Generation of a surrogate compartment model for counter-current spray dryer. Fluxes and momentum modeling

This work presents the development of a reduced order compartment model for a counter-current spray dryer. The compartment model is formulated using adaptable compartments and introducing the use of correlations based on dimensionless groups. These correlations can capture the mean residence time they but are unable to reproduce the variance of the entire residence time distribution (RTD). Limitations are also observed in the evaluation of internal fluxes. The application of these correlations to a specific zone requires the inclusion the geometrical modifications in any part of the unit. A small internal modification in one geometry not only modifies a zone, but also influences the remaining regions so that the zones cannot be independently scaled-up. The methodology is complemented with an analysis of the RTD showing that most of the dispersion generated takes place in the bottom cone. (C) 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.