Sand dryer can be used to dry river sand, silica sand, fracturing sand, and aggregates. The physical properties of the dried sand are stable and easy to use in the future.  However, its drying efficiency will be affected by many factors. Below is a introduction of factors that affect the efficiency of sand dryer, it will help us to improve drying efficiency of the equipment.

  Characteristics of materials

  1. Particle size and shape

  The particle size and shape of sand have great affect on drying efficiency. For example, fine sand(diameter less than 0.25mm) has a bigger specific surface area, and a unit mass of sand has a huge total surface area, so it requires more heat energy to evaporate water. At the same time, fine sand is easy to agglomeration and accumulation, which affects the circulation of hot air. For coarse sand(diameter bigger than 0.5mm), although the specific surface area is small, if requires much time to dry internal moisture, otherwise will cause uneven drying. The medium sand(diameter of 0.25-0.5mm) has moderate size, providing sufficient the area for heat exchange if sufficient, and has good breathability and circulation, is the most ideal range.

 In terms of the shape of sand, natural sand such as river sand, sea sand and other spherical sand have a smooth surface, good fluidity, low friction between particles, are not easy to block, and high efficiency. However, some artificial sand has sharp edges, rough surfaces, poor flowability, and is not easily dried evenly, resulting in low efficiency. The sharp edges of the sand also cause wear on the inner wall of the drum.

  2. Initial moisture content

  The higher the moisture content of sand, the more water needs to be removed, so it requires more heat energy to evaporate the moisture, so it may increase the load on the dryer and affect the drying efficiency.

  3. Thermal conductivity of materials

  The thermal conductivity of sand determines the speed of heat transfer within the material. For example, quartz sand has a good thermal conductivity, which can transfer heat to the interior of the material more quickly, thereby improving drying efficiency. However, the poor thermal conductivity of feldspar sand may result in poor drying efficiency when the outside is dry and the inside is not yet dry.

  Design and operating parameters of equipment

  1. Structural Design of Drying Machine

  The structural design of a dryer will also affect the drying efficiency. For example, the length, diameter, inclination angle, and design of the internal lifting plate of sand dryer can affect the flowability and heat exchange efficiency of sand inside the drum. Reasonable structural design can ensure uniform heating of sand, avoiding local overheating or insufficient drying.

  2. Hot air temperature

  Too high drying temperature may cause the surface of the sand to dry too quickly, but the internal moisture is difficult to evaporate; If the temperature is too low, it will extend the drying time, the drying efficiency will be reduced. Therefore, reasonable control of hot air temperature will helps improving drying efficiency.

  3. Drying time

  Short time may result in incomplete drying of sand, while long time may lead to energy waste and equipment wear. Therefore, we should control the drying time reasonably based on the initial moisture content of the sand and the operating parameters of the dryer to improve the drying rate.

  External environmental conditions

  1. Environmental temperature

  In low-temperature environments, the heat of the sand dryer is easily lost, so the energy supply system needs to supply more energy to maintain the temperature of the hot air, which leads to an increase in energy costs and a decrease in drying efficiency. Therefore, when the sand dryer operates in a low-temperature environment, appropriate insulation measures should be taken to reduce heat loss and improve the thermal efficiency of the sand dryer.

  2. Environmental humidity

  When the moisture content in the air is high, the drying time required for sand to evaporate the same amount of water will increase, and the efficiency will decrease. Therefore, when operating the dryer in a high humidity environment, it is necessary to appropriately increase the hot air temperature or extend the drying time.

  Energy supply and heat source selection

  1. Types of Heat Sources

  The sand dryer can choose heating methods such as coal, gas, fuel, biomass pellets, etc. For different heating methods, the drying efficiency will be vary. We can choose local cheaper heat sources based on actual conditions to improve drying efficiency and reduce operating costs.

  2. Energy Supply Stability

  The stability of energy supply directly affects the operating efficiency of the dryer. If the heat source supply is unstable, it may cause temperature fluctuations in the dryer, affecting the drying effect. Therefore, ensuring the stability of energy supply is an important factor for improving drying efficiency.

  Operation and maintenance

  1. Skills of Operators

  Experienced operators can adjust parameters such as hot air temperature and drum speed in real-time based on the moisture content, particle size, and external environment of the sand, ensuring the achievement of good drying effects. Regular business training for operators can help them quickly become proficient.

  2. Maintenance and upkeep of equipment

  After using the sand dryer for a period of time, there may be debris accumulation or parts wear, which can affect the efficiency of the equipment. Regular cleaning of debris and timely replacement of damaged components are necessary to ensure the normal operation of the equipment.

  Zhengzhou Jiutian is a professional manufacturer of rotary dryers. When designing sand dryers, the physical characteristics of sand such as particle size and size, as well as external environmental factors, were taken into account to optimize the drying efficiency. The material and structure of the dryer were optimized, and the wear resistance and insulation properties of the equipment were significantly improved. We can calculate the input-output ratio of various heat sources and help you develop the most economically feasible drying plan. At the same time, we arrange for technical personnel to train operators to ensure proficiency. In summary, we provide you with the most efficient sand drying production line.