a look at drying gypsum
TRANSCRIPT
Gypsum drying is a critical part of both
gypsum mining and gypsum
processing.
Both in mining and processing, drying
gypsum helps to create a uniform,
premium product.
Mined gypsum ore must meet certain
moisture levels before it can be further
processed.
Drying gypsum ore removes
problematic moisture, helping to
prevent the ore from congesting
equipment in subsequent processing
steps.
This is commonly carried out in a rotary
dryer, an industrial dryer valued for its robust
build, longevity, and ability to accept
variance in feedstock.
Gypsum is commonly pelletized to
improve handling and use, particularly
when it will be used as a soil
amendment.
The pelletizing process works by tumbling
gypsum fines in the presence of a binder
(similar to rolling a snowball) on a disc
pelletizer. This creates uniform, round pellets
ideal for agricultural use.
However, because moisture is added during
this process, a drying step is required to cure
pellets into their final hardened form.
However, because moisture is added during
this process, a drying step is required to cure
pellets into their final hardened form.
This helps to prevent clumping issues during
storage and transportation, but still provides
a pellet that can break down quickly under
standard field conditions.
This can be carried out in a fluid bed
dryer, or a rotary dryer, with rotary
dryers being the more robust choice.
When carried out in a rotary dryer, the
drying step has the added advantage
of “polishing” the pellets; the tumbling
action further rounds the granules.
Fluid bed dryers have a smaller footprint than rotary dryers,
making them a good choice for small
processing facilities. They are also modular,
allowing for easier operational growth.
However, they do not accept variance in
feedstock, which can be a problem.
Rotary dryers are heavy-duty, and valued for their
reliability, high throughput capacities, and
their ability to accept variability in
feedstock.
Many rotary dryer manufacturers also
offer a variety of customizations to
improve processing and increase
process efficiency:
- Abrasion resistant flights
- Heavy-duty linings to protect against abrasion
- Knocking systems to reduce and prevent build-up
- Special burners to limit pollutants
Conclusion: Drying gypsum offers many benefits and
plays a vital role in creating a quality
gypsum product, be it in the mining phase,
or the processing stage. Both rotary dryers
and fluid bed dryers are a suitable choice
for gypsum drying, with rotary dryers being a
more robust choice.
has been working with gypsum for over 60
years, providing testing, process design and
development, and manufacturing of gypsum
processing equipment, including custom,
heavy-duty rotary dryers.
vFEECO
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