Numerical Study toward Optimization of Spray Drying in a Novel Radial Multizone Dryer

Abstract

In this paper, an intensified spray-drying process in a novel Radial Multizone Dryer (RMD) is analyzed by means of CFD. A three-dimensional Eulerian–Lagrangian multiphase model is applied to investigate the effect of solids outlet location, relative hot/cold airflow ratio, and droplet size on heat and mass transfer characteristics, G-acceleration, residence time, and separation efficiency of the product. The results indicate that the temperature pattern in the dryer is dependent on the solids outlet location. A stable, symmetric spray behavior with maximum evaporation in the hot zone is observed when the solids outlet is placed at the periphery of the vortex chamber. The maximum product separation efficiency (85 wt %) is obtained by applying high G-acceleration (at relative hot/cold ratio of 0.75) and narrow droplet size distribution (45–70 µm). The separation of different sized particles with distinct drying times is also observed. Smaller particles (<32 µm) leave the reactor via the gas outlet, while the majority of big particles leave it via the solids outlet, thus depicting in situ particle separation. The results revealed the feasibility and benefits of a multizone drying operation and that the RMD can be an attractive solution for spray drying technology.