Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Instruction Manual
UOP8-MKII
ISSUE 3
May 2014
Table of Contents
Copyright and Trademarks ...................................................................................... 1
Equipment Diagrams................................................................................................... 3
Introduction.............................................................................................................. 5
Electrical Safety....................................................................................................... 5
Hot Surfaces............................................................................................................ 6
Description .................................................................................................................. 8
Overview.................................................................................................................. 8
Control Box.............................................................................................................. 9
Axial Fan.................................................................................................................. 9
Pre-heater.............................................................................................................. 10
Load Cells.............................................................................................................. 11
Installation ................................................................................................................. 13
Advisory................................................................................................................. 13
Commissioning ...................................................................................................... 14
Operation .................................................................................................................. 17
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Table of Contents
Equipment Specifications.......................................................................................... 20
Equipment Location............................................................................................... 20
Environmental Conditions...................................................................................... 20
Responsibility ........................................................................................................ 21
General.................................................................................................................. 21
Cleaning Procedure............................................................................................... 22
Exercise A ................................................................................................................. 25
Exercise B ................................................................................................................. 30
Exercise C................................................................................................................. 35
Exercise D................................................................................................................. 41
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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:
Email: support@armfield.co.uk
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
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Armfield Instruction Manual
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.
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.
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.
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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 allow the apparatus to come into contact with flammable materials or
liquids.
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.
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.
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.
6
Important Safety Information
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.
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.
7
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.
8
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.
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.
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.
10
Description
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
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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
BLUE - NEUTRAL
GREEN/YELLOW - EARTH
BLUE - NEUTRAL
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.
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.
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.
14
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.
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.
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.
Turn power off by putting the main switch (1) to the OFF position.
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
16
Operation
Where necessary, refer to the drawings in the Equipment Diagrams section.
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
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%.
18
Operation
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.
19
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;
g. Pollution degree 2.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
Cleaning Procedure
Cleaning the duct
The duct can be cleaned by opening the tunnel access door and removing the trays
and tray holder.
22
Laboratory Teaching Exercises
Index to Exercises
Exercise A
Exercise B
Exercise C
Exercise D
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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
Notes:
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.
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Armfield Instruction Manual
Check that the sensor readings in the software indicate reasonable values.
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.
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.
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Exercise A
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.
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.
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.
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:
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Armfield Instruction Manual
11. The end of drying occurs when there is no change in the total weight for 5 –
10 minutes.
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).
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:
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
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?
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
Notes:
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
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
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
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.
31
Armfield Instruction Manual
7. Immediately after zeroing the load cells, remove the three drying trays from
the drier.
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.
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.
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.
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:
32
Exercise B
11. The end of drying occurs when there is no change in the total weight for 5 –
10 minutes.
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).
Produce the drying rate vs. moisture content curve by differentiating the data from
the drying curve.
33
Armfield Instruction Manual
Equation B2
Where:
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
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?
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:
If radiation and conduction through the solid are insignificant as is the case with tray
drying then Equation C1 becomes:
Equation C2
where:
35
Armfield Instruction Manual
Equipment Set-Up
Notes:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
12. The end of drying occurs when there is no change in the total weight for 5 –
10 minutes.
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).
Produce the drying rate vs. moisture content curve by differentiating the data from
the drying curve.
Equation C4
Where:
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
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?
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?
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:
41
Armfield Instruction Manual
Equipment Set-Up
Notes:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
43
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.
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.
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:
12. The end of drying occurs when there is no change in the total weight for 5 –
10 minutes.
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).
Produce the drying rate vs. moisture content curve by differentiating the data from
the drying curve.
Equation D3
Where:
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.
45
Armfield Instruction Manual
Equation D4
Figure B3 is an example of an ideal drying rate curve for 3000μm and 300μm
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?
Why is there a practical upper limit to air temperature when drying certain solids?
46
Contact Details for Further Information
Bridge House
West Street
Ringwood
Hampshire
England BH24 1DY
47