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Tray Drier

Instruction Manual
UOP8-MKII

ISSUE 3

May 2014
Table of Contents
Copyright and Trademarks ...................................................................................... 1

General Overview ....................................................................................................... 2

Equipment Diagrams................................................................................................... 3

Important Safety Information....................................................................................... 5

Introduction.............................................................................................................. 5

Electrical Safety....................................................................................................... 5

Heavy Equipment .................................................................................................... 5

Hot Surfaces............................................................................................................ 6

Moving or Rotating Components ............................................................................. 6

Water Borne Hazards .............................................................................................. 6

Description .................................................................................................................. 8

Overview.................................................................................................................. 8

Equipment Duct ....................................................................................................... 9

Control Box.............................................................................................................. 9

Axial Fan.................................................................................................................. 9

Pre-heater.............................................................................................................. 10

Air Velocity Sensor ................................................................................................ 10

Load Cells.............................................................................................................. 11

Temperature / Relative Humidity Sensor............................................................... 12

Data Logger/Equipment Controller and Software.................................................. 12

Installation ................................................................................................................. 13

Advisory................................................................................................................. 13

Electrical Supply .................................................................................................... 13

Installing the PC Software ..................................................................................... 13

Installing the Equipment ........................................................................................ 14

Commissioning ...................................................................................................... 14

Operation .................................................................................................................. 17

Operating the PC Software.................................................................................... 17

Operating the Equipment....................................................................................... 18

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Table of Contents

Equipment Specifications.......................................................................................... 20

Overall Dimensions ............................................................................................... 20

Equipment Location............................................................................................... 20

Electromagnetic Compatibility ............................................................................... 20

Environmental Conditions...................................................................................... 20

Routine Maintenance ................................................................................................ 21

Responsibility ........................................................................................................ 21

General.................................................................................................................. 21

Adjustment of heater power................................................................................... 21

Calibration of Relative Humidity Sensors .............................................................. 21

Calibration of Temperature and Air Flow Sensors................................................. 22

Calibration of the load cells ................................................................................... 22

Cleaning Procedure............................................................................................... 22

Laboratory Teaching Exercises................................................................................. 23

Index to Exercises ................................................................................................. 23

Air velocity and air temperature curve ................................................................... 23

Psychrometric Chart .............................................................................................. 24

Exercise A ................................................................................................................. 25

Exercise B ................................................................................................................. 30

Exercise C................................................................................................................. 35

Exercise D................................................................................................................. 41

Contact Details for Further Information ..................................................................... 47

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Disclaimer
This document and all the information contained within it is proprietary to Armfield
Limited. This document must not be used for any purpose other than that for which it
is supplied and its contents must not be reproduced, modified, adapted, published,
translated or disclosed to any third party, in whole or in part, without the prior written
permission of Armfield Limited.

Should you have any queries or comments, please contact the Armfield Customer
Support helpdesk (Monday to Thursday: 0830 - 1730 and Friday: 0830 - 1300 UK
time). Contact details are as follows:

United Kingdom International

(0) 1425 478781 +44 (0) 1425 478781


(calls charged at local rate) (international rates apply)

Email: support@armfield.co.uk

Fax: +44 (0) 1425 470916

Copyright and Trademarks


Copyright © 2014 Armfield Limited. All rights reserved.

Any technical documentation made available by Armfield Limited is the copyright


work of Armfield Limited and wholly owned by Armfield Limited.

Brands and product names mentioned in this manual may be trademarks or


registered trademarks of their respective companies and are hereby acknowledged.

1
General Overview
A large number of manufacturing processes require the drying of a product or
material. The type of equipment used in these industrial operations depends on the
particular process and characteristics of the material being dried. For example, the
value of many food products is high and so is the requirements for its processing are
more stringent than for agricultural fertiliser materials. The design of driers for these
purposes will be dictated by the relative importance of such factors as heat
sensitivity, porosity, bulk density and particle size of the dried material. In fact, since
the dried solid is generally a valuable product, its shape, colour, stability, stickiness
and hence its overall saleability, all depend upon the drying processes to which it has
been subjected.

Although there are many different types and operating characteristics of industrial
driers, the Armfield Tray Drier MKII has been designed to provide an experimental
facility based on one of the most fundamental designs. Tray drying is essentially a
semi-batch operation with stationary product and a continuous airflow. Batch
operations are expensive as they are labour intensive and the operation scale is
typically small.

Drying involves the transfer of liquid from a wet solid to an unsaturated gas phase
such as air, and the solid itself can exert a considerable influence on the drying
process. The Armfield Tray Drier UOP8 MKII enables the basic principles of drying to
be investigated and students may examine the problems of fluid mechanics, surface
chemistry, solid structure as well as heat and mass transfer associated with general
drying behaviour.

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Equipment Diagrams

Figure 1: UOP8 MKII Tray Drier

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Armfield Instruction Manual

Figure 2: Section of UOP8 MKII

4
Important Safety Information
Introduction
All practical work areas and laboratories should be covered by local safety
regulations which must be followed at all times.

It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that all users are made aware of
relevant local regulations, and that the apparatus is operated in accordance with
those regulations. If requested then Armfield can supply a typical set of standard
laboratory safety rules, but these are guidelines only and should be modified as
required. Supervision of users should be provided whenever appropriate.

Your Tray Drying Unit UOP8-MKII has been designed to be safe in use when
installed, operated and maintained in accordance with the instructions in this manual.
As with any piece of sophisticated equipment, dangers exist if the equipment is
misused, mishandled or badly maintained.

Electrical Safety
The equipment described in this Instruction Manual operates from a mains voltage
electrical supply. It must be connected to a supply of the same frequency and voltage
as marked on the equipment or the mains lead. If in doubt, consult a qualified
electrician or contact Armfield.

The equipment must not be operated with any of the panels removed.

To give increased operator protection, the unit incorporates a Residual Current


Device (RCD), alternatively called an Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker, as an integral
part of this equipment. If through misuse or accident the equipment becomes
electrically dangerous, the RCD will switch off the electrical supply and reduce the
severity of any electric shock received by an operator to a level which, under normal
circumstances, will not cause injury to that person.

At least once each month, check that the RCD is operating correctly by pressing the
TEST button. The circuit breaker MUST trip when the button is pressed. Failure to
trip means that the operator is not protected and the equipment must be checked and
repaired by a competent electrician before it is used.

Heavy Equipment
This apparatus is heavy.

 The apparatus should be placed in a location that is sufficiently strong to


support its weight, as described in the Installation section of the manual.

 Where manual lifting is necessary, two or more people may be required for
safety, and all should be made aware of safe lifting techniques to avoid
strained backs, crushed toes, and similar injuries.

 Safety shoes and/or gloves should be worn when appropriate.

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Armfield Instruction Manual

Hot Surfaces
This apparatus is capable of producing temperatures that could cause burns /
serious burns.

 Allow time for the equipment to cool before handling any of the components.

 Do not touch any surfaces with a ‘Hot Surfaces’ warning label.

 Do not allow the apparatus to come into contact with flammable materials or
liquids.

 Do not cover or store the equipment until it has cooled.

 Any safety guards are there for operator protection- they must not be
removed except as described in this manual, and nothing should be inserted
through the guards.

 Always operate the apparatus according to the Operational Procedures


described in this manual.

 The apparatus should not be left unattended while switched on.

Moving or Rotating Components


This apparatus has a rotating fan.

 Do not remove any protective guards while the equipment is in operation.

 When operating the apparatus ensure that long hair is tied back out of the
way, and that clothing and jewelry cannot come into contact with any moving
parts. Dangling items such as necklaces or neckties must be removed or
secured so that they cannot become entangled in the equipment.

 Do not touch any moving components while the apparatus is in use, or insert
any item into any moving or rotating section of the equipment, unless
specifically instructed to do so in the Operational or Experimental sections of
this manual.

 Ensure that the apparatus is switched off and that all moving parts have come
to rest before handling the equipment, except as described in the Operational
Procedures section of this manual.

