sources. The latest development of the Stela RecuDry system with heat recovery scores an energy savings of around 35-55 per cent compared to common standard drying systems. www.drier.com WYSSMONT 10 TIPS TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF BIOMASS DRYERS As with most machinery, frequent and thorough maintenance can extend the life of biomass dryers and help avoid unexpected dryer shutdowns. Canadian Biomass asked dryer manufacturers for their top tips and best practices for maintaining biomass dryers to avoid downtime. Here’ s what experts from Thompson Dryers, Uzelac Industries and Player Design had to say: 1. Create a lubrication/cleaning schedule. Make sure the bearings, tires and tracks, and chain are lubricated (not over lubricated), and the burner, ducting, and bases are free from excess build up. Implement bi-weekly checks of moving components to ensure the dryer is tracking and aligned properly. Schedule annual inspections. Even though you may not see a problem, you are likely looking at the dryer every day and things are easily overlooked. The dryer drum and trunnion wheels should be properly aligned every one to two years to extend the life of the dryer. Regularly resurface drum tracks and trunnion wheels to reduce stress loading and shock vibrations. Resurface seal rings to ensure proper sealing, which reduces the risk of explosions and fires. 6. If headplates show signs of cracking, installing stiffening rings can prevent flexing and stop the headplate from cracking. Simply repairing cracks will not stop the flexing. If your burner isn’t working, make sure to check the ignitor and flame sensor for problems first. A recycle air system set-up controls the temperature in the ducting, which avoids the costly and expensive practice of rebuilding refractory. Changes in fuel usage can indicate a leaking seal. Monitoring fuel usage and checking seals regularly can prevent seals from leaking. The Wyssmont Turbo Dryer Thermal Processor has long been used in vapour recovery systems, heat recovery systems, and environmentally sealed systems specially designed with condensers for products such as biomass and biofuels. The processor recently produced one million pounds of torrefied wood for a test burn in a mixed coal power plant. It operates at 300°C to produce wood with a heating value equivalent to coal. The Wyssmont Turbo Dryer Thermal Processor can be the best solution for your drying needs. www.wyssmont.com PDI 7. 8. PDI offers complete drying packages including installation, design, and project management of the drying island. As project managers, engineers, and drying experts, PDI provides safe, timely, and efficient drying system projects. PDI drying systems are designed to meet the diverse needs of today’s manufacturers. The result is innovative equipment that provides cost-effective and environmentally compliant performance, adhering to even the most stringent guidelines. PDI’s customized solutions use advanced technology to ensure a consistent, quality finished product. www.playerdesign.net DIEFFENBACHER 2. 9. 3. 4. 5. 10. Implement a dryer training program for new operators to reduce the chance of accidents and prevent misuse of equipment. Make sure to review the equipment operating manual prior to use. PDI Dieffenbacher high-capacity drum dryers are well recognized for their efficiency and reliability. They are the ideal solution for drying wood particles for particleboard and pellet production, strands for OSB production, disintegrated seasonal annual crops and other biomass. The dryer internals are designed according to the material characteristics for high thermal efficiency and low moisture fluctuation. Dieffenbacher drum dryers meet high safety standards. The perfect integration of energy systems and drum dryers creates additional value for customers, from the planning phase through the complete lifecycle. www.dieffenbacher.de/en WYSSMONT 26 Canadian BIOMASS WINTER 2019
Canadian Biomass Winter 2019: Page 26
