MACEDO, Rafael Feliciano de.
Resumo:
The present work deals with the theoretical and experimental study of the drying process of bentonita clay in an industrial continuous rotary dryer. Experimental tests were performed in the field, where it was possible to collect and measure geometric parameters of the dryer, mass flow, air and material temperature. It was proposed a mathematical model to be used for the analysis of the idealized and real theoretical global efficiency of the rotary dryer. Theoretical results of moisture content, air temperature and material at the dryer outlet, besides the overall equipment efficiency under various drying conditions were presented and analyzed. It was verified that the real simulation model showed that the rotary dryer when operated in certain ambient conditions in the installation plant has efficiency and adequate performance as suggested by the literature. Parameters such as residence time, speed of rotation and air velocity when handled properly, better results can be obtained in the drying of the bentonita clay product in order to reduce fuel consumption. In addition to the parameter tests, as future studies, the determination of drying kinetics and sorption curves of the clay are of essential importance to ensure the specification of the final moisture content of the product.