Water Borne Hazards


The equipment described in this instruction manual involves the use of water, which
under certain conditions can create a health hazard due to infection by harmful
micro-organisms.

For example, the microscopic bacterium called Legionella pneumophila will feed on
any scale, rust, algae or sludge in water and will breed rapidly if the temperature of
water is between 20 and 45°C. Any water containing this bacterium which is sprayed
or splashed creating air-borne droplets can produce a form of pneumonia called
Legionnaires Disease which is potentially fatal.

Legionella is not the only harmful micro-organism which can infect water, but it
serves as a useful example of the need for cleanliness.

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Important Safety Information

Under the COSHH regulations, the following precautions must be observed:

 Any water contained within the product must not be allowed to stagnate, ie.
the water must be changed regularly.

 Any rust, sludge, scale or algae on which micro-organisms can feed must be
removed regularly, i.e. the equipment must be cleaned regularly.

 Where practicable the water should be maintained at a temperature below


20°C. If this is not practicable then the water should be disinfected if it is safe
and appropriate to do so. Note that other hazards may exist in the handling of
biocides used to disinfect the water.

 A scheme should be prepared for preventing or controlling the risk


incorporating all of the actions listed above.

Further details on preventing infection are contained in the publication “The Control
of Legionellosis including Legionnaires Disease” - Health and Safety Series booklet
HS (G) 70.

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Description
Where necessary, refer to the drawings in the Equipment Diagrams section.

Overview
The UOP8MK-II comprises a square section air duct fabricated from stainless steel
with variable speed fan, and removable trays for solids drying. Air is drawn into the
duct by an electronic motor driven axial fan impeller (9). The air flow velocity can be
manipulated through a combination of motor speed variation and use of an
adjustable louvre (3). Air flow velocities between 0.4 m/s to 2.75 m/s can be achieved
at the duct inlet and air velocities up to 3 m/s over the trays. These results are a
combination of fan speed and louvre position (See Air velocity and temperature curve
for further information).The air entering the duct passes over an electric heating
element (6) to heat the air to temperatures up to 80°C at low air velocity. The
temperature of the air can be easily controlled through a PID controller built into the
UOP8 MKII Armsoft® software which varies the electrical supply to the heating
element.

Note: The heating element is conditioned to work only when the minimum velocity at
the duct’s inlet is achieved. This is at an approximate air flow of 0.38 m/s.

The heated air passes through a baffle that straightens the flow of air and minimises
buoyancy effects then passes over a combined humidity and temperature sensor
before passing over the drying trays.

There are three, removable trays that can be loaded with material for drying in the
central section of the duct. The trays are loaded into the duct on a support frame (12)
so that air can freely pass over the drying material in the trays. The support frame
sits on three load cells (11) which are used to determine the change in weight of the
material as it dries. The trays are inserted and removed from the duct through a
latched side door (2). This side door is an acrylic panel to allow visual inspection of
the drying trays. Feet (4) on the bottom of the duct can be adjusted to ensure the
duct is level.

After passing over the drying trays, the air is discharged to atmosphere through an
outlet duct section. The air flow rate is determined using an air velocity transmitter
(5) which is located at the air inlet.

A mesh screen (10) downstream of the heater and a screen (8) downstream of the
working section before the fan prevent accidental contact with the heater or fan.

Air (dry bulb) temperature and relative humidity are continuously measured at two
points (7); before and after the trays. The wet bulb temperature can be calculated
from Equation 1 or can be found on the Psychrometric Chart in the Laboratory
Teaching Exercises.

Equation 1

Cooling fans in the electrical compartment will operate to minimise rise in the
components during operation.

The equipment needs to be connected to a suitable PC (not included) to allow


remote control and data acquisition with the UOP8 MKII Armsoft® software.

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Description

Equipment Duct
The main duct is a 337mm x 296mm x 1160mm stainless steel welded, internally
insulated, rectangular channel with locking side door (2). All instrumentation and
equipment are installed inside the duct. The cross-sectional dimension of the central
duct section, where the drying trays are positioned, is 328mm x 177mm. With three
drying trays each with cross-sectional dimensions of 254mm x 9.5mm (when fully
loaded), the hydraulic diameter of the drying section is 175mm, using equation 2 to
determine hydraulic diameter. The cross-sectional area of the channel over the trays,
when the drying trays are fully loaded is 0.051m2.

Equation 2

Control Box
The control box is located beneath the central duct assembly. The On/Off power
switch for the whole unit is accessible from the front side of the unit. The USB socket
for connection to a PC is located at the rear of the unit.

The signals accessible via the USB interface include the fan speed control, heater,
power control, air velocity display, temperature sensor displays, relative humidity
sensor display and weight display.

Axial Fan
The axial fan is located downstream of the trays and pulls air through the duct. The
air flow velocity can be manipulated through a combination of motor speed variation
and use of an adjustable louvre (3). The position of the louvre is adjusted by rotating
the knob on the side of the louvre to give coarse adjustment of the air flow. The fan
speed can then be adjusted to make fine changes in air velocity.

Fan assembly

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Armfield Instruction Manual

Pre-heater
The heater comprises of eight 2kW heating elements (6) that are restricted to give a
total heating output of 2.7kW. This is in order to allow the UOP8 MKII to operate of a
single phase power supply. A larger heater power output would require a three-phase
power supply. The heater is located upstream of the fan and is used to preheat the
air flowing over the trays in the duct. An air sensing thermostat is incorporated in the
duct above the heater elements which is used in the control of the elements to
protect them against overheating.

Software operation note:


Over Temperature
The UOP8 MKII is designed to work up to a maximum temperature of 80°C with an
ambient inlet temperature of 20ºC. For the safe operation of the tray drier a LED light
on the software shows the state of its over temperature and cut out that will
automatically turn off the heaters if the temperature reaches 85ºC.

Low flow
The heaters are conditioned to work under a minimum air flow being drawn in the
unit’s duct. The UOP8 MKII software lights a LED switch to reveal that the flow is too
low for the heaters operation and the heaters automatically will turn off.

Over Temperature and Low Flow on mimic diagram

Air Velocity Sensor


The air velocity in the duct is measured by the air velocity transmitter (5). This
operates on the hot film anemometer principle, using a special thin film. It has an
accuracy of 3%. The working range is 0 m/s to 5 m/s with a response time of up to 4
seconds at constant temperature. Therefore, it is important to obtain steady
conditions in order to have stable velocity measurements. Steady state in the system
is usually obtained after approximately 15 minutes.

The maximum working temperature of the sensor is 60oC. For this reason, the
velocity transmitter is mounted upstream of the heating elements. Velocity
corrections based a difference in cross-sectional areas between the location of the
air velocity sensor and air flow over the trays has been incorporated into the UOP8
MKII Armsoft® software. Additionally, velocity corrections based on air densities at the
measured air temperature have also been incorporated into the software. This
correction is to account for the change in air densities after heating. The calculated
air density as a function of temperature for dry air is given by Equation 3.

Equation 3*

*Based on a linear function of air density values between 290K and 360K given
in Jacobsen, et al, 1997 where R2 = 0.998.

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Description

Air velocity sensor

Load Cells
Three load cells are used to determine the weight of the media. Each load cell is a
single point strain gauge load cell that converts the load acting on it into an electrical
signal. When weight is applied, the strain changes the electrical resistance of the
gauges. The electrical resistance change is proportional to the load.

Three load cells are used in preference to a single load cell to determine more
accurately changes in weight as the media dries. This is important as the mass of
moisture removed from the drying media is often significantly less than the total mass
of the dry media. Additionally, the use of three load cells allows more accurate weight
measurements where the media has been poorly distributed over the trays.

The maximum loading weight of the load cells in the UOP8 MKII is 3.3kg (including
trays and tray holder). The user should ensure the solid media is evenly distributed
over the trays.

