Experimental and numerical analysis of drying of particles in superheated steam

This work focused on high-temperature convective drying (superheated steam drying). The process was investigated both experimentally and numerically. The experimental analysis was carried out in an aerodynamic return-flow wind tunnel with very small cylinders of cellular concrete. For local analysis the samples were fitted with thermocouples and pressure sensors. The mean moisture content of the cylinders was measured by simple weighing while the temperature and pressure readings were being taken. Global and local analyses of heat and mass transfer in small cylinders in superheated steam were carried out. The systematic study for several sizes and aerothermal conditions shows a similar behavior of all samples for moisture content, pressure, and temperature. A numerical model for high-temperature drying, using the finite elements method in a two-dimensional configuration, was implemented and validated.