Output details

A one-dimensional plug-flow model of a counter-current spray drying tower

Spray drying is extensively used for manufacturing a variety of particulate products. This is an energy intensive process, often operated inefficiently. The design and process optimisation rely heavily on previous operating experience and expensive, time consuming pilot-plant trials. A rigorous spray drying model has been developed and applied to the P&G pilot-plant, Newcastle (Contact: ahmadian.h@pg.com), enabling engineers to optimally "step change" the process for energy efficiency. Building on this work, a more robust design tool is being developed for commercialisation by coupling the drying model with CFD in collaboration with P&G, Novozymes and Process Systems Enterprise through TSB funding (RE:101332).