Load Cell

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Armfield Instruction Manual

The accuracy of the load cells is sensitive to temperature. Therefore, in order to


achieve consistent and reliable results it is recommended that the tray drier be pre-
heated to the operating temperature for 15-20 minutes before carrying out
experiments. This will allow the load cells to reach a steady temperature and
consistent results. The trays should not be in the dryer during this time as they may
become hot and unsafe to handle without use of personal protective clothing.

Note: Adjust position of trays support until settled on load cells

Temperature / Relative Humidity Sensor


Two Temperature and Relative Humidity (T/RH) sensors are used in the UOP8-MKII.
One is located upstream of the drying trays and the other on the downstream side.
This arrangement allows convenient and accurate online measurements of drying
temperatures and changes in temperature and relative humidity as the media dries.

Temperature is measured using a thermistor accurate to ±0.2oC. The relative


humidity sensor is a water resistant type so that it can operate in the range from 10 to
100% Relative Humidity. This is a fast responding sensor with an accuracy of ±1.2%
RH.

Temperature/Relative Humidity (T/RH) sensor block

For improved accuracy, each RH sensor is provided with a manufacturers’ calibration


certificate. The values on this certificate should be entered into the software, see the
Routine Maintenance section.

Data Logger/Equipment Controller and Software


The Armfield UOP8 MKII Tray Drier is designed to be operated using the UOP8
MKII-306 software supplied with the equipment. In order to operate the UOP8 MKII
Tray Drier the unit must be connected to a suitable PC running the UOP8 MKII-306
software. The UOP8-MKII-306 software allows data logging of experimental results,
and performs some standard calculations on the data. The software also includes
PID control of air temperature (heater power) before the trays and user-defined
control of air velocity.

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Installation
Advisory
Before operating the equipment, it must be unpacked, assembled and installed as
described in the steps that follow. Safe use of the equipment depends on following
the correct installation procedure.

Electrical Supply
Electrical Supply for Version UOP8-MKII-A
The equipment requires connection to a single phase fused electrical supply. The
standard electrical supply for this equipment is 220/240V, 50Hz. Check that the
voltage and frequency of the electrical supply agree with the label attached to the
supply cable on the equipment. Connection should be made to the supply cable as
follows:

GREEN/YELLOW - EARTH

BROWN - LIVE (HOT)

BLUE - NEUTRAL

Fuse Rating - 13 Amp

Electrical Supply for Version UOP8-MKII-G


The equipment requires connection to a single phase fused electrical supply. The
standard electrical supply for this equipment is 220/240V, 60Hz. Check that the
voltage and frequency of the electrical supply agree with the label attached to the
supply cable on the equipment. Connection should be made to the supply cable as
follows:

GREEN/YELLOW - EARTH

BROWN - LIVE (HOT)

BLUE - NEUTRAL

Fuse Rating - 13 Amp

Installing the PC Software


Before operating UOP8-MKII it will be necessary to install the software from the CD-
ROM supplied with UOP8-MKII onto an appropriate PC (PC not supplied).

For instructions on how to install and run the software insert the CD-ROM into the
optical drive on the PC (PC not supplied) then choose ‘Help’ from the menu.

After installing and running the software on the PC, instructions on how to operate
the software can be obtained by choosing the ‘Help’ tab in the top right hand corner
of the screen as shown below:

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Armfield Instruction Manual

Note that when operating the software for the first time it will be necessary to enable
the USB virtual COM port by choosing the Red telephone icon (Start COM session).

Full instructions about enabling the port are included in the Help menus.

Installing the Equipment


All numerical references relate to the Equipment Diagrams.

Position the tunnel in the desired location with the access door to the front.

Ensure that all packaging materials have been removed including packing to retain
baffle in position during transit.

On version UOP8 MKII-G is to be used with a supply of 120V/60Hz. Connect the


mains lead on the UOP8-MKII-G to the socket on the transformer supplied then
connect the transformer to the electrical supply.

Adjust the feet (4) as required to level the equipment in both planes. Locate the tray
support (12) inside the duct, ensuring that the three cylindrical feet are resting on the
load cells (11) through holes in the floor of the duct.

Carefully locate the three sample trays on the tray support (12).

Commissioning
All numerical references relate to the Equipment Diagrams.

Check switch (1) is in the OFF position. Connect the equipment to the electrical
supply.

Connect the UOP8 MKII to a PC running the UOP8 MKII Armsoft software through
the USB interface.

Turn on the UOP8-MKII tray drier using the main switch (1) on the drier and also by
clicking the “power on” button (so that it appears as ) on the Armsoft software.
Cooling fans in the electrical compartment will operate to minimise rise in the
components during operation.

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Installation

Check that the temperature and relative humidity sensors indicated satisfactorily on
the thermometers.

Ensure the tunnel access door (2) is closed. Click the Zero button alongside “Inlet Air
Velocity” to zero the reading.

Open the louvre slightly to allow air to flow then increase the fan speed to a value
over 1% by using the up button under “Fan Setting” on the mimic diagram. Check
that the fan (9) operates and the raw air velocity measurement increases.

UOP8 MKII Mimic Diagram

With the fan operating at a fan setting over 10%, turn on the heater by using the up
button under "Heater Setting". Increase the power from 0 to 100% using the up
button.

Note: The heating elements are thermostatically protected. In the event of


overheating, power will be cut to the elements until a normal operating temperature is
attained. On the mimic diagram you will also see the ‘Over Temperature’ LED light
switching on. At low fan speeds the heating elements will reach higher temperatures.
The time taken for checking the heater may be reduced by operating the fan at full
speed. Please take into consideration that the heating elements won’t work if there is
a considerably low air flow being drawn in the duct. This is shown on the software’s
mimic diagram by lighting of the LED element ‘Low flow’.

Check the air is being heated and the thermistors are operating correctly by
observing whether the temperature readings on the mimic diagram are increasing.

Check the humidity sensors are operating correctly by observing whether the
humidity readings on the mimic diagram are decreasing.

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Armfield Instruction Manual

Set the "Fan Setting" to 100%, set the "Heater Setting" to 0% and allow the trays to
cool. Once the trays have cooled, set the fan setting to 0%. With the tray holder in
place Zero each of the load cells on the software so you will see a Total Mass of
zero. Load the empty trays onto the tray holder via the access door (2). Check the
load cells by observing whether three digital readings for weight are displayed. An
approximate weight of 200 grams should be observed for each cell on the mimic
diagram. Click the zero buttons one more time and place a suitable weight on the
sample trays (12) and check correct operation of the balance. Remove the weight
from the sample tray and check balance returns to the zeroed reading.

Note: Adjust position of trays until settled on load cells

Turn power off by putting the main switch (1) to the OFF position.

Disconnect the UOP8 MKII USB from the PC.

Note: When filling the trays with samples for drying, ensure that the filling is evenly
distributed to maintain the trays in a horizontal position.

To perform the experiments outlined in the laboratory sheets, the following will be
required:

1. A supply of porous media to dry. Pumice (two sizes 2-5mm and 0.2-0.5mm
colour indicating if possible) is recommended as a suitable porous drying
media

2. A supply of water for wetting the samples.

3. A Windows based operating system or PC with the UOP8 MKII Armsoft


software installed and running. The hardware and software are fully
compatible with Windows 98 and later.

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Operation
Where necessary, refer to the drawings in the Equipment Diagrams section.

Operating the PC Software


Before operating UOP8-MKII it will be necessary to install the software from the CD-
ROM supplied with UOP8-MKII onto an appropriate PC (PC not supplied).

For instructions on how to install and run the software insert the CD-ROM into the
optical drive on the PC (PC not supplied) then choose ‘Help’ from the menu.

After installing and running the software on the PC, instructions on how to operate
the software can be obtained by choosing the ‘Help’ tab in the top right hand corner
of the screen as shown below:

Note that when operating the software for the first time it will be necessary to enable
the USB virtual COM port by choosing the Red telephone icon (Start COM session).

Full instructions about enabling the port are included in the Help menus.

