Determination and modelling of the particle size dependent residence time distribution in a pilot plant spray dryer

Abstract

The residence time distribution (RTD) in a pilot plant spray dryer was characterised for two kinds of air distributors (centrifugal and parallel flow) and for different atomizing air pressures. To determine the RTD - and the RTD of different particle size fractions - the particle concentration and size at the dryer outlet was measured continuously using a particle counter. Results were modelled using the Bodenstein number and the CSTR in series model. An increasing nozzle pressure leads to a decrease in mean residence time and a more narrow distribution. The influence of nozzle pressure is more pronounced than of air distributor and particle size fraction. Keywords: Residence time distribution; Particle size; Bodenstein number modelling; Nozzle influence; Mechanism of air distribution