October 21, 2022 | Daywey Chen
2022-10-21
Rotary dryers can come in two types of airflow configurations. The co-current system and the counter current system. Co-current system is designed so that the airflow and material flow in the same direction. On the other hand, counter current system is designed so that the airflow and the material flow in the opposite direction. To decide which system to adopt will depend on the type of substrate, ink and coating solution used. In this article we will lay out the advantages and disadvantages of both systems for you to review.

Co-Current System

In general, the co-current system is suitable for heat-sensitive materials. It has good control over solids’ temperature and will reduce the chance of overheating. However, it is less thermal efficient when compared to the counter current system.

 

Advantage

Rapid removal of surface moisture

Advantages include the rapid removal of free moister. It can generate a quick initial reduction of moisture in the drying process. Therefore, is efficient with materials that have high surface moisture such as glass.

 

Ideal for heat sensitive-materials

Heat sensitive materials are less tolerant to heat, when overheated it can cause unwanted color changes, substrate cracking, substrate deformation and product degradation. Co-current system is designed in a way that the hottest air is in contact with the wettest phase of the material, and the hot air temperature will decrease with the material as they move through the dryer. This type of design allows an easier control over the temperature and therefore reduces the chance of overheating.

 

Disadvantage

Less efficient drying system

In the co-current drying process, we need to ensure the temperature of the air that contacts the solids exceed the temperature of the solids. To maintain this type of environment in the co-current system will require more energy. Therefore, making it less energy efficient.

 

Counter Current System

In general, the counter current system is suitable for materials that hold on tight to moisture and requires heating to a higher temperature in order to dry. However, the counter current drying system has less control over solids’ temperature and has more risk of overheating.

 

Advantage

Gradual removal of surface moisture

Drawing out tightly bounded moister from the material requires gradual heating instead of injecting high heat initially and then leveling off. The counter current design will allow the material to get heated gradually and finally come into contact with the hottest air during the material’s most dehydrated state. Therefore, counter current drying system is ideal for materials that are bound tightly to moisture.

 

Greater thermal efficiency

In a counter current drying system, the air temperature is not required to be higher than the solids. Therefore, less heat is spent on ensuring the exhaust gas temperature remains high.

 

Disadvantage

Less control over solids temperature

The opposing flow of the solids and exhaust gas in the counter current configuration makes it more difficult to control the temperature of the solids.

 

Risk of overheating

Overheating of the materials is more likely to occur since the solids come into contact with the hottest gas at their most hydrated state.

 

Besides knowing the advantages and disadvantages of the co-current drying system and the counter current system it is also important to decide whether you would like to impose a combustion chamber to prevent direct contact between the burner frame and the material being processed. This will reduce the chance of overheating. Furthermore, a combustion chamber will allow heated air to be recycled from the drying and will save energy. Come talk to a KYMC representative to discuss about your drying requirements.


Relevant Reading
Breakdown the Drying Process

Daywey Chen

Article by Daywey Chen, KYMC