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Armfield Instruction Manual

Operating the Equipment


Controlling the Heaters
The heater is controlled by a PID controller in the software. Click on the appropriate
PID symbol on the mimic diagram to open the controller window.

Temperature PID controller window

Control can be either closed loop (Automatic) or open loop (Manual). Automatic
control uses a feedback control loop with PID parameters and the set point as a user
input. The temperature sensor, upstream of the trays, is the process variable in the
PID control loop. Under manual control the user defines the percentage of heater
power required from 0% to 100%.

When performing experiments dependant on temperature, it is best to use automatic


control. This produces stable temperatures rapidly and maintains the temperatures
as external conditions change. However, when performing quantitative heating power
investigations it is best to use Manual control. This produces a constant power output
that can be accurate measured for use in calculations. However, dryer temperatures
take longer to stabilise and are dependant on changes in environmental conditions.

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Operation

Manipulating the fan


The Fan is manually manipulated from the software using the up/down buttons on the
mimic diagram or by using the removable flow restricting plate. The associated air
velocity is displayed on the sensor reading box “Inlet Air Velocity” and the
corresponding “Air velocity over the trays”.

USB Interface
The UOP8 MKII interfaces to the computer using a USB interface which is built into
the sensor and instrumentation enclosure. This interface is sometimes referred to as
the IFD5 interface.

The use of USB means that any current or projected Windows based PC can be
used. There is no need to open the PC or fit anything inside. The hardware and
software are fully compatible with Windows 98 or later. However, the software must
only operate with one Armsoft application running on the PC at the one time.

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Equipment Specifications
Overall Dimensions
Height - 0.30m

Length - 1.16m

Width - 0.33m

Equipment Location
The equipment is designed to operate on a laboratory bench top. A free space of
approximately one metre at both ends is required to ensure that air flow, to and from
the unit, is not obstructed. Warm, humid air may be expelled from the equipment,
depending on the experiment being performed. If air extraction is not employed, the
equipment should be sited in a well ventilated area away from other equipment
sensitive to moisture or warm temperatures.

The equipment requires connection to a 13Amp single phase, fused electrical supply.
Four metres of supply cable are provided with the equipment.

Electromagnetic Compatibility
This apparatus is classified as Education and Training Equipment under the
Electromagnetic Compatibility (Amendment) Regulations 1994. Use of the apparatus
outside the classroom, laboratory or similar such place invalidates conformity with the
protection requirements of the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (89/336/EEC)
and could lead to prosecution.

Environmental Conditions
This equipment has been designed for operation in the following environmental
conditions. Operation outside of these conditions may result reduced performance,
damage to the equipment or hazard to the operator.

a. Indoor use;

b. Altitude up to 2000m;

c. Temperature 5°C to 40°C;

d. Maximum relative humidity 80% for temperatures up to 31°C, decreasing


linearly to 50% relative humidity at 40°C;

e. Mains supply voltage fluctuations up to ±10% of the nominal voltage;

f. Transient over-voltages typically present on the MAINS supply;

Note: The normal level of transient over-voltages is impulse withstand (over-


voltage) category II of IEC 60364-4-443;

g. Pollution degree 2.

Normally only nonconductive pollution occurs. Temporary conductivity caused


by condensation is to be expected. Typical of an office or laboratory
environment.

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Routine Maintenance
Responsibility
To preserve the life and efficient operation of the equipment it is important that the
equipment is properly maintained. Regular maintenance of the equipment is the
responsibility of the end user and must be performed by qualified personnel who
understand the operation of the equipment.

General
In addition to regular maintenance the following notes should be observed:

1. The equipment should be disconnected from the electrical supply when not in
use.

2. The sample trays should be cleaned after use and any debris or moisture
removed from the tunnel.

Note: The equipment is protected by a combined circuit breaker and RCD located at
the rear of the equipment.

Adjustment of heater power


If the maximum heater power needs to be readjusted or modified, this is adjusted
using VR7 on the PCB. An ammeter must be clamped onto the heater wire to adjust
the current supplied to the heater.

Calibration of Relative Humidity Sensors


The humidity sensors are supplied with basic calibration already performed, but
greater accuracy can be achieved using the calibration data provided by the sensor
manufacturer.

From the Software select ‘Options’ then ‘Calibrate IFD Channels’ which opens the
calibration window. From the drop down menu select the sensor to be calibrated (e.g.
RH1) and press the button for ‘Direct’ Calibration.

This should display a calibration graph and table similar to that shown.

Each sensor has a number marked on it, and calibration certificates are provided for
each number defining the Zero Offset and the Slope for the sensor.

Screenshot of calibration window

21
Armfield Instruction Manual

The table shows the Engineering Units to be displayed corresponding to the voltage
input from the sensor. Up to 20 calibration points may be entered for precise
calibration.

To calibrate the UOP8 MKII RH Sensors enter the voltage from the sensor at 0% RH
(the zero offset value on the certificate) as indicated. Then calculate the voltage at
100% RH (Slope (V/%) * 100 (%) + Zero Offset (V)) and enter in the table against
100% RH as shown. Calibration of each sensor should be completed before
calibration of the next sensor is started. New calibration values will take effect after
the software is restarted, and will remain saved within the software on the PC used
for the calibration.

The original calibration supplied with the software may be recovered by re-installing
the software; any modified calibration will be lost if the software is re-installed for any
reason. Calibration must be performed separately for every PC that will be used with
the UOP8 MKII.

Calibration of Temperature and Air Flow Sensors


The temperature sensors used are highly accurate thermistors and should never
need recalibration. The thermistors themselves can be physically replaced without
recalibration. Similarly the air flow sensor is delivered with a calibrated voltage
output.

However, if required these sensors can be calibrated in the same way as described
for the RH sensors above. Up to 20 calibration points can be accommodated in the
table. If required, the ‘Manual’ calibration mode allows points to be added into the
table by inputting actual engineering values (measured on a reference sensor) at
different levels. The values entered into the table can still be viewed and altered
using the ‘Direct’ mode.

Calibration of the load cells


The load cells are nominally calibrated before dispatch and should not need
adjustment. However, if required these sensors can be re-calibrated to give improved
accuracy using the calibration feature in the software.

Cleaning Procedure
Cleaning the duct
The duct can be cleaned by opening the tunnel access door and removing the trays
and tray holder.

If it is required to remove the flow straightening baffle upstream of the working


section then it will be necessary to release the gland sealing the
temperature/humidity sensor and lower the sensor to allow the baffle to be removed.

Cleaning the velocity transmitter


The sensor element may be cleaned using blown air or a soft brush, or with gentle
application of isopropyl alcohol. To access the velocity transmitter the left hand
assembly must be dismantled. Retain all screws for reassembly after cleaning.

22
Laboratory Teaching Exercises
Index to Exercises
Exercise A

Exercise B

Exercise C

Exercise D

Air velocity and air temperature curve

23
Armfield Instruction Manual

Psychrometric Chart

24
Exercise A
Objective
To produce a drying and a drying rate curve for a wet solid being dried with air of
fixed temperature and humidity.

Theory
Immediately after contact between the drying media (wet solid) and the drying
medium (hot air), the solid temperature adjusts until it reaches a steady state. If the
solid is initially very wet the surface is essentially covered in a thin film of liquid which
is considered to be unbound moisture. The solid temperature and the rate of drying
may increase or decrease to reach the steady state condition. At steady state, the
temperature of the wet solid surface is the wet bulb temperature of the drying
medium. Temperatures within the drying solid also tend to equal the wet bulb
temperature of the air. However, lag between the movement of mass and heat result
in some deviation. Once the media temperatures reach the wet bulb temperature of
the air, the temperatures of the media and air become stable and the drying rate
remains constant. This is the “constant rate drying”. The moisture is transported to
the surface of the media by capillary forces and drying is limited only by the rate at
which the heat is supplied. This period ends when the solid reaches the critical
moisture content. The surface film of moisture over the solid has been reduced by
evaporation to a point where any further drying causes dry spots to appear on the
solid surface. Beyond the critical moisture content the surface temperature of the
solid rises and the drying rate falls off rapidly. This is the “falling rate” period and can
last for a significantly longer time than the constant rate period. This holds true even
though the moisture removal may be less. The drying rate approaches zero as the
moisture content reaches equilibrium. This is the lowest moisture content obtainable
with the solid under the drying conditions used.

