Optimization of operating parameters for rubber sheet fast drying in a forced-convection rubber smoking room

Abstract

A new design of a rubber smoking room for fast drying based on conventional rubber smoking room was tested. Effects of the operating parameters for the fast drying of rubber in a forced-convection rubber smoking room were investigated. Temperature distribution, moisture content, thermal efficiency, specific fuelwood, electricity and energy consumption were evaluated for drying of 1,500 rubber sheets. The suitable operating condition from the experiment is 60°C and 12 m/s for the temperature and velocity. The rubber sheet moisture content was reduced to 0.4% db within 36 hours, i.e. 36 hours less than conventional smoke drying. The variation temperature inside the rubber smoking room was near uniform with a maximum of 8.0°C. The temperatures ranges were 38.9-64.6°C at the front plane, 40.4-65.0°C at the middle plane, and 36.7-62.9°C at the rear plane. A new rubber smoking room can save up to 49.3% in fuelwood consumption as compared to conventional rubber smoking room. Hence, the new rubber smoke drying system is capable of enhancing thermal efficiency and saving energy compared to existing rubber smoking room.