Minimização entrópica aplicada a secadores rotativos.

Abstract

The search for optimized and profitable processes is constant in the industrial sector. The use of a classical approach, based on mass, heat and motion transfers, is usually the option used to perform systems analysis, but in recent years, in addition to usual concepts, the use of thermodynamic concepts, fluid mechanics and techniques of thermodynamic process optimization are also being used in order to determine optimal parameters for system operation. This tool has been explored known as Entropy Generation Rate Minimization (MGE). Its use has shown good optimization results when applied to reactive and non-reactive systems. The industrial plants that have the drying process have tried to make it a more profitable operation since this operation consists of high energy consumption and consequently high operating cost. The work in question is the application of the MGE methodology in a grain drying system using rotary dryers. The application resulted in a temperature profile curve with less pronounced behavior when compared to the usual profile determined from the energy balance. The profile obtained with the use of MGE may lead to a lower energy cost in the drying process. Moreover, the use of the method in the design calculations of rotary dryers in the drying of corn kernels can lead to equipment with more economic dimensions, with reduced length without interference in the efficiency of the process.