Equipment Set-Up

Figure A1: Schematic of UOP8 – MKII

Notes:

 It is recommended that a porous granular solid such as 1.4 – 3mm pumice


grit should be used for the drying media to be tested.

 Ensure that the equipment and PC have been set up as described in the
installation guide and that the PC is connected and switched on with the
UOP8 MKII -306 software running.

25
Armfield Instruction Manual

 Check that the sensor readings in the software indicate reasonable values.

 It is recommended that the laboratory be well ventilated to ensure that warm


moist air discharged from the drier does not affect the original inlet conditions
during the experiment.

 As the tray drier warms to the pre-heat temperature the weight of the tray
holder may vary. This is a result of mechanical expansion of the metals and
the thermal coefficient of the individual load cells. After 15 to 20 minutes at
the set temperature steady state of the weight is reached.

 It is recommended to soak the drying media in water during the time where
the drier is being pre-heated.

Procedure
Start-up (Pre-Heating & Zeroing load cells):

1. Make sure the unit is switched off and remove the three drying trays from the
UOP8-MKII and set aside.

2. Turn on the UOP8-MKII tray drier using the main switch on the drier and also
by clicking the “power on” button (so that it appears as ) on the Armsoft
software.

3. Adjust the fan speed and louvre as required to achieve an inlet air velocity of
0.6m/s.

4. Note the temperature of T1 on the mimic diagram and enter this temperature
as the ambient air temperature by clicking on the button on the
mimic diagram.

5. Open the heater PID ( ) and set to automatic with a set point of 55°C.
Be aware that you must choose the option Automatic from the PID menu.
Check that the preheat temperature sensor rises then stabilises
approximately at the set point temperature.

Note: Load cells typically take 15 minutes to reach operating temperatures.


During this time step 1 of the experiment can be carried out.

6. After 15 minutes, change the option mode on the PID heater to Manual and
return the empty drying trays onto the tray holder in the UOP8-MKII drier and
zero each load cell by clicking each zero button ( ) on the Armsoft
software. All weight readings should now equal approximately 0.0 g.

Note: Take care when returning drying trays into the UOP8-MKII drier as the
internals may be hot and harmful to touch.

- Is important to return the Heater control to Manual operation whilst the side
door opens in order to protect the initial conditions set on the tray.

7. Immediately after zeroing the load cells, remove the three drying trays from
the drier.

8. Ensure the side door is closed.

26
Exercise A

The UOP8-MKII drier is now ready to begin the experiment:

1. Sufficient pumice (or another appropriate drying media) to fill the 3 trays to a
depth of 4.5 – 6.5mm (approximately 150-200g of 1.4 – 3mm pumice grit per
tray) should submerged and soaked in water (typically ten minutes soaking in
water is a sufficient length of time).

2. Removed the pumice from the water and drain using a strainer to remove
excess ‘free’ water.

3. Evenly distribute the wet pumice onto each drying tray.

4. Adjust the sampling configuration by clicking on the button from the top
menu and set the sampling operating to automatic, and set the sample
interval to 2 minute intervals.

Note: If this is not the first set of results recorded during this session, ensure
to begin a new set of results in the data logger by clicking the button from
the top menu.

5. Place the loaded drying trays on to the tray holder and lock the side door
closed.

Note: Take care when placing the drying trays into the UOP8-MKII drier as
the internals may be hot and harmful to touch.

6. Record the total weight indicated (material and water).

7. Zero the load cells on the software so you will see a Total Mass of zero. At
doing this the change on the total weight will appear in negative values and
demonstrating drying of the pumice or granular media.

8. Change the operation back to Automatic on the Heater PID menu.

9. After only a few minutes the weight readings should stabilise. Then select the
icon to begin the data recording of the sensor readings into the results
table.

10. Set up the graph to plot the total weight vs. time by clicking the button
when viewing the GraphForm and selecting “Time Elapsed” in the X-Axis
Content drop down menu and “Total Weight (Wt) [g]” on the Primary Y-Axis.

Note:

 The results Table page can be viewed by clicking on the button on


the top menu.

 The GraphForm page can be view by clicking on the button on the


top menu.

 To return to the mimic diagram, click on the button on the top


menu.

27
Armfield Instruction Manual

11. The end of drying occurs when there is no change in the total weight for 5 –
10 minutes.

Note: Typically this experiment takes approximately one hour.

12. Switch the UOP8-MKII drier off using the main switch on the drier.

13. When end of drying has been confirmed from the graph select the icon to
stop recording data.

14. Set the heater PID to “OFF” to begin cooling the equipment. When T2
reaches room temperature set the fan speed to 0%.

15. Switch the UOP8-MKII drier off using the main switch on the drier.

16. Remove the trays from the tray holders and return the dried pumice.

17. Return the trays back onto the tray holders and lock the side door closed.

It is recommended to save your data before closing the software. Saving a copy in
Formula One 3.x format will allow the data to be re-opened using the UOP8-MKII
Armsoft Software. If Microsoft Excel format is preferred to perform data analysis, it is
recommended to save a second copy in Excel format as well as the one in Formula
One 3.x format.

Results

Equation A1

Using Equation A1, calculate the moisture content removed from the solid.

Plot the drying curve relating moisture content as a function of time. On the
secondary axis plot the temperature after the trays (T2).

Figure A2: Typical Drying Curve

X1E = Equilibrium moisture content

Produce the drying rate vs. moisture content curve by differentiating the data from
the drying curve. Identify the points A, B, C and D as shown on the examples for a
drying curve and drying rate curve. These points are where the drying passes from
one regime to the next.

28
Exercise A

Equation A2

Where:

Ss (kg) = Mass of dry solid

= Change in moisture content

(h) = Time period

A (m2) = Drying area over which the gas blows

The dimensions for each tray are 254mm x 304.8mm x 9.5mm. Therefore, the total
drying area for the three trays is given by Equation A3.

Equation A3

Below is an example of an ideal drying rate curve.

XC = Critical moisture content

Figure A3: Typical Drying Rate Curve

Due to noise and accuracy of the weight measurements some smoothing could be
required to give a clear curve.

Conclusion
Comment upon the results obtained and relate the curves to the mechanism by
which drying occurs. What is the significance of the equilibrium moisture content?

If results did not reflect that which the theory suggests, what may have caused this
discrepancy?

When the “critical moisture content” occurs, what happens to T2?

29
Exercise B
Objective
To investigate the influence of particle size on the drying behaviour of a wet solid
being dried with air of fixed temperature and humidity

Theory
When drying, once the temperatures within a water-saturated, granular solid reach
the wet bulb temperature of the air, the drying rate becomes constant. This remains
the case until the critical moisture content is reached. Beyond this point, the rate of
movement of liquid to the solid surface is less than the rate of evaporation from the
solid surface. As a result, there becomes insufficient moisture to replace the liquid
being evaporated, causing the liquid interface to retreat from the surface. This
causes the overall drying rate to reduce. Heat and mass must diffuse through the top
layers of the solid to allow for further drying and this is dependant on the ease of
movement of moisture within the solid. Such movement is controlled by a wet force,
which arises from differences in hydrostatic pressures and surface tension effects in
the interstices between the various particles. Hence, drying is dependant on the
particle size and the effects on the particle interstices.

Equipment Set-Up

Figure B1: Schematic of UOP8 – MKII

Notes:

 It is recommended that different sizes of a porous, granular solid such as


fractions of pumice grit (0.4 – 1mm and 1.4 – 3mm), should be used for the
materials to be tested.

 If Experiment A has been conducted under the same ambient conditions that
Experiment B is to be conducted, then results from Experiment A can be used
in place of step number 10 of Experiment B.

