The Uniformity of Distribution of Moisture in Drying Beds of Loose Fibers

Abstract

A previously developed model has been used to predict moisture distributions in beds of polyester fiber after drying for a given period of time. Drying conditions are varied by altering air velocity and by inserting perforated plates into the beds. The accuracy of the model in predicting moisture distributions is shown to vary with alteration of air velocity and the number of perforated plates inserted. Various types of perforated plate and arrangements of plates within the bed are studied. Explanations of the drying behavior in terms of bed inhomogeneity appear to be confirmed by the experiments. The work indicates the conditions under which drying of loose fiber beds is most efficient and in closest agreement with the theoretical model.