SDCC 计算机控制的喷雾干燥和冷却设备

The Computer Controlled Spray Dryer and Chiller Unit, "SDCC", designed by EDIBON, allows detailed analysis of the processes involved in transforming liquids into powders through drying or cooling by atomization. Its design combines two operating configurations drying with hot air and cooling with cold air reproducing the characteristic conditions of industrial spray systems on a laboratory scale. Thus, the unit provides a complete tool for the experimental study of heat and mass transfer, atomization control, and the influence of process variables on the morphology and quality of the final product.

The process begins by pumping the liquid to the top of the tower through a variable-speed pump controlled by the software. At this stage, the fluid is atomized through a twin-fluid nozzle, which allows the processing of products with different viscosities or solid suspensions. The air stream, generated by the inlet fan, is heated by an electrically controlled resistance from the software to produce instant drying of the droplets. In cooling mode, the air passes through a heat exchanger connected to the water chiller, also computer-controlled, enabling the study of solidification or stabilization processes of heat-sensitive products.

In the drying or cooling chamber, the atomized droplets come into direct contact with the hot or cold air stream, causing rapid evaporation or condensation of the fluid. The resulting particles are collected at the bottom, while the outlet air passes through a cyclone separator and a bag filter that ensure powder retention and clean airflow. The extraction fan, also computer-controlled, allows the adjustment of internal pressure and product residence time in the tower key variables for evaluating process performance.

The unit includes a fluidized bed cooling system that promotes crystallization of the fatty content of spray-dried products, preventing caking and improving powder stability. This subsystem can be used after drying or independently, allowing result comparison under different operating conditions. In addition, the switching valves and adjustable nozzle allow selection of flow direction—parallel or counter-current—and quick transition between drying and cooling modes.

Process control is performed through EDIBON’s SCADA software, which enables simultaneous operation of the main actuators: pump 1, pump 2, inlet fan (fan 1), outlet fan (fan 2), heating resistance, and water chiller. Data are recorded and displayed in real time, facilitating the study of thermal balance, evaporation kinetics, and the effects of atomization speed and air flow rateon dry in gefficiency.

The unit is instrumented with strategically distributed sensors for measuring the most relevant process variables: speed sensors in the pumps, speed sensors in the fans, temperature sensors at the air inlet and outlet points, relative humidity sensors in the outlet stream, and pressure sensors in the tower. The information collected by these sensors is processed and monitored, allowing time evolution curves to be represented and enabling precise control of operating conditions.

This Computer Controlled Unit is supplied with the EDIBON Computer Control System (SCADA), and includes: The unit itself + a Control Interface Box + a Data Acquisition Board + Computer Control, Data Acquisition and Data Management Software Packages, for controlling the process and all parameters involved in the process.