 Ensure that the equipment and PC have been set up as described in the
installation guide and that the PC is connected and switched on with the
UOP8 MKII-306 software running.

 Check that the sensor readings in the software indicate reasonable values.

30
Exercise B

 It is recommended that the laboratory be well ventilated to ensure that warm


moist air discharged from the drier does not affect the original inlet conditions
during the experiment.

 As the tray drier warms to the pre-heat temperature the weight of the tray
holder may vary. This is a result of mechanical expansion of the metals and
the thermal coefficient of the individual load cells. After 15 to 20 minutes at
the set temperature steady state of the weight is reached.

 It is recommended to soak the drying media in water during the time where
the drier is being pre-heated.

 It would be valuable to perform similar experiments using alternative


substances e.g. organic solids such as eggs, detergents, glues, soluble
coffee extract, cereals, starch, animal blood or soyabean extract. However, it
should be noted that in these amorphous, fibrous and gel-like substances,
moisture movement is essentially the result of molecular diffusion and
experimental test times are, therefore, likely to be quite lengthy.

Procedure
Start-up (Pre-Heating & Zeroing load cells):

1. Make sure the unit is switched off and remove the three drying trays from the
UOP8-MKII and set aside. Leave the support tray inside the unit.

2. Turn on the UOP8-MKII tray drier using the main switch on the drier and also
by clicking the “power on” button (so that it appears as ) on the Armsoft
software.

3. Adjust the fan speed and louvre as required to achieve an inlet air velocity of
0.6m/s.

4. Note the temperature of T1 on the mimic diagram and enter this temperature
as the ambient air temperature by clicking on the button on the
mimic diagram.

5. Open the heater PID ( ) and set to automatic with a set point of 55°C.
Be aware that you must choose the option Automatic from the PID menu.
Check that the preheat temperature sensor rises then stabilises
approximately at the set point temperature

Note: Load cells typically take 15 minutes to reach operating temperatures.


During this time step 1. of the experiment can be carried out.

6. After 15 minutes, change the option mode on the PID heater to Manual and
return the empty drying trays onto the tray holder in the UOP8-MKII drier and
zero each load cell by clicking each zero button ( ) on the Armsoft
software. All weight readings should now equal approximately 0.0 g.

Note: Take care when returning drying trays into the UOP8-MKII drier as the
internals may be hot and harmful to touch.

- It is important to return the Heater control to Manual operation whilst the


side door opens in order to protect the initial conditions set on the tray.

31
Armfield Instruction Manual

7. Immediately after zeroing the load cells, remove the three drying trays from
the drier.

8. Ensure the side door is closed.

The UOP8-MKII drier is now ready to begin the experiment:

1. Sufficient pumice (or another appropriate drying media) to fill the 3 trays to a
depth of 3.5 – 5mm (approximately 150-200g of 0.4 – 1mm pumice grit per
tray) should submerged and soaked in water (typically ten minutes soaking in
water is a sufficient length of time).

2. Removed the pumice from the water and drain using a strainer to remove
excess ‘free’ water.

3. Evenly distribute the wet pumice onto each drying tray.

4. Adjust the sampling configuration by clicking on the button from the top
menu and set the sampling operating to automatic, and set the sample
interval to 2 minute intervals.

Note: If this is not the first set of results recorded during this session, ensure
to begin a new set of results in the data logger by clicking the button from
the top menu.

5. Place the loaded drying trays on to the tray holder and lock the side door
closed.

Note: Take care when placing the drying trays into the UOP8-MKII drier as
the internals may be hot and harmful to touch.

6. Record the total weight indicated (material and water).

7. Zero the load cells on the software so you will see a Total Mass of zero. At
doing this the change on the total weight will appear in negative values and
demonstrating drying of the pumice or granular media.

8. Change the operation back to Automatic on the Heater PID menu

9. After only a few minutes the weight readings should stabilise. Then select the
icon to begin the data recording of the sensor readings into the results
table.

10. Set up the graph to plot the total weight vs. time by clicking the button
when viewing the GraphForm and selecting “Time Elapsed” in the X-Axis
Content drop down menu and “Total Weight (Wt) [g]” on the Primary Y-Axis.

Note:

 The results Table page can be viewed by clicking on the button on


the top menu.

 The GraphForm page can be view by clicking on the button on the


top menu.

32
Exercise B

 To return to the mimic diagram, click on the button on the top


menu.

11. The end of drying occurs when there is no change in the total weight for 5 –
10 minutes.

Note: Typically this experiment takes approximately one hour.

12. When end of drying has been confirmed from the graph select the icon to
stop recording data.

13. Repeat steps 1-9 using a larger pumice grit of 1.4 - 3mm particle size. It is
important that the mass of media (4.5 - 6.5mm) and air temperature and
velocity be the same as those in previous runs during this experiment.

14. Set the heater PID to “OFF” to begin cooling the equipment. When T2
reaches room temperature set the fan speed to 0%.

15. Switch the UOP8-MKII drier off using the main switch on the drier.

16. Remove the trays from the tray holders and return the dried pumice.

17. Return the trays back onto the tray holders and lock the side door closed.

It is recommended to save your data before closing the software. Saving a copy in
Formula One 3.x format will allow the data to be re-opened using the UOP8-MKII
Armsoft Software. If Microsoft Excel format is preferred to perform data analysis, it is
recommended to save a second copy in Excel format as well as the one in Formula
One 3.x format.

Results

Equation B1

Using Equation B1, calculate the moisture content removed from the solid.

Plot the drying curve relating moisture content as a function of time for each test on
the same graph. On the secondary axis plot the temperature after the trays (T2).

Figure B2: Typical Drying Curve for Different Particle Sizes

X1E = Equilibrium moisture content

Produce the drying rate vs. moisture content curve by differentiating the data from
the drying curve.

33
Armfield Instruction Manual

Equation B2

Where:

Ss (kg) = Mass of dry solid

= Change in moisture content

(h) = Time period

A (m2) = Drying area over which the gas blows

The dimensions for each tray are 254mm x 304.8mm x 9.5mm. Therefore, the total
drying area for the three trays is given by Equation B3.

Equation B3

The figure below is an example of an ideal drying rate curve for 3000μm and 300μm

XC = Critical moisture content

Figure B3: Typical Drying Rate Curve for Different Particle Sizes

Due to noise and accuracy of the weight measurements some smoothing of results
may be required to give a clear curve.

Conclusion
Comment upon the results obtained. If results did not reflect that which the theory
suggests, what may have caused this discrepancy?

How did particle size influence the equilibrium content (X1E)?

How was the critical moisture content affected?

Does the capillarity mechanism movement account for the results?

34
Exercise C
Objective
To investigate the influence of air velocity on the drying rate of a wet solid being dried
with air of fixed temperature and humidity.

Theory
Once the media temperatures reach the wet bulb temperature of the air, the
temperatures of the media and air become stable and the drying rate remains
constant. This is the “constant rate drying” period. The moisture is transported to the
surface of the media by capillary forces and drying is limited only by the rate at which
the heat is supplied. It is shown in Equation C1 that the drying rate during the
constant rate period is proportional to the heat transfer coefficient and the difference
between the dry bulb temperature of the air and the wet bulb temperature at the solid
surface. The heat transfer coefficient is dependant on the velocity of the air passing
over the media. As velocities increase, the rate of evaporation of moisture from the
surface of the solid also increases along with the mass transfer coefficient of
moisture transported to the solid surface. Hence, higher air velocities give a higher
drying rate during the constant rate drying period. This period ends when the solid
reaches the critical moisture content.

Equation C1

where:

Nc = drying rate during constant rate period

hc = total heat transfer coefficient (essentially convective)

Tv = temperature of the drying gas

Ti = temperature of the liquid/gas interface

If radiation and conduction through the solid are insignificant as is the case with tray
drying then Equation C1 becomes:

Equation C2

where:

G = air mass velocity.

