The industrial rotary drum dryer is used for reducing moisture content across a vast array of bulk materials. This robust equipment fundamentally comprises a large, rotating cylindrical shell, slightly inclined, through which the wet feed material is continuously introduced. As the drum rotates, internal flights (lifters) elevate and cascade the material through a stream of hot drying gas—either co-current or counter-current—maximizing the surface area exposure for efficient heat and mass transfer.
Drying mechanisms primarily involve convective heat transfer from the hot gas, often supplemented by conductive and radiative exchange. The precise design of the drum, including its diameter, length, inclination, rotation speed, and the configuration of internal flights, is meticulously engineered to ensure optimal material residence time and uniform drying. Advanced systems often incorporate direct or indirect heating methods, depending on process requirements and material sensitivities. However, there are practical limitations around heat transfer, consistency of products, mechanical complexity and size.
Considerations extend beyond basic operation to include thermal efficiency, exhaust gas treatment, material conveying characteristics, and the precise control of process parameters (temperature, airflow, drum speed) to achieve desired final moisture levels and prevent material degradation. The versatility and high throughput capacity of our Torbed dryers make them indispensable as alternatives to industrial rotary drum dryers in industries ranging from mineral processing and agriculture to chemicals and waste management.