, and 175 °C, respectively. Pellets were made of the sawdust material dried in the designed fountain dryer and its functional properties, i.e., physical and bulk density, kinetic strength and composition of exhaust gases obtained after combustion, were determined.