35
Armfield Instruction Manual

Equipment Set-Up

Figure C1: Schematic of UOP8 – MKII

Notes:

1. It is recommended that a porous granular solid such as 1.4 – 3mm pumice


grit should be used for the drying media to be tested.

 Ensure that the equipment and PC have been set up as described in


the installation guide and that the PC is connected and switched on
with the UOP8 MKII -306 software running.

 Check that the sensor readings in the software indicate reasonable


values.

 It is recommended that the laboratory be well ventilated to ensure that


warm moist air discharged from the drier does not affect the original
inlet conditions during the experiment.

 As the tray drier warms to the pre-heat temperature the weight of the
tray holder may vary. This is a result of mechanical expansion of the
metals and the thermal coefficient of the individual load cells. After 15
to 20 minutes at the set temperature steady state of the weight is
reached.

 It is recommended to soak the drying media in water during the time


where the drier is being pre-heated.

Procedure
Start-up (Pre-Heating & Zeroing load cells):

1. Make sure the unit is switched off and remove the three drying trays from the
UOP8-MKII and set aside. Leave the support tray inside the unit.

2. Turn on the UOP8-MKII tray drier using the main switch on the drier and also
by clicking the “power on” button (so that it appears as ) on the Armsoft
software.

3. Adjust the fan speed and louvre as required to achieve an inlet air velocity of
1.2 m/s.

36
Exercise C

4. Note the temperature of T1 on the mimic diagram and enter this temperature
as the ambient air temperature by clicking on the button on the
mimic diagram.

5. Open the heater PID ( ) and set to automatic with a set point of 40°C.
Be aware that you must choose the option Automatic from the PID menu.
Check that the preheat temperature sensor rises then stabilises at
approximately the set temperature.

Note: Load cells typically take 15 minutes to reach operating temperatures.


During this time step 1. of the experiment can be carried out.

7. After 15 minutes, change the option mode on the PID heater to Manual and
return the empty drying trays onto the tray holder in the UOP8-MKII drier and
zero each load cell by clicking each zero button ( ) on the Armsoft
software. All weight readings should now equal approximately 0.0 g.

Note: Take care when returning drying trays into the UOP8-MKII drier as the
internals may be hot and harmful to touch.

- it is important to return the Heater control to Manual operation whilst the side
door opens in order to protect the initial conditions set on the tray.

8. Immediately after zeroing the load cells, remove the three drying trays from
the drier.

9. Ensure the side door is closed.

The UOP8-MKII drier is now ready to begin the experiment:

1. Sufficient pumice (or another appropriate drying media) to fill the 3 trays to a
depth of 4.5 – 6.5mm (approximately 150-200g of 1.4 – 3mm pumice grit per
tray) should submerged and soaked in water (typically ten minutes soaking in
water is a sufficient length of time).

2. Removed the pumice from the water and drain using a strainer to remove
excess ‘free’ water.

3. Evenly distribute the wet pumice onto each drying tray.

4. Adjust the fan speed and louvre to achieve an inlet air velocity of 1.5 m/s.

5. Adjust the sampling configuration by clicking on the button from the top
menu and set the sampling operating to automatic, and set the sample
interval to 2 minute intervals.

Note: If this is not the first set of results recorded during this session, ensure
to begin a new set of results in the data logger by clicking the button from
the top menu.

6. Place the loaded drying trays on to the tray holder and lock the side door
closed.

37
Armfield Instruction Manual

Note: Take care when placing the drying trays into the UOP8-MKII drier as
the internals may be hot and harmful to touch.

7. Record the total weight indicated (materials and water)

8. Zero the load cells on the software so you will see a Total Mass of zero. At
doing this the change on the total weight will appear in negative values and
demonstrating drying of the pumice or granular media.

9. Change the operation back to Automatic on the Heater PID menu.

10. After only a few minutes the weight readings should stabilise. Then select the
icon to begin the data recording of the sensor readings into the results
table.

11. Set up the graph to plot the total weight vs. time by clicking the button
when viewing the GraphForm and selecting “Time Elapsed” in the X-Axis
Content drop down menu and “Total Weight (Wt) [g]” on the Primary Y-Axis.

Note:

 The results Table page can be viewed by clicking on the button


on the top menu.

 The GraphForm page can be view by clicking on the button on


the top menu.

 To return to the mimic diagram, click on the button on the top


menu.

12. The end of drying occurs when there is no change in the total weight for 5 –
10 minutes.

Note: Typically this experiment takes approximately one hour.

13. When end of drying has been confirmed from the graph select the icon to
stop recording data.

14. Repeat steps 1-10 setting air velocities in step 4 to 2.0m/s and 2.5m/s for
respective runs. It is important that the mass of media (4.5 - 6.5mm) and drier
temperature be the same as those in previous runs during this experiment.

15. Set the heater PID to “OFF” to begin cooling the equipment. When T2
reaches room temperature set the fan speed to 0%.

16. Switch the UOP8-MKII drier off using the main switch on the drier.

17. Remove the trays from the tray holders and return the dried pumice.

18. Return the trays back onto the tray holders and lock the side door closed.

It is recommended to save your data before closing the software. Saving a copy in
Formula One 3.x format will allow the data to be re-opened using the UOP8-MKII
Armsoft Software. If Microsoft Excel format is preferred to perform data analysis, it is

38
Exercise C

recommended to save a second copy in Excel format as well as the one in Formula
One 3.x format.

Results

Equation C3

Using Equation C3, calculate the moisture content removed from the solid.

Plot the drying curve relating moisture content as a function of time for each test on
the same graph. On the secondary axis plot the temperature after the trays (T2).

Figure C2: Typical Drying Curve for Different Air Velocities

X1E = Equilibrium moisture content

Produce the drying rate vs. moisture content curve by differentiating the data from
the drying curve.

Equation C4

Where:

Ss (kg) = Mass of dry solid

= Change in moisture content

(h) = Time period

A (m2) = Drying area over which the gas blows

The dimensions for each tray are 254mm x 304.8mm x 9.5mm. Therefore, the total
drying area for the three trays is given by Equation C5.

Equation C5

Figure C3 is an example of an ideal drying rate curve for 3000μm and 300μm

XC = Critical moisture content

39
Armfield Instruction Manual

Figure C3: Typical Drying Rate Curve for Different Air Velocities

Due to noise and accuracy of the weight measurements some smoothing of results
may be required to give a clear curve.

Conclusion
Comment upon the results obtained, noting in particular the relationship between air
flow rate and drying rate during the constant rate period.

If results did not reflect that which the theory suggests, what may have caused this
discrepancy?

Was the observed relationship predicted by the theoretical analysis?

Did the air velocity have such a direct influence during the falling rate period?

Did the critical moisture content or the equilibrium moisture content (X1E) exhibit any
dependency on the air velocity?

Suggest physical explanations for the observed results.

40
Exercise D
Objective
To investigate the influence of air temperature on the drying rate of a wet solid being
dried with air of fixed velocity.

Theory
Once the media temperatures reach the wet bulb temperature of the air, the
temperatures of the media and air become stable and the drying rate remains
constant. This is the “constant rate drying” period. The moisture is transported to the
surface of the media by capillary forces and drying is limited only by the rate at which
the heat is supplied. It is shown in Equation D1 that the drying rate during the
constant rate period is proportional to the heat transfer coefficient and the difference
between the dry bulb temperature of the air and the wet bulb temperature at the solid
surface. As this temperature difference increases, the rate of evaporation of moisture
from the surface of the solid also increases along with the mass transfer coefficient of
moisture transported to the solid surface. Hence, higher air temperatures give a
higher drying rate during the constant rate drying period. This period ends when the
solid reaches the critical moisture content. Once the critical moisture content is
reached, the surface film of moisture over the solid has been reduced to a point
where any further drying causes dry spots to appear on the solid surface. Beyond
the critical moisture content the surface temperature of the solid rises and the drying
rate falls off rapidly. This is the “falling rate” period and can last for a significantly
longer length of time than the constant rate period. This holds true even though the
moisture removal may be less. The drying rate approaches zero as the moisture
content reaches equilibrium. The equilibrium moisture content is the lowest moisture
content obtainable and is dependant on solid temperature. The higher the
temperature, the lower the moisture content of the solid at equilibrium.

