Fluidized Bed Dryers - Types and Advantages

Fluidized bed dryers (also known as fluid bed dryers) are a type of equipment that is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry to reduce the moisture content of pharmaceutical powders and granules. The device operates on the principle of fluidization of the materials being fed into it.

A perforated bed of moist solid particulates is used in the fluidization process, and hot air is delivered at high pressure through it. In this process, the moist solids are lifted from the bottom and suspended in an airstream (fluidized state). Direct contact between the moist solid and the hot gases results in heat transfer. The drying gases pick up the evaporated liquid and carry it away.

 

Fluidized-Bed Dryers Configurations

 

There are many different varieties of fluid bed dryer processors, and being knowledgeable with the specific characteristics of each type allows one to make a rational and cost-effective decision when selecting a fluidized bed dryer for a particular drying process.

In many cases, several distinct varieties may be available at the same price that provides equivalent performance. Note that not all modified fluidized bed dryers are inherently superior to the traditional ones, whether in terms of product quality or energy efficiency, or in terms of the ability to produce high-quality drugs.

 

1.           Conventional Fluidized Bed Dryers

 

The following are examples of conventional fluidized bed dryers:

a.                Conventional fluidized bed dryers include;

b.               Batch fluidized bed dryers.

c.                Semi-continuous fluidized bed dryers.

d.               Well-mixed, continuous fluidized dryers.

e.                Plug flow fluidized bed dryer.

 

2.           Fluidized Bed Dryers with Modifications

 

Various types of modified fluidized bed dryers have been developed by fluid bed dryer manufacturers and are being used in a wide range of industrial processes to overcome some of the issues that have been experienced when utilizing standard fluidized bed dryers for a drying process in the past. They include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

a.                Hybrid fluidized bed dryers

b.               Pulsating fluidized bed dryers

c.                Mechanically assisted fluidized bed dryer.

d.               Fluidized bed dryers of inert particles.

e.                Spouted bed dryer.

f.                 Recirculating fluidized bed dryer.

g.                Fluidized-bed freeze dryer.

h.               Heat pump fluidized dryers.

 

In terms of product quality, energy efficiency, and drying performance, it should be emphasized that not all modified fluidized bed dryers outperform conventional fluid bed dryer machine.

 

The Benefits of Fluidized-Bed Dryers

1.      Due to the high gas-particle constant, which results in high heat and mass transfer rates, high rates of moisture removal can be achieved.

2.      In most cases, the high thermal efficiency can be attained by utilizing the internal heat exchanger to provide some of the thermal energy.

3.      Reduced investment and operating expenses

4.      Decreased contact time required for drying

5.    Ease of use

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

How to Choose the Right Fluid Bed Processor for Your Needs

The Functions of the Water Maze, Fluid Bed Dryer, & Plethysmometer in Research

In-Depth Guide to Ball Mill Machine, Tablet Coater, & Double Cone Blender in Manufacturing