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Title: Steam atmosphere drying exhaust steam recompression system

Abstract

This invention relates to a heated steam atmosphere drying system comprising dryer in combination with an exhaust recompression system which is extremely energy efficient and eliminates dangers known to air dryers. The system uses superheated steam as the drying medium, which recirculates through the system where its heat of evaporation and heat of compression is recovered, thereby providing a constant source of heat to the drying chamber. The dryer has inlets whereby feedstock and superheated steam are fed therein. High heat transfer and drying rates are achieved by intimate contact of the superheated steam with the particles being dried. The dryer comprises a vessel which enables the feedstock and steam to enter and recirculate together. When the feedstock becomes dry it will exit the dryer with the steam and become separated from the steam through the use of a curvilinear louver separator (CLS). The CLS enables removal of fine and ultrafine particles from the dryer. Water vapor separated from the particles in the CLS as superheated steam, may then be recovered and recirculated as steam through the use of a compressor to either directly or indirectly heat the dryer, and a heat exchanger or a heater to directly provide heatmore » to the dryer. This system not only provides a very efficient heat transfer system but results in a minimum carry-over of ultrafine particles thereby eliminating any explosive hazard. 17 figures.

Inventors:
; ; ;
Issue Date:
OSTI Identifier:
5124269
Patent Number(s):
5291668
Application Number:
PPN: US 7-863435
Assignee:
Tecogen, Inc., Waltham, MA (United States)
DOE Contract Number:  
FC07-89ID12826
Resource Type:
Patent
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 3 Apr 1992
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION; DRYERS; HEAT RECOVERY; HEAT RECOVERY EQUIPMENT; DESIGN; ENERGY EFFICIENCY; OPERATION; PARTICULATES; EFFICIENCY; ENERGY RECOVERY; EQUIPMENT; PARTICLES; 320303* - Energy Conservation, Consumption, & Utilization- Industrial & Agricultural Processes- Equipment & Processes

Citation Formats

Becker, F E, Smolensky, L A, Doyle, E F, and DiBella, F A. Steam atmosphere drying exhaust steam recompression system. United States: N. p., 1994. Web.
Becker, F E, Smolensky, L A, Doyle, E F, & DiBella, F A. Steam atmosphere drying exhaust steam recompression system. United States.
Becker, F E, Smolensky, L A, Doyle, E F, and DiBella, F A. Tue . "Steam atmosphere drying exhaust steam recompression system". United States.
@article{osti_5124269,
title = {Steam atmosphere drying exhaust steam recompression system},
author = {Becker, F E and Smolensky, L A and Doyle, E F and DiBella, F A},
abstractNote = {This invention relates to a heated steam atmosphere drying system comprising dryer in combination with an exhaust recompression system which is extremely energy efficient and eliminates dangers known to air dryers. The system uses superheated steam as the drying medium, which recirculates through the system where its heat of evaporation and heat of compression is recovered, thereby providing a constant source of heat to the drying chamber. The dryer has inlets whereby feedstock and superheated steam are fed therein. High heat transfer and drying rates are achieved by intimate contact of the superheated steam with the particles being dried. The dryer comprises a vessel which enables the feedstock and steam to enter and recirculate together. When the feedstock becomes dry it will exit the dryer with the steam and become separated from the steam through the use of a curvilinear louver separator (CLS). The CLS enables removal of fine and ultrafine particles from the dryer. Water vapor separated from the particles in the CLS as superheated steam, may then be recovered and recirculated as steam through the use of a compressor to either directly or indirectly heat the dryer, and a heat exchanger or a heater to directly provide heat to the dryer. This system not only provides a very efficient heat transfer system but results in a minimum carry-over of ultrafine particles thereby eliminating any explosive hazard. 17 figures.},
doi = {},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {1994},
month = {3}
}

Patent:
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