Equation D1

where:

Nc = drying rate during constant rate period

hc = total heat transfer coefficient (essentially convective)

Tv = temperature of the drying gas

Ti = temperature of the liquid/gas interface

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Armfield Instruction Manual

Equipment Set-Up

Figure D1: Schematic of UOP8 – MKII

Notes:

1. It is recommended that a porous granular solid such as 1.4 – 3mm pumice


grit should be used for the drying media to be tested.

 If Exercise A has been conducted under the same ambient conditions


that Exercise D is to be conducted, then results from Exercise A can be
used in place of one repeat of step number 11 of Exercise D.

 Ensure the equipment and PC have been set up as described in the


installation guide and that the PC is connected and switched on with
the UOP8 MKII -306 software running.

 Check that the sensor readings in the software indicate reasonable


values.

 It is recommended that the laboratory be well ventilated to ensure that


warm moist air discharged from the drier does not affect the original
inlet conditions during the experiment.

 As the tray drier warms to the pre-heat temperature the weight of the
tray holder may vary. This is a result of mechanical expansion of the
metals and the thermal coefficient of the individual load cells. After 15
to 20 minutes at the set temperature steady state of the weight is
reached.

 It is recommended to soak the drying media in water during the time


where the drier is being pre-heated.

Procedure
Start-up (Pre-Heating & Zeroing load cells):

1. Make sure the unit is switched off and remove the three drying trays from the
UOP8-MKII and set aside. Leave the support tray inside the unit.

42
Exercise D

2. Turn on the UOP8-MKII tray drier using the main switch on the drier and also
by clicking the “power on” button (so that it appears as ) on the Armsoft
software.

3. Adjust the fan speed and louvre as required to achieve an inlet air velocity of
0.6m/s.

4. Note the temperature of T1 on the mimic diagram and enter this temperature
as the ambient air temperature by clicking on the button on the
mimic diagram.

5. Open the heater PID ( ) and set to automatic with a set point of 35°C.
Be aware that you must choose the option Automatic from the PID menu.
Check that the preheat temperature sensor rises then stabilises
approximately at the set point temperature.

Note: Load cells typically take 15 minutes to reach operating temperatures.


During this time step 1 of the experiment can be carried out.

6. After 15 minutes, change the option mode on the PID heater to Manual and
return the empty drying trays onto the tray holder in the UOP8-MKII drier and
zero each load cell by clicking each zero button ( ) on the Armsoft
software. All weight readings should now equal approximately 0.0 g.

Note: Take care when returning drying trays into the UOP8-MKII drier as the
internals may be hot and harmful to touch.

- it is important to return the Heater control to Manual operation whilst the side
door opens in order to protect the initial conditions set on the tray.

7. Immediately after zeroing the load cells, remove the three drying trays from
the drier.

8. Ensure the side door is closed.

The UOP8-MKII drier is now ready to begin the experiment:

1. Sufficient pumice (or another appropriate drying media) to fill the 3 trays to a
depth of 4.5 – 6.5mm (approximately 150-200g of 1.4 – 3mm pumice grit per
tray) should submerged and soaked in water (typically ten minutes soaking in
water is a sufficient length of time).

2. Removed the pumice from the water and drain using a strainer to remove
excess ‘free’ water.

3. Evenly distribute the wet pumice onto each drying tray.

4. Open the Heater PID ( ) and set the air temperature set point (35oC,
45oC, 55oC).

5. Adjust the sampling configuration by clicking on the button from the top
menu and set the sampling operating to automatic, and set the sample
interval to 2 minute intervals.

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Armfield Instruction Manual

Note: If this is not the first set of results recorded during this session, ensure
to begin a new set of results in the data logger by clicking the button from
the top menu.

6. Place the loaded drying trays on to the tray holder and lock the side door
closed.

Note: Take care when placing the drying trays into the UOP8-MKII drier as
the internals may be hot and harmful to touch.

7. Record the total weight indicated (material and water).

8. Zero the load cells on the software so you will see a Total Mass of zero. At
doing this the change on the total weight will appear in negative values and
demonstrating drying of the pumice or granular media.

9. Change the operation back to Automatic on the Heater PID menu.

10. After only a few minutes the weight readings should stabilise. Then select the
icon to begin the data recording of the sensor readings into the results
table.

11. Set up the graph to plot the total weight vs. time by clicking the button
when viewing the GraphForm and selecting “Time Elapsed” in the X-Axis
Content drop down menu and “Total Weight (Wt) [g]” on the Primary Y-Axis.

Note:

 The results Table page can be viewed by clicking on the button on


the top menu.

 The GraphForm page can be view by clicking on the button on the


top menu.

 To return to the mimic diagram, click on the button on the top


menu.

12. The end of drying occurs when there is no change in the total weight for 5 –
10 minutes.

Note: Typically this experiment takes approximately one hour.

13. When end of drying has been confirmed from the graph select the icon to
stop recording data.

14. Repeat steps 1-10 setting air Temperature in step 4 to 45oC and 55oC for
respective runs. It is important that the mass of media and the drier air
velocity be the same as those in previous runs during this experiment.

15. Set the heater PID to “OFF” to begin cooling the equipment. When T2
reaches room temperature set the fan speed to 0%.

16. Switch the UOP8-MKII drier off using the main switch on the drier.

44
Exercise D

17. Remove the trays from the tray holders and return the dried pumice.

18. Return the trays back onto the tray holders and lock the side door closed.

It is recommended to save your data before closing the software. Saving a copy in
Formula One 3.x format will allow the data to be re-opened using the UOP8-MKII
Armsoft Software. If Microsoft Excel format is preferred to perform data analysis, it is
recommended to save a second copy in Excel format as well as the one in Formula
One 3.x format.

Results

Equation D2

Using Equation D2, calculate the moisture content removed from the solid.

Plot the drying curve relating moisture content as a function of time for each test on
the same graph. On the secondary axis plot the temperature after the trays (T2).

Figure D2: Typical Drying Curve for Different Air Temperatures

X1E = Equilibrium moisture content

Produce the drying rate vs. moisture content curve by differentiating the data from
the drying curve.

Equation D3

Where:

Ss (kg) = Mass of dry solid

= Change in moisture content

(h) = Time period

A (m2) = Drying area over which the gas blows

The dimensions for each tray are 254mm x 304.8mm x 9.5mm. Therefore, the total
drying area for the three trays is given by Equation D4.

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Armfield Instruction Manual

Equation D4

Figure B3 is an example of an ideal drying rate curve for 3000μm and 300μm

XC = Critical moisture content

FigureD3: Typical Drying Rate Curve for Different Air Temperatures

Due to noise and accuracy of the weight measurements some smoothing of results
may be required to give a clear curve.

Conclusion
Comment upon the results obtained, noting the influence that (Tv - Ti) had upon the
drying rate during the constant rate period.

Was there a direct dependence as indicated by the theory? If results did not reflect
that which the theory suggests, what may have caused this discrepancy?

Was the equilibrium moisture constant (X1E) seen to vary with the temperature of the
air?

Suggest physical explanations for such dependence.

Why is there a practical upper limit to air temperature when drying certain solids?

46
Contact Details for Further Information

Main Office: Armfield Limited

Bridge House
West Street
Ringwood
Hampshire
England BH24 1DY

Tel: +44 (0)1425 478781


Fax: +44 (0)1425 470916
Email: sales@armfield.co.uk
support@armfield.co.uk
Web: http://www.armfield.co.uk

US Office: Armfield Inc.

9 Trenton - Lakewood Road


Clarksburg, NJ 08510

Tel/Fax: (609) 208 2800


Email: info@armfieldinc.com

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