Ebru Mançuhan

Analysis and Optimization of Drying of Green Bricks in a Tunnel Dryer

One way to avoid the risk of condensation in a tunnel dryer for drying of green bricks is to use higher air flow rates. However, higher air flow rates accelerate the drying rate and thus cause damages. It is necessary to determine the optimal values of the hot and outdoor air mass flow rates and optimum stack temperature to avoid the condensation. Four different temperatures, (−5, 10, 20, and 30°C) and three different relative humidities (40, 60, and 80%) for the outdoor air were selected. Optimal operation parameters and the required stack temperature to avoid condensation for different cases were computed.

Experimental investigation of green brick shrinkage behavior with Bigot’s curves

ABSTRACT The objective of this work is to define the convenient drying parameters such that the energy consumption in the brick drying process is minimized. This is an experimental study where the challenge lies in the mechanical resistance of the dried bricks which must satisfy the quality standards despite the reduction of energy consumption and the drying time. Firstly, we run multiple drying process tests and gather experimental data, and then discover the most suitable drying conditions. Secondly, the overall drying rate is improved using a Bigot’s curve analysis on the most suitable drying conditions. The results show that the drying rate increases significantly in conjunction with shorter drying time and lower energy consumption.